Wild Ground

Wild Ground is a structured 10 week nature-based mentorship program for boys aged 12–17, designed to support young men through one of life’s most important stages of development.

Through positive male mentorship, outdoor experiences, practical learning and meaningful group connection, participants are encouraged to build confidence, responsibility, resilience, leadership and a deeper connection with themselves, others and the natural world.

Wild Ground provides an environment where boys are invited to challenge themselves, discover their strengths and consciously choose the kind of man they want to become.

Rather than telling young people who they should be, we seek to create experiences that help them discover who they are becoming.

A space to belong.

A space to grow.

A space to step forward.

Today’s young people are growing up in a world that often offers fewer opportunities for meaningful connection, positive role models, healthy challenge and time in nature.

Wild Ground was created to provide a structured outdoor environment where boys can develop confidence through experience, build genuine friendships, strengthen practical life skills and discover what becomes possible when they are supported by positive mentorship, responsibility and community.

We believe every young person carries unique strengths and has the capacity to lead through their character, choices and contribution to others.

Our role is not to shape boys into a particular mould, but to provide an environment where they can develop the confidence, awareness and responsibility to become the best version of themselves.

Wild Ground was created from a simple observation: many boys are growing up without enough opportunities for meaningful connection, positive male mentorship, healthy challenge and time in nature.

Through working alongside young people and listening to parents, educators and mentors, it became clear that many boys are looking for guidance, belonging and positive role models as they navigate adolescence. At the same time, many are growing up in a world filled with constant distraction, increasing social pressures and fewer opportunities to develop confidence through real life experiences.

Wild Ground was also shaped by Mac’s own lived experience.

Growing up, he understands what it can feel like to search for belonging, to want positive guidance and to navigate adolescence without always having the connection or mentorship needed. Those experiences helped shape his belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported and challenged in healthy ways.

Program: Wild Ground – 10 Week-Nature Based Mentorship Program

Dates:Monday 5 October – Monday 7 December 2026

Time: Mondays | 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Location: Gibson Park, Tallebudgera Valley

Duration: 10 Weeks

Age Group: Boys aged 12–17

Program Fee: $300 per participant

Registration Includes

• Ten facilitated group sessions

• Parent Information Pack

• Participant Registration & Consent Pack

• Program resources

• Ongoing communication with parents

• All program facilitation

The safety and wellbeing of every participant is the highest priority at Wild Ground.

The program operates with documented safeguarding procedures, risk management processes, emergency response planning, incident reporting procedures, privacy practices and clear professional boundaries to support the safe delivery of all activities.

Parent or guardian consent, relevant medical information and emergency contact details are required before participation.

Wild Ground is committed to maintaining an environment where every participant is treated with dignity, respect and care, and where safeguarding remains central to every aspect of program planning and delivery.

Wild Ground welcomes any boy aged 12–17 who is willing to participate.

The program may be particularly valuable for boys who:

• Would benefit from positive male mentorship

• Are looking to build confidence and resilience

• Feel unsure where they fit

• Would thrive with greater structure and healthy accountability

• Are navigating the challenges of adolescence

• Enjoy spending time outdoors or would benefit from greater connection with nature

• Want to develop practical life skills and leadership

No previous outdoor experience is required.

Every participant is welcomed regardless of personality, background or experience.

Wild Ground is built upon four foundational needs that we believe every young person deserves to experience.

These foundations guide the culture of the program, the way sessions are facilitated and the environment we intentionally create each week.

Belonging

Belonging is the deep knowing that “I have a place.”

Young people thrive when they feel accepted, valued and connected not only to others, but also to themselves and the world around them.

Through shared experiences, positive relationships and connection with nature, participants develop confidence from a place of genuine belonging.

Rather than needing to earn acceptance, boys are encouraged to contribute authentically while growing into the person they are becoming.

Safety

Safety extends beyond physical wellbeing.

Wild Ground intentionally fosters physical, emotional and psychological safety by creating an environment where participants are treated with dignity, encouraged to contribute and supported to express themselves respectfully.

Clear expectations, consistent boundaries and positive relationships help create an environment where meaningful growth can occur.

When young people feel safe, they are more willing to learn, connect and challenge themselves.

Skills

Confidence develops through experience.

Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to strengthen practical life skills including communication, emotional awareness, leadership, teamwork, resilience, decision making and personal responsibility.

Rather than simply discussing these qualities, participants have opportunities to practice them through shared experiences, outdoor challenges, reflection and meaningful contribution to the group.

These are skills intended to support young people well beyond the completion of the program.

Being Seen

Every young person carries unique strengths, gifts and qualities.

Wild Ground intentionally recognises character, effort, courage and personal growth so that participants feel genuinely seen for who they are and who they are becoming not simply for what they achieve.

When young people experience genuine recognition, confidence grows, relationships deepen and a stronger sense of identity begins to emerge.

Nature forms an important part of every Wild Ground experience.

Rather than simply providing a location for activities, the natural environment becomes a place where participants can slow down, become present, embrace healthy challenge and develop a deeper sense of connection with themselves and the world around them.

Time spent outdoors encourages curiosity, resilience, awareness and respect while offering opportunities for movement, exploration, teamwork and reflection.

Wild Ground believes that meaningful experiences in nature help young people develop confidence, responsibility and a lasting appreciation for the environment.

Wild Ground combines structured mentorship with practical outdoor learning experiences.

Sessions integrate:

• Nature based experiences

• Practical outdoor skills

• Movement and embodied learning

• Guided reflection

• Structured group discussion

• Leadership opportunities

• Team building activities

• Games and healthy challenge

• Responsibility and accountability

Every session is intentionally structured while allowing space for authenticity, participation and personal growth.

Participants are encouraged to contribute at their own pace within an environment built upon respect, inclusion and positive encouragement.

Wild Ground is a nature based mentoring and personal development program.

The program focuses on positive male mentorship, outdoor learning, leadership, character development and practical life skills that support healthy adolescent development.

Wild Ground is not a counselling, psychology or therapeutic service.

Activities are designed to support learning, confidence, responsibility and personal growth through mentoring and group based experiences.

Where a participant requires specialised clinical, therapeutic or mental health support beyond the scope of the program, families will be encouraged to engage appropriately qualified professionals.

While each session has its own unique focus, participants can generally expect a consistent structure designed to promote connection, safety and engagement.

Sessions typically include:

• Arrival and informal connection

• Group check-in

• Nature-based activity or practical leadership experience

• Games, movement or healthy challenge

• Guided reflection and group discussion

• Closing circle and weekly takeaway

This consistent rhythm helps participants feel settled, understand what to expect and build trust within the group over time.

While activities vary from week to week, every session is guided by the same intention: creating a safe, engaging and meaningful environment where young people can learn, connect and grow.

Wild Ground is facilitated by Mac Semple, a youth mentor dedicated to supporting young people through positive relationships, outdoor experiences and meaningful connection with nature.

Mac is currently employed facilitating outdoor adventure programs for young people, where he supports participants to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership through structured nature based experiences. He also works as an NDIS support worker, supporting individuals to build independence, confidence and community connection through personalised community based supports.

His experience includes facilitating preventative mental health and wellbeing workshops within schools, co-facilitating men’s groups and men’s rites of passage experiences, and mentoring young people through outdoor learning and personal development.

Mac has completed leadership training 1 through the Rites of Passage Institute, focusing on mentoring, communication, emotional awareness and group facilitation. He has also undertaken professional development in trauma informed practice and embodied learning (somatics), strengthening his understanding of creating safe, respectful and developmentally appropriate learning environments for young people. These studies inform the way he facilitates groups, builds relationships and supports participant wellbeing within the scope of a mentoring program.

Mac believes every young person carries unique strengths and potential. His role is not to tell boys who they should become, but to provide a safe, structured and supportive environment where they can discover their strengths, develop responsibility, strengthen their character and grow through challenge, reflection and positive relationships.

Mac recognises that working with young people carries significant responsibility. He is committed to maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, continually developing his knowledge and skills, and delivering Wild Ground within the scope of a mentoring program. Where a participant’s needs extend beyond that scope, families will be encouraged to engage appropriately qualified professionals.

Wild Ground is delivered with a commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, child safety, participant wellbeing and continuous improvement.

Wild Ground is supported by relevant qualifications, professional training and practical experience working alongside young people.

Compliance

• Current Queensland Blue Card (Working with Children Check)

• Current First Aid & CPR Certification

• Current National Police Check

• Current Yellow Card

Professional Experience

• Currently facilitating outdoor adventure nature based programs for young people

• Current NDIS Support Worker providing community based supports

• Currently co-facilitating men’s groups and men’s rites of passage experiences

• Experience co-facilitating preventative mental health and wellbeing workshops within schools

• Experience facilitating nature-based mentoring and outdoor learning experiences

Professional Development

• Leadership Training – Rites of Passage Institute (Level 1)

• Trauma-Informed Certificate for Coaches – The Centre for Healing (Professional Development) 

• Certificate in Working with Students with Special Educational Needs

• Certificate in Disability Assessment

• Certificate in Introduction to Autism Awareness

• Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Mental Illness and Intellectual Disabilities

Supporting young people carries significant responsibility, Wild Ground is committed to continually strengthening the quality and safety of the program.

Mac actively engages in ongoing professional development in youth development, safeguarding, outdoor leadership, facilitation and evidence informed mentoring practices. This ongoing learning helps ensure the program continues to evolve through reflective practice, current knowledge and practical experience.

Wild Ground is committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism, participant wellbeing and responsible practice as the program continues to grow.

Wild Ground recognises that parents and guardians play an essential role in the growth and development of their sons.

The program is designed to complement the guidance, values and support already provided at home by offering young people opportunities to build confidence, responsibility, healthy relationships and practical life skills through positive mentorship and outdoor experiences.

Families receive ongoing communication throughout the program to help them remain informed and connected.

This includes:

• A comprehensive Parent Information Pack

• Participant Registration & Consent Forms

• Medical & Emergency Information Forms

• Program reminders before commencement

• Communication regarding weather, location or scheduling changes

• Contact regarding any significant wellbeing, behavioural or safety concerns that arise during a session

Regular attendance is encouraged to help participants gain the greatest benefit from the program and to support the development of trust and connection within the group.

Where appropriate, guidance and session summaries may be provided to help participants remain connected if they are unable to attend.

Wild Ground intentionally maintains small group sizes to encourage meaningful participation, positive relationships and quality mentorship.

A consistent group environment allows trust, confidence and connection to develop over the course of the ten week program while ensuring every participant has the opportunity to be seen, heard and supported.

Participants are expected to contribute respectfully, follow group agreements and support a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved.

Participant wellbeing is considered throughout every stage of program planning and delivery.

Wild Ground supports safe program delivery through:

• Site-specific risk assessments

• Ongoing weather monitoring

• Appropriate supervision

• First aid preparedness

• Emergency response procedures

• Participant medical information

• Incident reporting procedures

• Parent communication processes

Activities may be modified, relocated or postponed where environmental conditions or other circumstances present an unacceptable risk to participant safety.

Wild Ground is committed to maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, thoughtful planning and responsible decision making in all aspects of program delivery.

Wild Ground is designed as a progressive ten week experience, with each session building upon the learning and relationships developed throughout the program.

Participants are encouraged to attend consistently to gain the greatest benefit from the experience and contribute positively to the group.

Where a participant is unable to attend due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, families are encouraged to notify the facilitator as soon as practical.

Where appropriate, guidance or session resources may be provided to assist participants in remaining connected with the group’s learning.

Full payment is required to secure a participant’s place within the program.

Places are intentionally limited to maintain a high quality learning environment and meaningful group experience.

Registrations are confirmed once payment has been received.

If a participant withdraws before the commencement of the program, a refund may be considered at the facilitator’s discretion, taking into account administrative costs and the ability to fill the available position.

Once the program has commenced, refunds are generally not available, as each participant’s place is reserved for the duration of the ten week program.

Where exceptional circumstances arise, families are encouraged to contact the facilitator to discuss available options.

Wild Ground respects the privacy of participants and their families.

Personal information collected throughout the registration process is used solely for the administration and safe delivery of the program, including participant wellbeing, communication and emergency management.

Information is stored securely and accessed only where necessary for the operation of the program.

Personal information will not be shared with third parties without consent unless required by law or where necessary to protect the safety or wellbeing of a participant.

All registered families receive a comprehensive onboarding pack prior to the commencement of the program.

This includes participant registration and consent forms, medical and emergency information forms, parent information, program expectations and supporting documentation relating to participant safety and program delivery.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss whether Wild Ground is the right fit for your son, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Mac Semple

0483 297 070

macsemple20@gmail.com

Adolescence is one of life’s most significant transitions.

It is a time when young people begin shaping their identity, values and direction, often while navigating increasing responsibility, change and uncertainty.

Wild Ground exists to provide a place where boys can slow down, connect with nature, experience healthy challenge and build meaningful relationships within a supportive community.

Through positive male mentorship, practical outdoor experiences and opportunities to develop responsibility, leadership and resilience, participants are encouraged to build strong foundations that will support them well beyond the ten week program.

Our hope is that every young person leaves Wild Ground feeling more confident in who they are, more connected to others, and better equipped to contribute positively to their families, communities and the world around them.

If your son is ready to step into this journey, we would be honoured to welcome him.