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Wilderness Times | Winter 2021
FOSTER CARE PROGRAM
FUN IN THE WILDERNESS Engaging in ‘learning that matters’ really does matter. A recent partnership with Anglicare SA to run a fun, after-school, activitybased program for foster children is a testament to the impact of highquality, ‘real-life’ learning. The program captured the very essence of the Wilderness School Learning Framework to deliver ‘life-worthy learning’ for our girls. Learning that is likely to matter in the lives the girls are likely to lead (Perkins, 2014, p. 8). Emotional intelligence, or EQ according to Goleman (1995), is a strong predictor of success in life. Empathy or the capacity to ‘put yourself in their shoes’ is a critical component of EQ. When girls walk out of the School gates, we want them to be empathetic, compassionate young women who have been involved in experiences that broaden their worldview. We want them to have knowledge of social issues and know that actions do make a difference in striving for a just world. Offering the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award is an integral part of this and is all about providing opportunities for personal growth.
The service section of this award requires the girls to undertake a selfdriven service project for one hour a week over 12 months. To meet this requirement, our Year 11 students collaborated to set up ‘Fun in the Wilderness’, an after-school program for children in foster care. This project has evolved through our newly formed connection with Anglicare SA. The girls have been passionate about providing this opportunity for these children and devoted their time to preparing for the after-school sessions, from planning and designing each session to writing risk assessments and booking the location. They also worked with Emily Rozee from Anglicare SA who provided a valuable session on working with children who have experienced trauma. The nine-week program saw the foster children and their siblings participate in activities including pottery, gymnastics, music, drama and planting succulents to take home. Comments such as, “I want to be like you when I grow up”, highlight how much the program meant to these children.
