In the news

• posted by The Helmsman Project |
• category: About The Helmsman Project , Adventure education , Coaching , Community, Life skills 

On Wednesday 4 December, The Helmsman Project celebrated 63 young people from schools across Western Sydney completing our program. The Helmsman Project graduation is a highly anticipated event. It gives everyone an opportunity to hear directly from the students the impact the program has had on them.

• posted by Zena Dabaja |
• category: About The Helmsman Project , Adventure education , Coaching , Community, Life skills 

Zena Dabaja has facilitated and supported The Helmsman Project at two schools as part of her roles as Principal. Zena spoke at our 2019 graduation and shared these powerful words about the impact The Helmsman Project has on young people.

• posted by The Helmsman Project |
• category: Adventure education , Life skills 

After many weeks of excitement and anticipation our three current groups recently completed their outdoor adventure education component of the program.

• posted by |
• category: Coaching , Community, Life skills 

We are proud to present the completed community project from our Term 1 2019 Cumberland high school boys group.

• posted by Jemma Gilligan |
• category: Life skills 

Jemma joined The Helmsman Project for a week of work experience in October 2018. Jemma reflects on the valuable experiences and lessons she gained during her week with us.

• posted by The Helmsman Project |
• category: Adventure education , Coaching , Life skills 

Young people who have been affected by disadvantage have had many experiences that required them to develop a range of coping mechanisms, many of which are admirable life skills. However, it is typical for young people in these circumstances to experience lower levels of support, which makes it difficult for them to realise they possess these valuable attributes. Other life skills may be underdeveloped. For example, the concept of ‘hope’ is closely connected to having a broad perspective of what is possible in the world… And exposure to disadvantage does not typically foster the development of such a perspective.

• posted by Dr Michael Cavanagh |
• category: About The Helmsman Project , Life skills 

The Helmsman Project is an innovative blend of developmental coaching and adventure education targeted toward Year 9 students who are at risk of not fulfilling their potential. These students are drawn from schools located in communities affected by disadvantage. At its essence, the program seeks to help the students take bigger perspectives on themselves, others and the world. By doing this we help them build hope, self-regulation and resilience.

• posted by Simon Paterson |
• category: Life skills 

For a community like mine, the Helmsman Project provided opportunities for learning and growth that go beyond what we can deliver at school or at home. This wonderful program unearths hidden strengths and talents, which my students will take with them into their adult lives.

• posted by The Helmsman Project |
• category: About The Helmsman Project , Adventure education , Life skills 

According to some researchers, self-regulation is one of the most important factors for encouraging academic engagement and preventing risky behaviour. While this is a skill that is important in every stage of life, it is particularly important for young people who are making critical decisions about their futures.

• posted by The Helmsman Project |
• category: About The Helmsman Project , Adventure education , Life skills 

For those who aren’t familiar with the word ‘helmsman’ it can be a little bit of a tongue twister. The ‘helm’ is what steers a ship, usually it’s a wheel. The ‘helmsman’ is the person in charge of steering the ship. He or she guides the rest of the crew to reach their destination.