The Wilderness Adventure Survival Program – WASP – involved 16 young people spending a week in the Grampians this month.

The program uses adventure therapy to help participants deal with pain and frustration.

It also helps them learn constructive ways to cope.

Horsham-based program development co-ordinator Brendan Scale said the program affirmed the need for initiatives like the camp to help young people in the region overcome issues in their lives.

“Having been in the field for so long, you know what works and what doesn't,” he said.

“Based on the response we've had, there is huge demand for programs like this.

“We are very much going to explore running another one early next year.

“The experience was so rewarding for everyone.

“From a worker’s perspective, it is one of those times where you think, ‘This is why I do what I do’.”

Mr Delahunty’s parents established Delhuntie Youth Care, which runs the WASP initiative.

He said the week started with trust exercises.

“We had people from across the Wimmera involved, with a concoction of experiences,” he said.

“We had a freestanding ladder with ropes up the top, and teams had to hold the rope while someone climbed the ladder.

“It worked marvelously.

“By the second day you would have thought these kids had known each other for a long time.”

Mr Scale said later in the week, participants had a chance to share their stories with the group.

“Many kids had never told their story to anyone,” he said.

“It was heartbreaking to hear what some of them had gone through. 

“Some kids had been on the run from an abusive parent, others were starving themselves so there was food for their younger siblings.

“They had such courage. Then we had a burial ceremony where they put their story into a hole, to put that behind them. Their progess was all the kinds of things you would ever wish for.

“We call it a life change program because, though these kids will still go on and have struggles, they now recognise they can change, even if their circumstances don't.”

Mr Scale has started a follow-up process with the program participants.

“I’m also talking to schools,” he said.

“We'll have a catch-up with students and families in a few weeks.”