Candid Interview with School Principal
Frequently Asked Questions
What do ‘SAPH Vision Quest' TM 'New Beginnings' TM Youth Camps offer:
‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM Youth Camps offer a place where young people can grow and develop both individually and collectively; to learn the skills of everyday living and giving; develop positive physical, emotional, and ethical values and habits through the day-to-day example of experienced and highly motivated adults; and to learn by real experience the worth and value of one's self and of others.
And especially, to do ALL this in a nurturing secure environment, whilst accommodated in a natural bushland setting where they learn to appreciate the wonders of nature, and gain an appreciation for the inter-connectedness of life.
Respect for the land teaches respect for your fellow man, a sense of belonging and, more importantly, respect for oneself.
What types of young people attend our 'New Beginnings' TM
Youth Camps:
As well as disadvantaged and at-risk young children from Australian families, a high number of indigenous young people (up to 30%) have participated in our camps.
Since 2005, we have expanded our intake to include migrant and refugee children, with participants originating from many diverse places such as Bosnia, Sudan, Uganda, and the Congo.
This ‘mix’ promotes respect for other cultures in a very practical way.
What’s so special about ‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM:
SAPH Vision Quest's magic has always been the intangible quality of warmth and camaraderie present among the camp family. That's what we are, a family.
Each camp we run becomes a small intimate place where everyone knows, and is taught to respect, one other.
Personalised attention is an uppermost priority with our experienced camp staff and volunteers.
The supervision ratio at our camps is far greater than normal, at one adult to every three or four children. This ensures that every child receives a high level of individual attention throughout each camp.
Above all, ‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM Youth Camps are known for their lively spirit, and sense of cooperation and friendship. Fun, laughter, self-worth, as well as a ‘sense of community’ and ‘traditional values’ are the mainstays of our camp activities.
To our minds, these values provide an important balance to the increasingly stressed and technology-oriented lifestyles of today's urban youth. It is this philosophy that differentiates us from other camps and youth programs conducted in Australia today.
So, what is the difference between 'New Beginnings' TM and other
Youth Camps:
Our programs and camps offer true ‘early intervention’ for young people and communities that have been identified as significantly disadvantaged and/or at-risk.
Young people aged 10 – 15 are mature enough to take on board the more adult principles we teach.
At this crucial young age there is still a chance for an effective turn-around, before they slip into the world of crime, drugs, alcoholism and social disorder.
This is effectively underlined by the stories of success that have been fed back to us by the organisations that regularly refer young people to our programs. We firmly believe in the principle that young people who have survived significant family or life hardships have the potential to make the finest leaders.
At a ‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM Youth Camp, young people are taught about the “3 C’s” so often neglected in today’s society:
| ‘Conservation’, ‘Cooperation’, and the values present in a truly supportive ‘Community’. |
‘Self-Esteem’ is improved through a variety of interactive games and activities. Young People learn principles of sound ‘Leadership’, and ‘Respect’ for other cultures.
Above all, they make many friends, learn many skills; and upon departure, they invariably leave, a more complete young man or woman, a better friend, and a kinder soul.
Our endeavour is to provide participants with a ‘Tool Kit’ of practical knowledge and skills, which they can access throughout the rest of their lives.
As one young participant recently remarked just before leaving the camp, “I really enjoyed this camp far more than other camps I’ve been on.
At this camp, I actually learnt something useful!”
How do young people come to ‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM Camps:
SAPH Vision Quest Association Inc. was established in 1999 by our founder, Ben Brauer. Since then, the association’s work has become widely accepted the regions it currently services in SE Queensland.
‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM has developed close contacts with schools, charitable community organisations, and a number of indigenous and migrant/refugee organisations within those regions.
Participation in ‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM camps is by referral only, to ensure that the most appropriate children are given the chance to attend.
What post-camp support is offered by ‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM :
We currently offer ‘Mentoring’ support post-camp for participants, and intend to introduce a Youth Counselling service in 2008.
Do ‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM Programs comply with Australian National & State Education Standards:
Yes, we do! In a recent audit, we were found to comply with, if not exceed, the current National and State standards and values nominated for the education of young people.
Is ‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM Association Inc. an approved charity:
Yes! SAPH Vision Quest Association Inc. has been granted the status of ‘Deductible Gift Recipient’ and ‘Income Tax Exempt Charity’ by the Australia Taxation Office.
What about the future of ‘SAPH Vision Quest’ TM Programs:
We are currently expanding our programs to include ‘Self-Esteem’ and ‘Community Integration’ Programs for adults, with a particular focus on young families coming from a Migrant/Refugee background.
We are introducing an in-school short course on community values.
We are in the process of establishing a Nation-wide Centre-of-Excellence for our work, and make our programs available throughout Australia and, eventually, internationally.
Bernd (Ben) Brauer – President SAPH Vision Quest Association Inc.