Learning and happiness happens best in the most beautiful wild places.

We are seeking Government financial support for teens who are in severe distress and need safe home support to change track. 

Unhappy, depressed teens in High schools drop out for many reasons. 

Drop outs usually end up as street kids, into drugs and .....

A different residential practical learning adventure challenge program will help these kids change path in their transition to adult.

Our teachers supervise adventure learning onboard. We purchase essential subject teaching from local schools or Open Access College.

• SA education Law dictates a child must attend "SCHOOL" learning to age 18.
• Avoca School ships are staffed by teachers who are trained to help students in distress
• SUBJECT SUPERVISION is by home schooling on the school-ships, supervised by Avoca teachers.

1. ------ SACE subjects are provided and assessed by river high schools or Open access College.
2. ------ VET subjects provided  and assessed by AMSA Maritime RTO College. 
3. ........ All students maintain a daily logbook, checked by school ship teachers, to keep good record of all relevant learning & assessment.

School Referral: Individual teachers or school counsellors may advise parents of this opportunity as a solution for school bullying, mental health issues, or other school problems

• Ongoing disengagement some teens fall into depression and withdrawal for many reasons. Some schools are not in the best interest of the child. 
• Responsible adult Decision: The decision to enrol a child in a school is ultimately made by parents or guardians who have the right to change school for their child. 
• Aerie "Time Out"   is a first term reset in preparation for their new learning and supported living lifestyle with us.
• Team Building: Students meet and collaborate with other adolescents facing similar challenges, fostering a positive, mutually supportive peer group, in safety, remote from their previous unfriendly spaces.

Judicial Referral -  (send them - up the creek on a Murray School ship)

• Every child in locked detention, is evidence of FAILURE of State Government schools to provide appropriate quality education. Wilderness learning environment is most natural and effective. Aboriginal nations have know this for ever.
• The Avoca residential Schoolship Program, remote river cruising, is available to the SA Youth Court as a therapeutic and rehabilitative option for young people, off track, and requiring a significant intervention outside their current environment. Time Out for change.

• Enhanced Mental Well-being and Confidence: Recovery from depression and misery, leading to greater mental stability and self-belief.
• Positive Life Skills: Competency in healthy adult living, food/cooking, and balancing work, rest, and recreation.
• Social and Partnership Skills: Strong group team skills and the ability to form positive relationships.
• Educational Re-engagement: A "reboot" of their thinking, leading to a renewed positive path toward their future and continued SACE studies.

• Individual teens from any school can enrol in the "Time out Training ship CAMP" it isn't just a trip; it's a life-saving intervention
• DGR "Time out" Curriculum: "Education about and conservation of the Murray Darling river basin" AND continuation of essential SACE subjects.
• Mental Reset: Expert guidance to help teens change damaging thought patterns.
• Lasting Bonds: The creation of strong, inseparable friendships.
• Lifelong Support: An essential, peer-led support network to guide them toward a successful, happier adult future.
• Next, continuing normal Residential Tech College programs supported by Avoca trust training ships: 

                  - Resident on training ships, home port at Mannum

                  - Theory classes wherever, meeting with teacher

                  - Technical skills while operating training ships  

                  - Cruising the Murray river in SA.  

Decision to continue full time with Aerie Tech College is a round table decision, (Principal, Student, Responsible adult)

The program is built on the belief that remote isolation and a total change of pace facilitate the stability needed for students to re-engage with their education. With no fences or locked gates—only the water and expert guidance—students learn to thrive within a structured, supportive team environment.

• Student Cohort: A workable team of 16 students per vessel.
• Supervision: Two specialist teachers/mentors provide 24/7 residential supervision.
• Duration: An intensive, full-time residential term (approximately 10 weeks).
• Accommodations: Purpose-built river schoolships featuring 16 student berths (double bunks) and private ensuite staff cabins on the top deck.
• Enrolment: Students are enrolled at the Aerie Tech College (Mannum Slipway), ensuring full compliance with education regulations for students up to age 17.

The program balances traditional academics with hands-on, river-based vocational skills:

1. Academic Continuity: Maintenance of essential SACE subjects.
2. Environmental Adventure Challenge: Specialized studies in Murray-Darling ecology, conservation, and river remediation.
3. Technical Skills: River tech, houseboat maintenance, recovery, salvage, riverboat towing, and repair.
4. Physical & Team Growth: Supervised kayaking for exercise, tour guide training, and group team-building exercises.
5. Life Skills: Practical competency in food preparation and healthy adult living.

To combat the isolation caused by digital over-saturation, the program implements a structured technology policy:

• Mobile Management: Phones are managed by staff and available only for essential communication to minimize distractions.
• Digital Learning: Laptops are provided as a core part of the student learning kit.
• The Logbook: Each student maintains a personal daily log of thoughts and experiences. To foster trust and self-reflection, this log remains confidential between the student and their mentor; disclosure to parents is at the student's sole discretion.