Butchulla Junior Ranger Program on Country

Member Services

Butchulla Junior Ranger Program on Country

Our BNTAC Junior Ranger Program on Country is currently under development.

Empowering Youth, Connecting with Nature

Program Overview

The BNTAC (Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation) Junior Ranger Program on Country is an exciting and immersive initiative designed to foster a deep connection between young individuals and their natural environment. This program aims to provide an enriching educational experience for boys and girls during Queensland school holidays.

Target Audience

The BNTAC Junior Ranger Program is open to all boys and girls aged 8 to 14 who have a keen interest in the great outdoors and are eager to learn about Butchulla unique landscapes, seascapes, ecosystems and culture. The program encourages diversity, inclusivity, and cultural awareness, welcoming young participants from various backgrounds.

Key Program Highlights

1. Educational Excursions

Junior Rangers will have the opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes of Butchulla Country (land, sea and sky). This includes guided visits to Butchulla Native Title lands, national parks, wetlands, and culturally significant sites, where they will learn about the local flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. In a special integration of Butchulla culture, participants will also have the chance to learn and use Butchulla language in their interactions, deepening their connection with the land and its heritage.

2. Cultural Education

The program will integrate indigenous knowledge and traditions into each session. Junior Rangers will engage with local elders and cultural mentors, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich history and traditions of the Butchulla people. This includes lessons in Butchulla language and storytelling, enriching the cultural experience.

3. Wildlife Encounters

Participants will have the chance to observe and learn about the unique Australian wildlife. From birdwatching to tracking local species, the program aims to instill a respect for nature and its inhabitants, all while exploring the land through the lens of Butchulla perspectives.

4. Environmental Stewardship

Junior Rangers will be encouraged to take an active role in environmental conservation. They will learn about sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and respecting the natural world, all while understanding how the Butchulla people have cared for the land for generations.

5. Outdoor Activities

Adventure and fun are integral to the program. Participants can expect activities such as hiking, kayaking, bush tucker identification and bushcraft, which not only build their outdoor skills but also their confidence and teamwork. These activities may also incorporate traditional Butchulla practices, protocols making the experience both educational and culturally immersive.

6. Connecting with Peers

Junior Rangers will have the chance to bond with like-minded peers who share their passion for the environment and adventure, creating lasting friendships and a sense of belonging. Butchulla language and cultural integration will further facilitate meaningful connections among participants on Country.

Program Duration

The BNTAC Junior Ranger Program runs during Queensland school holidays, typically for a duration of one to two weeks, depending on the specific holiday period. The program is designed to be accessible to families and caregivers, allowing participants to fully engage with the experience.

Our Commitment

At BNTAC, we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants. The program is staffed by experienced guides and educators who are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all Junior Rangers.

The BNTAC Junior Ranger Program on Country is a unique opportunity for boys and girls to connect with the land-sea-sky, learn about our cultural heritage, and become passionate advocates for environmental conservation on Country, all while immersing themselves in the Butchulla language and culture. It is our hope that by participating in this program, young individuals will carry the lessons learned throughout their lives, becoming living ambassadors of Country (land, sea and sky) and champions for First Nations/Indigenous culture.

Key Learning Outcomes for Participants

The BNTAC Junior Ranger Program on Country is carefully designed to provide participants with a range of valuable learning outcomes that will benefit both the individuals involved and the broader community. Here are some key learning outcomes:

1. Environmental Awareness

Participants will develop a deep understanding of the local environment, ecosystems, and the importance of conservation. They will learn about the delicate balance of nature, threats to the environment, and how to take proactive steps to protect it.

2. Cultural Connection

By engaging with local Butchulla elders and cultural mentors, participants will gain a strong connection to Butchulla culture and traditions. Learning the Butchulla language and understanding their storytelling will create cultural appreciation and respect. This cultural awareness will provide participants with insights into the richness and diversity of Butchulla Cultural heritage.

3. Outdoor Skills

Junior Rangers will acquire essential outdoor skills, including navigation, campcraft, wildlife tracking, bush tucker identification and water safety. These skills not only promote self-reliance but also create a lifelong love for outdoor activities and Butchulla Country (land, sea and sky)

4. Teamwork and Leadership

Through group activities, participants will develop teamwork and leadership skills. These experiences will help build self-confidence and promote effective communication and cooperation.

5. Respect for Diversity

The program promotes inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Participants will learn about the importance of cultural diversity and the role each individual plays in creating an inclusive society.

6. Community Engagement

Junior Rangers will be encouraged to take an active role in their community. They will learn how to give back by participating in environmental conservation projects, sharing their knowledge with peers, and engaging in community service.

Benefits for Participants

Personal Growth

Participants will grow both personally and emotionally. They will develop a strong sense of self, increased self-confidence, and a greater understanding of their place in the world.

Educational Advancement

The program offers a unique learning experience that goes beyond the classroom. Participants will gain a wealth of knowledge about the environment, culture, and practical life skills.

Cultural Enrichment

By learning the Butchulla language and engaging with indigenous culture, participants will broaden their horizons and gain a more profound appreciation of diversity and cultural heritage. This cultural awareness will empower them to become advocates for cultural preservation-protection-promotion.

Life Skills

Outdoor activities and team experiences will equip participants with life skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability, which will serve them well in various aspects of their lives.

Benefits for the Broader Community:

Environmental Custodianship

The program instils a sense of responsibility for the environment in the next generation, creating a community that is more aware and proactive in environmental conservation efforts on Country.

Cultural Preservation

By immersing young participants in Butchulla culture and language, the program contributes to the preservation and promotion of indigenous heritage and traditions within the broader community, raising cultural awareness and appreciation.

Community Cohesion

The program fosters inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds, contributing to a more harmonious and united community that values and appreciates its cultural richness.

Leadership and Community Service

Junior Rangers are encouraged to engage in community service and contribute positively to their communities. This encourages a spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility among the broader community while fostering cultural awareness and understanding.

The BNTAC Junior Ranger Program on Country offers a multifaceted learning experience that benefits both participants and the broader community by creating environmental awareness, cultural connection, personal growth, and community engagement. These outcomes collectively contribute to a more knowledgeable, culturally rich, and environmentally conscious society, while enhancing cultural awareness and understanding in the community.

Please contact our office for more information:

T: 07 4338 7600
E: administrator@butchulllantac.org.au

Butchulla Junior Ranger Program on Country

Member Services