When we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are. When we treat them as if they were what they should be, they will become what they should be.
Resilience isn’t a single skill. It’s a variety of skills and coping mechanisms. To bounce back from bumps in the road as well
as failures, you should focus on emphasising the positive.
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along’.
Here at Veteran Mentors, we are a team. For that team to reach great heights, each member is taught the importance of honesty at an early stage. With this personality trait, leaders are born.
Participants on our course find out very quickly how to be a good team player and that working as a team is more efficient than going solo.
Initiative isn’t something that comes naturally to all. It is learnt and we emphasise the value it provides to you and the people around you. This leadership trait involves discipline, self motivation and understanding.
Approved NDIS Categories
Assist Travel/Transport | Daily Tasks/Shared Living | Innov Community Participation | Development-Life Skills | Participate Community | Ex Phys Pers Training | Group/Centre Activities
Our programs are developed by Defence Force veterans who have experienced the impact of military-style training on behaviour and perspective. Using skills acquired in the Australian Defence Force, our veterans instill essential values that help participants forge successful life paths.
Our Junior Leadership Program is designed to support children (aged 12 – 17) struggling with self-esteem, lack of respect, poor behaviours and technology addiction. Our Veterans will teach the value of respect and the importance of courage for achieving personal goals. Activities will teach routine and discipline, it will challenge comfort-zones, and our environment removes distraction embracing the natural landscapes.
Our youth program is complemented by our one-day parental guidance support workshop to offer you the tools and strategies to navigate this time once your child has completed camp. Our face-to-face workshop uses a combination of theory and group discussions to explore your own strengths and manage your constraints. You will walk away with a personalised parenting guide based on your own unique strengths.
Embark on a unique adventure-filled retreat designed for parents. Join Veteran Mentor Directors on a 3-day program disconnected from technology and the ‘real world’. Challenge yourself, open up and build a community of supportive parents.
The Reconnection Expedition is a purpose led program to further build on a child’s experiences after participating in our Junior Leader Program. Our 3 day program is an unforgettable journey for both the parent and child. Enjoy moments to cherish for a lifetime, build connections and challenge yourself.
It was a pleasure to have Sunrise Correspondent, Bianca Stone, visit us during one of our Junior Leader Programs on the Gold Coast. Watch the video to find out what kind of transformation is possible after our 9-day boot camp.
There has definitely been a difference in a Connor since he completed your Junior Leadership program, most noticeably he is up earlier, making his bed and is much more cooperative around the house when we ask him to do chores. The opportunity to break the cycle he was in is probably the biggest positive from the camp, Connor has himself told me he isn’t feeling anywhere near as low as he was before he went, and to quote him from a discussion today, “I really didn’t want to go, but looking back, there are aspects that have made a change in me”. We couldn’t really ask for more, and whilst he still has some challenges ahead around his schooling and keeping the journey into a better place physically and mentally going, you guys have provided the circuit breaker we needed!
KATE
“R” listens better and is more cooperative. He acts more like a member of the family. It is very clear he is trying. [Before the program], R was very angry, aggressive and disrespectful, even stealing from family members. He was also wagging school and was not engaged. He now feels and acts calmer most of the time and chooses words more carefully. Thank you for the work you all put in. Things have been much calmer at home, and although not perfect, outbursts are easier to manage. Our family is a work in progress but definitely a much better version already.
Our son was suffering with severely low self-esteem. He was making terrible choices, device addicted and antisocial. He spoke about self harm and was saying cruel things to other kids. Since completing the camp he seems much happier and less self loathing than before he left.
REBECCA SMART
We are beyond grateful to the mentors and what they have done with our son. He has really grown over the 9 days at camp into a young man we can be proud of. “B” was starting to go down the wrong path; his school work was deteriorating – even being suspended. He had horrible attitude and was very negative. He would not help out around the house and when asked, would rudely comment and not do. He was running off without us knowing where he was. He just had a negative outlook on everything and us as parents. Everything has changed and his outlook on life is now positive and he is more willing to help out and be a positive part to our family. He is using his manners. And most importantly, he seems happier within himself and his attitude seems happier and relaxed.
MICHELLE PILOTTO
For those of you at camp who worked with my son “H” earlier this year, I just thought I would let you know he is currently at an Air Force Cadets camp this weekend busting out push-ups of his own. For those who don’t know him, he was addicted to computer games, significantly overweight, repeatedly bullied at school and had zero self worth or confidence. To the parents of the kids currently at the Veteran Mentors camp, you have made a fantastic investment in your child’s life. You will reap the benefits of this camp. Changes won’t happen overnight, but will continue to evolve over time. My son has gone on to overhaul his diet and exercise, he has lost 25 kgs through a boxing for exercise program and joined Air Force Cadets. His attitude to life and school has changed. He is only 14.
ANNE-MARIE
On behalf of Palm Beach State School, I would like to thank you for attending and contributing to our ANZAC Day Commemorative Service. The first-hand experiences that you shared our students and the way in which you spoke about being there for your comrades resonated with our students. We sincerely thank you for taking the time to speak with our school community and making our assembly a memorable occasion.
SANDRA THOMPSON – PRINCIPAL
Firstly, I just wanted to thank you again for being my section commander along with R.D. It was a privilege being on that camp and it’s changed my life for the better. Anyways, after the camp, I came home weighing 122 kg and since then I’ve lost 17 kg and I now weigh 105 kg so I’m doing well! I hope all is well back at the campus with you and everybody, and i hope all is well with you and your family. Thank you for everything!
– WILLIAM
All the latest news, updates, articles and more from Veteran Mentors.
Thank you TODAY for another fantastic media release. “Queenslanders and police are at their wits’ end with the ongoing youth crime crisis plaguing the state. But as pressure grows on the Palaszczuk gov...
Thank you, 7 News Brisbane, for featuring our story. As youth crime rates and mental health challenges continue to surge, Veteran Mentors stand as a proven solution. We’ve been running Junior Leader Programs...
What follows is a testimonial of a mother sharing her personal journey and the challenges she faced with her two sons. Her story is evidence of the transformational effects of the JLP and Parent Workshop on famili...
