The Power of Storytelling at Strong Bala

(and a few crocodile sightings!)

Established in 2023, Strong Bala camp (meaning Strong ‘Brother’) went from strength to strength this year, with two separate camp events establishing and building relationships between campers and leaders.

SU Australia’s Culture Lead Josh Lane explains the unique heart of the camp, which brings together local First Nations and Indigenous youth:

“We took ten young men up to Mungalla station. We had a local traditional owner take us walking around country and tell us the history of the country there.

“We talked about some artefacts, we talked about some of the stories of their families. The young people went fishing and played football and had a great time. They slept in swags, they saw a couple of crocodiles, we saw a lot of wildlife and it was great.”

Unlike the isolated reptile sightings, the camp is all about building community. This is done intentionally across the year.

“We try and get a group of up to fifteen kids and then we’ll do multiple events throughout the year with the same leaders, to try to build leadership and community,” explains Josh.

“Two weeks ago we did ‘Strong Bala High Ropes [which is] about overcoming personal fears and insecurities and finding personal limits and then working as a team and encouraging each other.”

The local community is wholeheartedly supportive of the initiatives, with 90 percent of the young people being sponsored, allowing them to attend.

“We had a campfire every night. We’ve got music, we’ve got guitars and drums out, singing,” recounts Josh of the unique atmosphere.

“Every night someone shares their story around the campfire…People share their testimony. It’s a lot more personal and relatable to these kids,” reflects Josh.

Dialogue about faith and life is also strongly encouraged.

“We always get the kids to ask questions. Some of those questions really reveal that the kids were really impacted and listening to the stories. It helps their own questions they face in life…There’s strong engagement.”

The momentum of the program shows no signs of waning. One camper who was baptised after the camp last year, returned again this year.

“100 percent of the kids who attended the high ropes day said they want to come back next year,” says Josh.

“We need to provide a space for mentoring young indigenous men. A big part of Strong Bala is outdoor experiences, us involving Indigenous leadership and us working with the first Nations, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait island community around us,” says Josh.

“It makes a big difference in the lives of the young men. Last year we saw some incredible feedback from the families and I’m very positive we are going to hear some incredible feedback again this year.”