Connecting Outdoors- Mitchell Park Youth Campout
Engaging young adults and introducing them to the Landcare Community.
Community Participation - LEP0025_001_LC
The issue
Australia is facing an aging population which can be seen within our Landcare groups, they are struggling to get volunteer succession on projects. Whilst our young adult population are struggling to manage their mental health due to the cost-of-living crisis, the aftershock of COVID19 isolation and separation to the environment caused by technological advances.
The solution
A youth camp out was held at Mitchell Park, Maraylya. On the campout young adults (18 to 35) enjoyed the beautiful Shale Plains woodland whilst connecting to the Landcare community. This event, run by the Connecting Outdoors program, was hosted by Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network, supported by Greater Sydney Landcare Network & Cattai Hills Environment Network and made possible by funding from the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN). WSPHN is operated by WentWest.
Attendees were introduced to citizen science activities such as fauna spotting and Streamwatch. Dr Michelle Ryan from Western Sydney University (WSU) came out and held a talk about their platypus research in the area.
Later that evening whilst enjoying marshmallows around the campfire, attendees discussed the technique of grounding and positive affirmations. Skills that can be utilised to manage stress, additional resources were provided for further help if needed. The next morning after spotting a Rose robin (Petroica rosea) on the bird walk attendees were able to do some bush regeneration on site. Mother of Millions (Bryophyllum sp.) were removed from amongst native groundcovers.
The impact
The young adult campout was a good opportunity for attendees to meet other like-minded individuals which can help reduce the feeling of isolation and improve social skills. It allowed young adults to see how they can get involved with Landcare and assist in the restoration of their local ecosystems. Providing something they can do to combat climate anxiety and the feeling of helplessness. Surveys were taken by the Greater Sydney Landcare Young Adult Coordinator to organise future events and bring more young adults into our Landcare community.
Key facts
- Landcare group succession is difficult as our population ages
- Young adults are struggling to connect to eachother and nature negatively effecting mental health
- Mitchell Park campout introduced young adults to the Landcare community through engaging citizen science projects