When a Dubbo teenager was told he was heading to the Gold Coast for the school holidays, he didn’t expect it to be an enriching experience that would change his attitude forever.
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However, 15-year-old Austin Grey found his confidence at the nine-day military style boot-camp in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Veteran Mentors, a group of ex-servicemen and women designed the program to build discipline, resilience and leadership skills.
The veterans use their combat and military experience to mentor children aged nine to 17 who face a range of issues such as technology addiction, bullying and low self-esteem.
They aim to encourage youth to work together to connect with nature, communicate without technology and push personal limits.
Mr Grey said he was experiencing some troubles at school prior to coming on the camp.
“I’m getting good grades in the classroom but having some trouble in the playground,” he said.
Mr Grey said he would take the lessons home and feel more confident at school.
“At first I was worried, but now I feel good. I’m enjoying it, I’ve made good progress … I have realised that I’m normal but I am normal in my own way.”
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Mr Grey said when he returned home he would focus on getting his life in order.
“I want to be more confident and understanding, and be more in control of myself.”
Director of Veteran Mentors Afghanistan veteran Glenn Filtness said they were all passionate about mentoring youth.
“We are determined to help kids become accountable for their behaviour and decisions,” Mr Filtness said.
“Some kids who join the program may be demonstrating poor behaviours, low self-esteem, lack of respect, addiction to technology or issues with drugs and alcohol, while others may just want or need to be propelled forward to reach their full potential.”
Mr Filtness said the nine-day Junior Leaders Program could help young people who were anxious and concerned about their future.
“We teach the children strategies and skills including mental and physical resilience, effective communication, conflict resolution and how to manage fear and stress,” Mr Filtness said.
Mr Filtness said they set the participants challenges, similar to military environments, where they must get through as a team.
“That said, we don’t teach the kids combat skills, rather we focus on giving them the ability to deal with conflict and situations outside of their comfort zone.”
Mr Filtness said the program proved to be a huge success for the mentors and the young people involved with about 60 participants enrolled this year and last.
“We are consistently seeing a significant difference in each individual by the end of the program,” Mr Filtness said.
“We are genuinely focused on transforming lives and at the end of the day it makes us all proud.
“Most of the sign-ups have come from word of mouth referrals, parents and carers telling others about the positive changes they are seeing every day in their children.”
The next Veteran Mentors program is scheduled for December 2018.
