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:	Andrew Thoms
History:	I was one of the two origional division Two boys when SWAG started way back in 1989. I had about a years break between being a boy and leading...
Why are you a SWAG leader:	I enjoy God's creation, without God the world is meaningless. The world around us looks at things in a very different way, and God provides us with answers to all the questions of life. I want to tell other boys that.
SWAG memory:	Flying Fox at Ingar camping ground.
Other Interests:	Electronics, computers and Geocaching.
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Bible passage:	Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Name:	Martin Riley
History:	12 years or so
Why are you a SWAG leader:	Boys need to get down and dirty as they grow up. This is hard to do in a safe and christian evironment these days. Swag is a place that boys can be boys while we parents can rest safely that they are notbeing lead astray.
SWAG memory:	So Many. Walking in the Budawangs, Collecting my kite from a tree overhanging a rather large cliff, LiLo-ing down the Grose river.
Other Interests:	Riding Bikes- (1wheel,2wheels,road, mountain, motor), Bush Walking, Running, Caching, Kyaking, Wind Surfing, Surfing, Snorkeling.
Inspiration:	Nothing succeeds like a bird with no beak
Bible passage:	Matthew 10 : 28

Name:	Cade Whitbourn
History:	October this year will be my 2nd anniversary as a SWAG leader.
Why are you a SWAG leader:	Cause my wife watches 'All Saints' on a Tuesday night.
SWAG memory:	Caving in Bungonia in '03.
Other Interests:	Running, geocaching, website design, Xbox gaming.
Inspiration:	See below...
Bible passage:	Phillipians 1:21. For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.

Name:	Andrew Greatbatch
History:	3 years
Why are you a SWAG leader:	I have blessed in many ways through my life. Jesus said, "To whom much is given, much will be required". I want to give back some of what I have been given.
SWAG memory:	Seeing the delight on parents faces when they see their boys in action during video presentations. Wombeyan Caves camp 2004
Other Interests:	FLYING! - if it's got's wings I'm there - hang gliding, light aircraft, aviation museums, airshows etc. Maybe you could exclude flying on commercial airlines - I think I've had my fill. I also enjoy studying the Bible while preparing for messages. It's hard work if done right but very rewarding. Also mountain biking, dogs and piano.
Inspiration:	To deepen my relationship with the Lord. There is NOTHING sweeter in life than to experience the riches of His love.
Bible passage:	There are many, but if I have to choose one it's Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Name:	Ben Morton
History:	9 years 4 as a swagger 5 as a leader
Why are you a SWAG leader:	fun share the gospel help kids to enjoy the outdoors
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Name:	Jordan Gillman
History:	8 years as a SWAG boy, almost a year as a leader. I couldn't stay away
Why are you a SWAG leader:	I couldn't get enough of SWAG when I came along as a boy. I got an opportunity to start leading last year when one of the other leaders moved out of Sydney, and I jumped at the chance. Its great to help the boys learn and experience what it is to grow up as a not only a man, but a man of God.
SWAG memory:	When I was coming to SWAG, in about yr 8. We went on an overnight walk from springwood to Faulconbridge. There was nothing particular about it, but for all of us who there, there are lots of memories of that particular walk. Like crackers, and dual citizenship.
Other Interests:	Design, music, indoor soccer, geocaching!!
Inspiration:	That whatever I do, I am being watched, and I am being a witness for Christ.
Bible passage:	Romans 8:37-39

Name:	Tim Davies
History:	Started 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:	Geocaching, cycling, outdoor adventure, indoor soccer.
Inspiration:	Are there any geocaches there?
Bible passage:	Job 19:25-27

Name:	Andrew Mills
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Name:	Bruce Meller
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Name:	Stephen Irvine
History:	Only started leading this year '07
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:	Father & Son camp May '07
Other Interests:	Running, Unicycling, Camping, 4x4 Driving, xbox-gaming
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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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