YMCA Sydney

We build strong people, strong families, strong communities

Making healthy lifestyles accessible to all people Providing rewarding volunteering opportunities Giving families the opportunity to be together Reconnecting children separated in Foster care Creating places for people to connect and belong Developing young people into young leaders

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Changing Minds, Bouncing Back

The Changing Minds, Bouncing Back project is a camping experience for disadvantaged youth, between the ages of 14 and 17, who are in state care but who are too old for regular weekend or holiday camping programs.

The one and half year project provides them with leadership skills, group management and facilitation, first aid, budget management, roping and adventure activity skills, bushwalking and canoeing competencies. Concurrently they will also achieve the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The project equips these young people with personal strengths & skills to overcome their challenging circumstances and reach their potential; to change their minds about life and help bounce back towards a positive outlook.

This YMCA of Sydney would like to thank and acknowledge the Myer Foundation's G4 Small Grants Program and Coca Cola Australia Foundation for their support of this project.

Changing Minds, Bouncing Back at Your Local Y

For more details or to enrol visit your local YMCA centre:

Other Activities

This activity is part of Youth Leadership - YMCA Youth Programs and Youth Leadership. Some similar activities offered by YMCA Sydney include:

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  • YMCA NSW Youth Parliament - What is YP? The YMCA New South Wales Youth Parliament is a program that gives young people a voice in the running of NSW. It is a place where the opinions and concerns of...
  • YMCA NSW Youth Parliament- Get Involved - Applications for the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament 2012 are NOW CLOSED There are several other ways to get involved in the program though! To show your interest in attending...
  • Uno-Y - UNO Y is an annual leadership program for young people aged 16-20 that recognises their leadership potential and provides an opportunity for them to further develop their...
  • Future Leaders - YMCA Future Leaders is an annual personal and professional development program for young YMCA staff aged 18-25.  The program delivers personal development and leadership...
  • Marland Cup - Marland Cup is the YMCA’s annual state-wide youth camp that began in 1990 to provide young people with the opportunity to participate in ‘clean, healthy...
  • NCIE Youth Advisory Committee - The primary purpose of the NCIE Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is to advise the YMCA on youth issues in the community. The YAC will support the Y in implementing youth...
  • YMCA NSW Youth Parliament Press Gallery - Press Gallery Applications Close May 11 2012!   The YMCA New South Wales Youth Parliament is a program that provides a way for young people aged 15-18 to put...