Cert IV in Youth Work Practicum Report
27th November 2009
Practicum is a time that will never be forgotten. Over the 10 weeks students are stretched, tested and used by God. Already the experience and the students themselves are shaping up to be something special.
Camp Gifford, USA
Our three female students, Cathrine, Nadine and Felicity, are at the American summer camp, Camp Gifford, in Washington State. As Camp Counsellors they are in charge of 8-12 girl campers each week.
One of Cathrine's highlights is doing devotions with her girls and seeing them all give their hearts to Jesus.
Nadine is out at Wilderness camp with the teenagers this week and after only two days it's already been quite an experience, Nadine reports that she has; "...nearly stood on a snake, had two bee stings, ticks everywhere, killed a massive rat, squirrels/chipmunks fighting at night, Cougars with their bear friends around the place, wasps nesting everywhere, dirt changing the colour of everything, no showers, coyotes barking, bats flying above us, mice crawling around, getting eaten alive by mosquitoes but loving it! "
Felicity has experienced the more testing side of camp, of the difficulties that stretch and grow our students. The campers come from disadvantaged and dysfunctional families, and so they bring with them behavioural problems and emotional issues.
Carina, Brisbane
Bramwell is spending his practical experience at the thriving corps in Carina.
He is loving being part of a church community and working alongside the Youth Coordinator, Paul.
Bonnells Bay & The Ark, Newcastle
Kaleb is sharing his experience between Newcastle Youth Crisis & Training Service - The Ark and Bonnells Bay Corps.
Kaleb's role is diverse as he shadows The Ark Youth Workers who provide support, counselling and training for community youth in Newcastle and Bolton Point. The rest of his week is spent leading youth from Bonnells Bay with Youth Coordinator, Dave.
