Paluma Range hike aims to turn life around for troubled youths
A Gruelling trek up the side of a mountain range has tested a group of troubled and homeless young people in an attempt to help turn their lives around.
Townsville
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A Gruelling trek up the side of a mountain range has tested a group of troubled and homeless young people in an attempt to help turn their lives around.
The hikers, aged between 16 and 21, shivered through cold conditions in the 20km hike up the Paluma Range in August, lugging their own bedding and cooking their own food from scratch as part of the challenge to instil mental toughness.
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The annual trip is part of Townsville Youth Housing and Reintegration Service Program’s mission to help turn around the lives of troubled young people.
Project co-ordinator Chris Martin said the group loathed him as they battled up the trail, but it was worth it at the end.
“The walk tested their resilience. They were getting quite frustrated and a bit upset, but we coached them through that and pushed them along to get them through,” he said.
“Once they got to the site they were pretty happy about it and formed a sense of achievement.”
Mr Martin said the hike showed the young people what they were capable of, both on the track and off.
The participants came from all walks of life, including some who were homeless, in the Child Safety or Youth Justice system, or from a troubled upbringing.
Mr Martin said some were apprehensive and untrusting at first, but they thrived with a nudge of guidance.
“We are just there to help them. It’s a two-way street, they have to help themselves as well,” he said.
Originally published as Paluma Range hike aims to turn life around for troubled youths