Update - June 2010

Research has recently been completed on the WILD program examining program feasibility and preliminary indicators of program outcomes. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Results indicated that the program could be feasibly delivered in an acceptable way, and that participants seemed to benefit in important ways in terms of self awareness, self confidence, autonomy, positive interpersonal relationships, and social learning. Findings from this research contribute to a better understanding of youth wellbeing and to enhancing knowledge about ways of working with young people in the outdoors.

This research formed part of a PhD program undertaken by Ian Williams through the University of Melbourne and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. We are pleased to announce that through this work Ian has now completed his postgraduate studies and was awarded the combined degree of Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in December, 2009. Congratulations Dr. Williams!

  KEEN to Finish for Charity

“The idea was simple enough…Get a Policeman, a Fire Fighter and a Paramedic together to race in the premier Australian five-day adventure race to help raise some money so sick kids stuck in the Royal Children’s Hospital can enjoy some time in the outdoors with full medical support.”

And that is exactly what happened when KEEN developed a charity team concept and sponsored, Tim Hart (Victoria Police), David Gorman (CFA) and Jack Garnett (Rural Ambulance Victoria) to create team “KEEN to Finish for Charity” to compete in the five day KEEN Alps to the Ocean Adventure Race, whilst raising money for People and Parks’ WILD program.

With minimal adventure racing experience between the three of them, KEEN to Finish for Charity, finished the race with an array of blisters, sore muscles, twisted ankles, determination, inspiration and absolute accomplishment. Not to forget, they raised over an astonishing $11,000 which has been donated to our WILD program; the Wellness through Integrated Learning and Development (WILD) program is an outdoor-based, youth-friendly program designed to promote emotional wellbeing and improved mental health outcomes for young people living with chronic illness and treated through the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

The world renowned KEEN Adventure Race takes competitors through a gruelling 5 day course incorporating trekking / running, mountain biking, ropes activities and ocean and inlet paddling. Visit KEEN at www.keenfootwear.com.au for further details.

In his own words, please click here to read a full race report as delivered by “KEEN to Finish for Charity” member, Jack Garnett (above).

Our sincere thanks to Tim and Deb at KEEN for their continued support of People and Parks and for developing the charity team concept. To KEEN USA who also supported the effort with a donation and for all their exhausting effort and adventurous spirit, our thanks to Tim, David and Jack from team “KEEN to Finish for Charity”; over $11,000 is a remarkable fundraising effort!