St Giles Wilderness Adventure Group

About SWAG

In a time where the mention of the word youth brings to mind struggles with a world full of irresponsibility, idleness, lack of purpose, even drinking, drugs and violence, SWAG provides a welcome alternative. The activities of SWAG are designed to direct high spirits into enjoyable but useful channels that promote maturity. In SWAG there is always another challenge ahead.

Aims of SWAG

St Giles Wilderness Adventure Group (SWAG) is a club for boys, designed to provide 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. Firstly, we aim to help boys have an understanding of God, and what he had done for them. Secondly, maturity is something we strive for in the boys, physically, mentally and spiritually. A major part of that is discipline which is lacking in young people today. Thirdly, we hope to give the boys opportunities. Opportunities to experience the outdoor, different and new activities, develop new skills and interests, bond friendships, and develop character, self-esteem, confidence and ability.

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Structure

SWAG is made up of three 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 and meet on a Tuesday Night from 6:15pm to 8:30pm at the hall. 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 and meet on a Tuesday Night from 6:15pm to 8:30pm at the hall. 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.

3 Division Three is for young men 14 yrs and above. The sole aim of division three is to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s award They have a planning and training meetings on Tuesday nights.

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Divisions

All divisions meet in the Youth Centre Hall at Penshurst Presbyterian Church, (118 Penshurst St). 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 highlight of the year for many of the families if the Annual Father and Son Camp, which is in a different special place each 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 $6O per year to cover running expenses.

The sole aim of division three is to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s award. Division three encourages leadership skills and self motivation. On Tuesday nights there are opportunities for leading the younger boys in games, activities and devotions. They also plan the expedition s needed to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s award which could be caving at Bungonia, bushwalking in the Budawangs, exploring Claustral Canyon or mountain bike riding along fire trails to the Coxes River. This group is much more informal and aimed at senior high and university students.

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Leaders Profiles

Name:	Tim Davies
History:	Started in Div 1 in 1991 then went right through. Came back as a leader in 2001.
Why are you a SWAG leader:	I really enjoyed SWAG as a boy and felt that God could use me in this ministry. Having a love for the outdoors as well as a desire to serve in the church's ministry I saw SWAG as the perfect opportunity.
SWAG memory:	The caving camps were always my favourite. Anything that provided an extra challenge.
Other Interests:
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Bible passage:	Job 19:25-27

Name:	Andrew Mills
History:	Too long to remember. I think I joined as leader around the Mid 90's.
Why are you a SWAG leader:	Like the kids movie Robots, the main character Rodney had a saying "See a need, fill a need", and that is a bit what it was like for me. I had never done any outdoor stuff particularly as a child so when I joined Swag I felt very unqualified to lead, but with God's help and the encouragement of others he showed me that through his creation there was a wonderful ministry to be had in helping young boys to become Men of God which I could play a small part in.
SWAG memory:	As you can imagine there are many but probably one of the most exciting is seeing boys set personal goals to achieve a task that they didn't think was possible and succeeding. The other is going to so many great locations within a few hours of Sydney to enjoy God's creation with other christians.
Other Interests:	Family Time, Cricket, Cycling, Going the Movies
Inspiration:	My family and especially the support of my wife in this ministry. I look very much forward to the day when my own son joins Swag. And finally the continual faithfulness of God to not give up on you even when you turn your back on him at times.
Bible passage:	One of many, Psalm 8

Name:	Bruce Meller
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Name:	Stephen Irvine
History:	Started leading in 2007
Why are you a SWAG leader:	Being in scouts and venturers I loved the outdoors and activities. With SWAG I can pass some of this experience on to a new generation with God the creator as the focus.
SWAG memory:	The caving camp in 2008 - coldest camp yet with frozen water around the campsite. But warmest night sleep! plus The challenge of the caves...
Other Interests:	Running, Unicycling, Camping, 4x4 Driving, xbox-gaming
Inspiration:	One life, one God, one choice. Choose wisely!
Bible passage:	Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:68

Name:	Andrew Bovis
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Name:	Jonathan Lee
History:	Several years...
Why are you a SWAG leader:	There's not enough...its good to help the boys mature and grow physically as well as spiritually having gone throught that myself.
SWAG memory:	I guess i never forgot my first camp hahaha
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Name:	Fred Dib
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Name:	Allan Mao
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