Big Day Out 1 2026 marked the first time our entire teen and volunteer community came together in 2026. After smaller activities with individual year groups, it was exciting to see everyone reconnect, welcome new faces, and officially kick off another year at LYF.
While our summer camp had unfortunately been cancelled due to severe weather warnings, the day provided the perfect opportunity to bring everyone back together. From exciting challenges and creative activities to sharing a meal and building new friendships, Big Day Out 1 set the tone for an unforgettable year ahead.
The day began with an action-packed Survivor Challenge delivered by The Great Race Australia. Teens and mentors were placed into teams where they solved clues, completed challenges, and worked together through plenty of teamwork, laughter, and friendly competition. For many mentors, it was the first opportunity to meet their groups, while others enjoyed reconnecting after graduating from the Uni Camp for Kids (UCFK) program.
New Factions, New Traditions
Throughout the year, LYF participants are divided into four factions during camps and Big Days Out, creating smaller groups for activities, challenges, and discussions. These factions help teens and mentors build stronger connections by working closely together throughout the year.
In 2026, LYF introduced a new set of faction names inspired by four of the six Noongar seasons, replacing our previous animal-themed factions. This change was designed to help participants connect with and learn about the local Noongar understanding of Country and the seasonal changes that shape the environment around us.
Guided by Demi Payne, each faction worked together to paint its own flag while learning about the significance of its season. As they designed and painted together, teens and mentors built a shared sense of identity and belonging within their faction. The completed flags will accompany each faction throughout the year, becoming a symbol of the friendships, teamwork, and memories they create together.
A Survivor Feast
Our amazing LYF Alumni Lunch Crew returned to prepare another incredible Survivor-themed lunch featuring slow-cooked meats, coconut rice, and fresh pineapple salsa. Once lunch was over, the leftover coconuts quickly became one last unofficial challenge, with teens determined to crack them open and enjoy every last bite.
The Adventure Begins
Whether it was climbing trees between activities, meeting mentors for the first time, reconnecting with old friends, or proudly gathering beneath their newly painted faction flags, Big Day Out 1 was filled with energy, laughter, and memorable moments. It was the perfect way to bring our community together and launch another exciting year at LYF.
Thank you
A huge thank you to the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation for generously sponsoring Big Day Out 1 and helping make this special day possible. We are also incredibly grateful to our dedicated LYF Alumni Lunch Crew for once again preparing a delicious meal that brought everyone together and added to the Survivor spirit of the day.
