About SWAG
Aims of SWAG
The activities of SWAG are designed to direct high spirits into enjoyable but useful channels that promote male leadership, a witness for Christ and personal development for boys through adventurous outdoor activities.
As this description suggests we have a number of things we hope to achieve:
- We aim to help boys have an understanding of God, and what he had done for them in Christ Jesus.
- Opportunities to experience the outdoor, with different and new activities.
- To grow friendships, develop character, self-esteem and confidence.
- The involvement fathers in the activities of their boys.
Structure
SWAG is made up of two Divisions according to age. This allows the boys to build friendships and to engage in activities that are suited to their abilities.
1 Division One is for boys from 8 to 11 yrs of age (Primary School). Each week the boys learn new and exciting things, involve in craft and games and begin to learn about outdoor skills. A number of times during the year they boys spend a Saturday or weekend on camp, or bushwalking, or in water activities.
2 Division Two is for boys from 12 to 15 yrs of age (High School). As an older group there is more emphasis on outdoor adventure activities and more mature activities including photography, building, bicycle maintenance. During the year there are opportunities for abseiling, bushwalking, caving, canyoning, cycling, camping, boating and mountain bike riding.
Divisions
All divisions meet in the Ministry Centre at Hurstville Presbyterian Church, (43 Park Rd). They meet during the school terms and involve a weekly Tuesday night commitment as well as commitment to a number of Saturdays or weekends spread over the year.
The boys have a simple low cost uniform which promotes discipline and atmosphere. Encouragement will be given in many areas to try new things through an award system where the boys are challenged to earn badges for their uniform through learning and doing. All divisions cost $100 per year to cover running expenses (this is about $3 per night and includes 1 free camp weekend).