It would seem that the Oorala Leadership Camps are structured around Patrick Fogg’s favourite hobbies, as they involve wrestling and drama.
Patrick is a Wiradjuri man, originally from Wellington, located inland in central New South Wales. He participated in his first Oorala Senior Boys Leadership Camp at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre at the University of New England (UNE).
The Warrior Within sessions proved to be second nature to Patrick, who has been practising for nearly six years as a martial artist and participated in two sessions led by Shantelle Thompson, a jujitsu world champion. These sessions challenge the participants to move out of their comfort zones, to practise some of Shantelle’s winning moves and to express the proud warrior within.
The highlight of Patrick’s experience at the camp was getting to know the other boys and forge new friendships. Patrick would encourage other young Indigenous men who are like him to put their hand up and try out the camps, saying, ‘It’s not too late to come and see the world and try new things.’
Patrick shone in the Drama session, facilitated by UNE lecturer Dr Julie Collins in the state-of-the-art drama studio on the UNE campus. The participants practiced tai chi, drama games, a vocal warm up and a relaxation exercise which included mindfulness breathing techniques.
Dr Collins said, ‘Drama is not just for those seriously considering a career as an actor’. The games they played encouraged cooperation, team building, communication, collaboration, problem solving, creativity, leadership and assertiveness, all of which are important skills for a successful life and career in the 21st century. During the session, the boys also developed plays. This play-building enabled the boys to develop their storytelling skills, an integral aspect of Aboriginal culture and also important for the practice of decolonising history.
‘Throughout the workshop, the boys were focussed and enthusiastic, demonstrating cooperation and a supportive attitude towards each other. They were courageous in extending themselves beyond their comfort zone and many demonstrated strong leadership skills; they were articulate and creative in their responses to challenges,’ Dr Julie Collins said.
At the conclusion of the camp, Patrick received the Communication Award. He was always willing to help his fellow camp participants, was respectful to facilitators and staff, and participated whole-heartedly in each activity, and was therefore rewarded for his efforts.
The camp facilitators are excited to see in which direction the Tamworth High School student will go. Patrick is interested in studying music and drama at university after he finishes school, and Oorala staff are hopeful see him back again soon as a UNE student.
Story Author: Tess Cullen
