New Generations Service

The task of the New Generations Committee on behalf of the Camberwell Rotary Club is to engage in programs which motivate, educate and provide real life experiences for young people.

A brief insight into some of the programs where we are currently involved:

National Youth Science Forum   

Held in January each year at the Australian National University in Canberra, this 2 week program enables highly academic science students to work along side some of Australia’s most gifted scientists.  It gives young budding scientists the opportunity to investigate areas they may wish to follow when they finish school. However, the pro-gram also has a strong personal, social development aspect. Past participants have commented that it was great to develop social skills with other students who are also deemed to be "nerds" because of their strong academic focus.    A great programme to help make Australia a smart country!  This year we have two successful applicants Steven Cracknell and Alex Potts.

RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Adventure)
This is a week long residential personal development program for ages 21 - 25.  It provides an opportunity for young people to come together to gain a better understanding of their own strengths and the unique qualities and abilities of others.  The program is delivered by young for young people and is held in December each year.   This year we are seeking applicants who currently participate in tutoring at the Friday Night School (see below).  

Rypen Program:
A youth enrichment program for age group, 14 - 17 where the principal aim is the communication of a series of ideas, problems and social experiences that will assist young participants in formulating their own values and moral standards.   Again young people, Rotaractors aged 21-29, play a pivotal role as facilitators at each camp.

Siemens Summer Science Experience:

A fun three days of science activities for students in Year 9 in 2006 who will be entering Year 10 in 2007.     The programs take place in university laboratories and lecture theatres in 33 universities (Australia wide).    Participants perform experiments, meet and hear university lecturers and experience the atmosphere in a university cam-pus.   Each program also includes a BBQ or other social activity.

The Graduate Diploma of Adolescent Health and Welfare 

This project is con-ducted by Melbourne University.  Participation enables welfare workers police officers, teachers (in fact anyone working in the area of youth involvement) to gain formal education and knowledge in youth welfare. We currently fund two students, both in the first year of the two year course. One of the students, Marlize Harris, will address the club in late September.   She will be accompanied by one of the coordinators of this program at Melbourne University. 

Camberwell Emergency Fund:

Again this year we are supporting Camberwell High School with a gift of $2,000. These funds are used at the discretion of the school to pay for students activities, where the parent is unable to do so.  

Friday Night School:

Is a fantastic program. Each Friday night 300 students from the high rise flats in Richmond and surrounding areas assemble in a small Catholic school where they are tutored in Richmond by Year 11/12 students from some of Melbourne's top schools. This is all done on a voluntary basis and many of the students continue their tutoring volunteer work even when they are going to university. The program receives no government funding, but we provide funds each year to assist.   The originator and co-ordinator of the program is Margaret Gurry, a highly dedicated and caring person, who was presented with a Paul Harris Award by our club.

Boroondara Scouts District Association.

A donation has been madeof $500 to assist the Association in bringing 7 scouts from East Timor to attend the Australian Jamboree in January 2007.

Exchange student.

We do not have any exchange students coming or going this year. District is reviewing the program.