During the September school holidays, over 30 Indigenous teens participated in Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leadership (REAL) Camps, at the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI).

The teens, aged 13-15 years travelled from all over Victoria to attend the Camp at the KGI, which is located in the ME Bank Centre at Punt Road Oval.

The participants stayed at Gundiwindi Lodge camping facility in Mt Evelyn and took part in high ropes activities, traditional games, and hip-hop.

The REAL Camp participants took part in interactive sessions about leadership, cultural awareness and goal setting to help them to develop into responsible leaders of their communities.

Kyralee, a participant from Taralgon, Victoria and a member of the Waka Waka Clan made a speech to the participants on the last day of the Camp.

Kyralee said the Camp had helped her to learn about respect, team work, Indigenous culture and how to set goals to achieve her dreams.

“We all want to be somebody, have a great future and be great leaders and role models for the next generation of Indigenous kids,” she said in her speech.

“I want to be a professional dancer and also study to be a nurse. We can do whatever we set our minds to, and be proud Aboriginal people and no-one can stop us! That is probably one of the biggest things I have loved learning at this camp.”

Since the KGI began operating in 2011, over 10 REAL Camps have taken place, with participants from all over Victoria and Central Australia.

YMCA Victoria, a partner of The Tigers in the Community Foundation and the Korin Gamadji Institute helped to facilitate the REAL Camp.

To enquire about REAL Camps or other programs available through the Korin Gamadji Institute, call the Richmond Football Club on (03) 9426 4400, or email Luke Murray at lmurray@richmondfc.com.au.