With the start of the new year, local community organisation Boys to the Bush have gotten back to the basic at one of their largest retreats yet.
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The Boys to the Bush retreat saw 75 kids take advantage of the good weather across six camps including Forbes, Albury and Lake Cargelligo.
The Forbes-based retreat, sponsored by Harvey Norman, saw 15 kids get back to the basics over four days with a variety of activities.
The camp saw the participants take part in fishing, kayaking and skiing.
As part of the retreat, Camp coordinator Jared DeMamiel said they had some guests coming down to help out with some of the activities including known fisherman Warwick Edgerton.
Along with taking part in some fun activities and getting back to nature, the participants took part in some cooking lessons, visited Cowan's Dairy and checked out what members of the Forbes Fire Brigade get up to.
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Mr DeMamiel said they also spent time during the camp talking about respect for relationships and women as well as making positive choices in their lives.
The not-for-profit was founded in Albury-Wodonga in 2017 by three passionate teachers and recently opened a facility in Forbes' town centre at the site of the old Aussie Biscuits building.
The facility aims to provide a hub to cater for the growing demand within the region as well as provide a space for disengaged youth that they can utilise.
Mr DeMamiel said they are pretty well set up at their facility and have been joined by Tim West on a full time basis as a program coordinator.
Part of his job is to coordinate and promote programs around education, culture and engaging in employment opportunities.
Mr West said they will provide one-on-one mentoring as well as providing activities throughout the week to give disengaged youth a chance to get involved with community groups, local businesses and organisations.
Mr DeMamiel said the aim is to keep kids in their community and get them engaged by people who know the local area.
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The Boys to the Bush organisation has expanded since its inception in 2017, with the group establishing a branch in Bathurst as well.
Mr DeMamiel said around 90% of these boys don't a stable or consistent male role model in their life and they aim to help promote a sense of normalcy.
If people want to find out more about the Boys to the Bush to come down to the office on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
If no staff are onsite, you can still get in touch via email at info@boystothebush.org.au
Mr DeMamiel said they would like to thank many organisations and individuals who helped to support them at their recent retreat.
The groups and individuals they would like to thank include Wirrinya Ski Club, Max and Cassandra Tyack, Jeffrey Stewart and family, Nash Pout, James and Shea Kim, Flint Street Butchery, Lakeside Takeaway, Gunn's Menswear, Central West Diesel, Cowan's Dairy and the Forbes Fire Brigade.
