Across Australia, over 2,400 young men have recently begun their first weeks of high school, stepping into a new stage of learning, responsibility and opportunity. For Clontarf’s newest academy members, that transition is often marked with one of the program’s most memorable early experiences — the Year 7 induction camp.
Held across academies nationwide, these camps provide new members with the opportunity to get to know one another, build relationships with staff and learn what it means to be part of the Clontarf program. Just as importantly, they offer plenty of chances for the boys to get active, challenge themselves and share new experiences together.
In New South Wales, several academies recently welcomed their newest members through induction camps designed to ease the transition into both high school and the program. At Quirindi Academy, the boys travelled to Lake Keepit where they worked together to set up camp before enjoying fishing, swimming and games including touch football and tennis, finishing the camp with an early morning fishing session.
Singleton Academy hosted its camp at the Minimbah Learning Centre, where the boys were introduced to the values and expectations of the Clontarf program and took part in team-building activities before a lively bowling session the following day. Meanwhile at Kurri Kurri Academy, sixteen Year 7 members tackled an overnight camp that included a trampoline park visit, lunch at King Edward’s Park and a group climb of Tomaree Mountain, with every boy reaching the summit by encouraging one another along the way. The camp also included a visit to the Marook Cultural Centre, where the boys took part in hands-on art activities and learned traditional Aboriginal dance.
Similar camps were held across other parts of the country. In Victoria, Swan Hill Academy introduced its Year 7 group to the Clontarf pillars before a busy program of activities including swimming, a movie night and a worksite visit to Bunnings, where the boys explored potential career opportunities.
In South Australia, Year 7 members from Wirreanda Academy enjoyed a two-day induction camp that included team challenges, a visit to Urimbirra Wildlife Park and a swim at Horseshoe Bay, before finishing with a problem-solving escape room challenge and fish and chips by the beach.
Meanwhile in Western Australia, Swan View Academy’s new Year 7 members began their Clontarf journey with a swim, a barbecue with family members and a presentation introducing the program, followed by early morning training, wheelchair basketball and ten-pin bowling on day two.
From climbing mountains and spotting wildlife to fishing trips, sports and team challenges, each camp looks a little different. What they share is the opportunity for young men to connect, support one another and begin building the habits that will carry them through the years ahead.
For these new academy members, the induction camp represents the first step in their Clontarf journey. Across the country, staff are proud to welcome them into the program and look forward to the year ahead.
