YDC THE NEXT BIG THING!!!!

Talking to many adults at different seminars I have attended, a common theme or thought often comes to the forefront. This being “I wish I had known this when I was younger, a teenager.”  Thus YDC was born.

What is YDC you may ask? YDC is a way in which allows the youth of today learn the things we as adults wished we could have know when we were that young. 

Born in January 2007, Youth Destiny Camp provided a fun and proactive program whilst also giving teenagers alike a chance to learn and obtain information that would set them (the next generation) up for a bigger and better fulfilled life. Allowing them to do what they want to do, have what they want to have and be who they want to be! What a success, growing from a small budded idea and blossoming into a weekend that would change the lives of those attending forever.

For many, this weekend away from home was considered a scary thought, with many questions running through the minds of the attending teenagers. What will I learn? Was it worth missing out on cricket? Will I fit in? Why should I go?

With such a diverse range of teenagers attending, it was also made evident that not all came on their own accord. With many being sent by their parents, and others deciding to go for themselves despite what their parents thought. For those sent by their parents, although quite wary at first a trend started to settle in, with each day bringing with it more participation as these teenagers started to see what things were really about, what they could get from this camp and how it would change the rest of their lives!

Whilst attending YDC, there were many times where the teenagers had the chance to hear and learn from founder and organiser Lorna Schirmer, David Schirmer (the only Australian featured on ‘The Secret’) as well as the author of ‘The Mastery Club,’ Liliane Grace. With such a variety of key speakers it’s no wonder YDC was a huge success. By hearing and learning from these “teachers” the teenagers came across a large amount of content that was taken in with eager waiting listening ears.

Whilst teaching this content, sessions were made fun and energising.  Sessions began with music (supplied by DJ, Matthew Schirmer), dancing, hugs and conga lines. Through theory sessions if energy levels were dwindling, this was easily fixed with ‘free hugs!’ The energy within the room was so strong and amazingly contagious. This environment allowed everyone to be who they are, being able to express themselves in a ‘judge free’ environment. Not only did the teenagers attending learn content that would set them up for life, but also they made friends for life with teenagers from across Australia and across different backgrounds.

With teenagers it was important that YDC was able to keep the interest in the learning process. In order to do this, YDC provided an environment where the teenagers wanted to learn and wanted to be there for themselves. How do you do this one might ask? The answer is FUN. The organisers of YDC took this into consideration and provided the teenagers with opportunities to stretch their horizons and face their fears. Thus activities were incorporated, activities that would stretch the imagination and comfort zones out of you. Such activities included daily morning runs, low ropes course, flying fox, spider web and rock climbing.

This allowed the teenagers to work together as a group and on their own in order to discover who they really are, and just where they fit in within the marvelous plan of the universe. Not a single teenager left out, each and every one was giving enough fertile soil and refreshing rain in which they needed to grow. Not only was the information soaked up by the youth but also by the supervising adults. This proves that everyone can be open to this information and, learn from it resulting in a higher level of awareness and inner growth.

Coming together is beginning, working together is progress and performing together is success. Thus it can be concluded that the first ever YDC marked a huge success, with everyone leaving excited, re-charged and ready to face the world. What an experience it was, not only for the teenagers attending but also for the adult leaders. It was a weekend of fun learning that will allow the teenagers to dream big and go out and be the best they can be. Now ask yourself, what and experience that would be and what would YDC be worth to your children? A life time of happiness and abundance waiting for them to dream big and believe!

YDC ... Youth Destiny Camp
"Where dreams are realised!"

Written by Andrea Nielsen (19)