Written By: Kia Langmead, Expedition Manager
Antipodeans Abroad recently held their annual Expedition Leader's selection weekend, where potential leaders gather to determine their suitability as a future leader on an Antipodeans Abroad expedition. People flew in from all around the country to take part in the weekend, and the weekend attracted a variety of quality Australian facilitators and educators with a wealth of experience and travel.
An Antipodeans Expedition is a program that allows young people to explore new horizons through a 3-4 week expedition in a developing country. The program brings together groups of students aged 14-18 years to discover new cultures, face new challenges and learn new skills, under the supervision of professional leaders. The Antipodeans Abroad Leader has overall responsibility for the welfare of the expedition and members of the team, as well as foreseeing and preventing any risks involved in the activities carried out by the group.
They are also responsible for facilitating the learning outcomes associated with the expedition. The role of an Antipodeans Leader is a dynamic and multi-faceted role, and therefore we were looking for people over 25 years of age, with experience working with young people, extensive personal travel and the ability to make good judgment calls under pressure.
Saturday comprised of a series of workshops, presentations, scenarios and role plays, designed to get the potential leaders thinking on their feet and responding to events that may occur on an Antipodeans Expedition.
Sessions were dynamic and varied, ranging from discussion about how to respond to an emergency situation in a remote area, to observing personalities and leadership styles through initiatives in the outdoors.
Those that were invited to stay on to the Sunday, joined returning Antipodeans leaders and took part in a day of leadership training. Areas that were covered include: Professionalism, roles and responsibilities, communication and emergency procedures and a question and answer session with a ‘Panel of Experts’, which consisted of a panel of returning leaders who offered advice on leading various aspects of an expedition.
All in all, it was a great weekend. Many thanks to all those who made a big effort to be there, and who came from around the country to be a part of the weekend. We look forward to working with you in the future!
The Expedition team,
Danielle, Anne, Kia, Joe and Michelle
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