Operation Flinders Foundation is a South Australian based organisation that runs a program for young people at risk. The Foundation offers a world leading, unique wilderness adventure program that provides an opportunity for its participants to break away from their past and grow as valued members of the community.
The program is aimed at young people at risk aged between 14 and 18 years and is set amongst the rugged landscape of the northern Flinders Ranges. The 8 day program aims to develop personal attitudes, self esteem, motivation, team work and responsibility. Teams of between 8 and 10 young people trek 100km over eight days through ever changing terrain and are taught to abseil, learn basic bush survival skills, discover Aboriginal culture and learn of the rich history of the Flinders Ranges. Unlike other aspects of their lives, there are not options for the participants to 'opt out'.
The team is lead by an experienced team leader skilled in navigation and bush-craft and the young participants live out and sleep on the ground, prepare their own food, navigate around the course and learn the values of team work and respect. An independent evaluation in 2000-2001 reported that the program at that time lead the world in its field, and found that the young people at high risk underwent a significant positive change as a result.
Watch our thank you video here https://youtu.be/HxmsnJfJg0Y