I thought I would share a recent activity—although this may not be directly about mental and physical wellness, some great young adults are learning to change their mindset about their futures, and that’s just as important.
A groundbreaking partnership between the Queensland Police Service’s Project Booyah and Surf Shed is giving at-risk youth a fresh start through hands-on surfboard crafting. The initiative, led by Surf Shed’s CEO and founder, is helping young adults from Project Booyah find purpose, discipline, and skills by building Aussie Eco Surfboards—boards designed with sustainability and craftsmanship in mind.
Project Booyah, is a two-year youth intervention program, is focused on reducing crime among disengaged youth aged 14 to 17. With an intensive 16-week phase of adventure-based learning, leadership development, and vocational training, followed by long-term mentoring, the program has already shown measurable success. In 2023, 84% of participants graduated, with 73% returning to education and 35% securing employment. Now, through Surf Shed, these young people are applying their training to a real-world project that fosters creativity, teamwork, and a sense of achievement.
The Surf Shed founder has taken a hands-on mentorship role, guiding participants through each stage of crafting the eco-friendly boards. For many of these young adults, it’s their first time working with their hands in such a meticulous and rewarding way. They have embraced the process—sanding, shaping, and assembling the boards with a level of focus and care that reflects their determination to turn their lives around.
“This isn’t just about surfboards,” said one participant. “It’s about proving to myself that I can commit to something, learn a skill, and see it through.”
With every board completed, these young men and women aren’t just creating high-quality surfboards; they’re building confidence, resilience, and a pathway to a brighter future. The partnership is a testament to the power of mentorship and meaningful opportunities in steering young lives away from crime and toward a future of possibilities.
Warm regards,
Bruce Barker
CEO and Founder, Trek2Health & Surf Shed
