YET identified the need for an evidence-based program for young people who have become disengaged and disconnected – a program which addresses the early warning signs rather than engaging at the crisis point. The In-Tent for Change (IFC) program was therefore created and focuses on building up the skills that young people require to lead healthy productive lives.

IFC resilience program has been adapted from the acclaimed QPS Project Booyah, redesigned to leverage the transformative power of the natural environment. By integrating environmental stewardship into its curriculum, the program offers young people a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on learning that builds crucial socio-emotional and personal skills in a supportive and immersive setting.  Recognising the importance of early intervention, YET is committed to reducing the impact of harm, trauma, and crime within our communities, including domestic and family violence.

The program’s focus on tailored support addresses community expectations by identifying at-risk youth early and offering customised learning experiences. These interventions are designed to improve school retention rates, educational achievements, and employment outcomes for young people. IFC targets disadvantaged young people that are at risk of entering the youth justice system due to risk factors includes involvement in crime, disengagement from education, child protection issues, history of domestic and family violence, mental health issues, drug/alcohol issues, and/or anti-social behaviour.

THE JOURNEY FOCUSES ON ENVIRONMENT, EDUCATION, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP, INCLUDING:

ENVIRONMENT: Wilderness adventure therapeutic experiences/rite of passage processes; planting a juvenile tree (sapling) at Woodstock to acknowledge their growth and graduation; adopt core values of helping restore nature via deepening appreciation of Australia’s natural environment; increase biodiversity; and create pathways to help wildlife including Koala habitat corridors.

EDUCATION: Targeted social, emotional, and personal development to enhance resilience; build, promote, and strengthen relationships; manage emotions; and improve independence and personal responsibility; encourage young people to ‘have a voice’ that can be amplified to contribute to their community; connection with First Nations elders; education about the land and water and connection to country; and youth mentoring / case management / trauma informed practice.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Job readiness and nurturing a dream via entrepreneurship; raising self-esteem, self-reliance, and work motivation; farm experience to directly promote employment / further vocational study; completion of certificate ll in hospitality; and crystallise future opportunities for young people to gain decent entry-level employment contributing to the wellbeing and sustainability of the broader community.