Melbourne Youth Initiative

MY Initiative Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides specialised services to people who engage in behaviour of concern. Our unique model of Positive Behaviour Support promotes healthier, happy families, safer classrooms, engaging learning experiences, and skilled, effective professionals. We receive no government funding, and work to stimulate a healthy debate about the ways services are designed and delivered in Victoria.

Volunteer opportunities:

We currently run 2 camps per year (hoping to increase this to 3 in 2013) for children with disabilities or behaviours of concern. The children are aged between 5 and 18 and have varying levels of dependency. Therefore, there is a buddy to suit every volunteer!

On Camp, you will be matched 1:1 with a buddy who we have deemed compatible based on any experience you have / age etc. 

You will also have 2 group leaders, 2 coordinators, 2 camp chiefs, 1 nurse and visitors every day to help you along the way. No experience is required and all training is provided.

Volunteer time commitment:

• Camp preparation and training weekend (compulsory): 25 and 26 August 2012
• Camp: 23 - 28 September 2012
• Camp runs for 5 nights: the kids are only there for 3 nights, as we do a planning night beforehand, and a debrief on the last night

Characteristics sought:

• The Camp is held at Casa Pallotti in Millgrove which is about an hour and a half from Melbourne
• Transport is provided to and from the campsite from various points around Melbourne (city, Kew, Box Hill, Ringwood, Lilydale) or alternatively we can arrange for you to be picked up directly
• Activities can include swimming, bowling, skating, movies, Science Works, Gumbuya Park, picnics, sport games, music, art and craft
• The theme is "The Wiggles"
• You will not be expected to do anything you are not comfortable with, however you will be encouraged to try new things

The most important thing to remember is that all of the services we provide - in particular this camp, are run utilising the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Framework.

This means we do not use any punishment or negative reinforcements, but instead use positive practices and positive reinforcers to make the camp work.

All PBS training is provided before you attend camp.