Gnowees: The group did well this week with hiking. They did a saddle hike. The girls supported each other physically and emotionally during challenges while hiking. Some highlights for the week for the girls were working on skills, making pos bags, and bark and paracord bracelets. The girls also enjoyed cooking, storytelling, learning new games, watching lightning storms in the distance and playing with water. One of the students was honored this week with the giver token while another student enjoyed her parent visit. At the very end of the week, the girls were excited to be reunited with previous group members.
Goannas: The Goannas started off the week strong with two emotional placement letter gatherings. These ceremonies highlighted the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of the individuals and helped them become a stronger group. We watched thunderstorms from a distance and witnessed beautiful rainbows. We were able to celebrate the July 4th holiday with hot dogs and watermelon that all enjoyed. We saw sunsets that dazzled and were able to enjoy the reading of Jack London at nighttime. We sang all week long with the music of a guitar and ukulele in the group. We encountered a few challenges, but we overcame them and had a successful and fun week.
Lorikeets: The Lorikeets started off the week with two ceremonies honoring two students with Openness and Giver tokens. The group had another ceremony for a student who completed her Outback journey and yet another ceremony for a student who was just beginning their Outback journey. We also celebrated Fourth of July with hot dogs and chips. The students continued the celebration by making cheeseburgers out of their food bag supplies. We hiked five times this week, overcoming challenges and coming closer together as a group.
Ulurus: The Uluru has had continued emotional growth as three new students received their placement letters this past week. Openness and emotional support were apparent with this emerging group as the older students supported the newer students with sharing the placement letters in group. Although not easy, Ulurus are working towards group cohesiveness as conflicts were resolved among members and the older students lead by example. One student enjoyed a fruitful parent visit. Ulurus continues to work on busting so that each individual is proficient in creating a coal. One newer student celebrated his first solo coal on his own set; a huge accomplishment for him. Overall, Uluru is working towards building a strong culture as new students learn from their mentors.
Brumbies: Students enjoyed Independence Day and celebrated with hot dogs, watermelon, and chips. Brumbies rejoiced as rain fell from the sky and cooled off the air. Coyotes yipped and low flying fighter jets bridged the gap between the voices of old and new. Group discussed accountability, compassion and true inclusion. Two students were reunited in an emotional embrace with their parents during a parent visit.
Dingoes: This week, the Dingoes embodied their “Group Pillars” of Family, Acceptance, Integrity, and Resilience as they exhibited more cohesion and a greater sense of brotherhood this week. The therapeutic focus of the week revolved around the ideas of “Impact versus Intention” – involving paying attention to the intentions (rather than the impacts) of others, and the impacts (rather than the intentions) within one’s self. They felt their efforts pay off when managing group conflicts and internal struggles more successfully. The week was hot, but the group completed three hikes, played many games, and threw a Fourth of July party with hot dogs, watermelon, and a dance party. There was also an increased interest in practicing skills this week, such as weed-carving, coal-busting, and tool-making.
