Nature Based Volunteering Introduce the school camp program

SEA has partnerships with a number of government and community groups as well as private landholders, which allows us to open up opportunities for groups to give back to the community. The lesson here is for students to give without expectation and serve the community without needing anything in return. Of course, what results is a lot in return, as students gain technical skills but more importantly students can gain a sense of accomplishment, further develop relationships with classmates and ultimately benefit their own physical and mental wellbeing.

Nature Based School Camp Volunteering Program

Tree planting

Students are shown how to properly plant trees, and why they are planting specific plants in this region. It could be to help bring back native populations, or help stop erosion. Students can later return and see how their small act of kindness has grown into a large act of kindness in just a few years.

Monitor feral species

Students can get hands-on experience to analyse the feral species count in an area and track the animals progress. Students can learn how to set traps for feral animals and learn why this work is so important for their particular region.

Protecting native species

Working with cameras, students are able to count native species in a particular area and contribute to datasets. We also have opportunities to survey land for native species on walks to some of the most beautiful spots in SA.

Invasive plant control

There are many ways in which to control inase weed species. Students learn about the species that take over the natural environment, and can get geared up to help control these invasive plants. As always, students learn the theory behind controlling these plants and ultimately work towards a goal that benefits community land users.

Track clearing

Undoubtedly one of the most important jobs for developing community usage of parks. We work along established walking tracks and fire tracks to identify and clear areas that are overgrown and effect access to bush walkers and remote area rescue teams. Students can work up a sweat while improving land usage for the community

Community gardening

Getting involved in a local community garden allows students to learn a huge variety of concepts, from science focuses around sustainability all the way to concepts of appreciating diverse perspectives from diverse communities. A truly unique way for students to learn, and give back.

Possible Program Outcomes

Teamwork

Nature based volunteering provides groups with a unique experience, a sense of purpose, and connection is achieved when groups are working together. Students are able to experience these life lessons with real hands-on engagement and facilitators are able to guide students into transferring these life skills into everyday life.

Volunteering

Nature based Volunteering provides participants with a double hit of wellbeing. One for being in nature, and two for volunteering. Volunteering has been proven with many studies to improve self esteem and wellbeing as it provides a sense of purpose and belonging. As well as having a positive impact on the local community, it can improve relationships. Providing an opportunity like this to participants it is able to give them a taste of what its like to have ongoing connection with volunteering that they are then able to take back to their own lives, and in later years as they mature into adults that are positive contributors to their community.