At Leading Youth Forward (LYF), our Big Days Out are all about giving young people a supportive community, a safe space to learn and grow, and opportunities for experiences that build resilience, confidence and a whole heap of fun!
Recently, we hosted our first Big Day Out (BDO1) 2024 of the year, and with a “Survivor” theme in full swing, the day was packed with energy, activities, and plenty of adventure.
Outwit, Outplay, Outlast: Survivor-Themed Morning Activities
Thanks to the fantastic team at Great Race Australia, the morning was set up as a series of Survivor-inspired challenges.
Here’s a peek into the lineup:
- A Giant Slingshot: Teams tested their aim and teamwork as they launched projectiles across the field, trying to hit targets and score points.
- Eating Challenge: This one was for the brave! TimTams and Vegemite anyone!? Volunteers and teens faced an array of foods and taste combinations, giving everyone a chance to channel their inner Survivor star.
- Balloon Centurion: A test of endurance and a race against each other, the Balloon Centurion challenged participants to race to blow a ballon up to its limits, with the first to making it burst being crowned the winner!
- Team Statues: A freeze-frame game with a twist, where teens worked together to create statues, adding their own creative flair to win points for originality.
- Construction Challenge: Teams were given simple materials to build a structure capable of withstanding a weight test. It was a hit for problem-solvers and budding engineers!
- Riddle Me This: Teams competed to solve riddles that tested their problem-solving skills, adding a cerebral twist to the morning’s physical challenges.
- And don’t forget a bit of dodge ball to get those competitive juices flowing!
By lunchtime, everyone was ready for a break, and what better way to refuel than with a nacho bar loaded with all the toppings? The nachos, a crowd favourite, gave everyone the energy they needed for an exciting afternoon of activities.
Afternoon Adventures: OzWildlife, Capoeira, and Creative Workshops
With appetites satisfied, we kicked off the afternoon with a mix of experiences designed to build confidence, express creativity, and offer some hands-on interaction with nature:
- OzWildlife: A wildlife session gave teens the chance to meet, touch, and learn about some of Australia’s native animals—think koalas, snakes, and other unique critters!
- Capoeira: This Brazilian martial art, combining dance and acrobatics, brought an element of movement and culture to the day. Teens practiced kicks, spins, and other moves, getting a taste of this beautiful Brazilian tradition.
- Headspace: Mental wellness is crucial, and we were thrilled to have Headspace join us for the afternoon. Their team provided insights on managing stress, practicing mindfulness, and accessing support, helping teens learn techniques for navigating life’s challenges.
- Flower Pot Painting & Journaling: Sometimes, creativity offers the best way to unwind and express. Teens painted flower pots, decorated journals, and explored self-expression in a peaceful environment. It was a great way to wind down and reflect on the day’s events.
Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers!
These BDO’s can’t go ahead without the support of our generous sponsors who fund all the great activities on the day.
Thank you to Alinta Energy for sponsoring our BDO1 for 2024.
As always, a huge thank you to our vollies, mentors and freelancers for supporting the day and making it a great time for everyone involved.
Want to join the fun next time? Apply now to volunteer with LYF – For Volunteers – Leading Youth Forward – LYF
