Complete Time & Space is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for parents and/or mentors to fully involve themselves in their teenagers’ lives. To listen and to understand. And Complete Time & Space also fulfils every teenager’s dream: they get to tell their parents what to do!
Designed for middle secondary school students and beyond, Complete Time & Space is a single gender, six-session immersive experience that builds on the Time & Space junior programs. As the name suggests, Complete Time & Space represents a significant time commitment: two night-time sessions precede a weekend camp, which is followed by two further night-time sessions.
But you get out what you put in: the feedback Bill Jennings has received since he began running Complete Time & Space in 1997 has been overwhelmingly positive. The Complete Time & Space program has the potential to change relationships for life.
It’s said that it takes a village to raise a child. Complete Time & Space involves the whole village: teenagers’ grandparents and opposite sex parents are involved in some of the sessions that precede and conclude the program. In between, teens lead their parents (spoiler alert: parents are only allowed to give ONE piece of advice for the entire weekend!) through an adventure camp that could include hiking, kayaking, etc. Parents/mentors receive the unique experience of seeing their teens’ strengths reflected through the eyes of other parents, as well as making new friends and getting a little ‘downtime’ (phew, not another weekend spent rushing around).
Complete Time & Space is not only the experience of a lifetime, it offers a lifetime’s worth of experiences. And these can form the foundation for positive parent-teen relationships all the way into adulthood.
What the dads and mentors say…
“The way I feel about him has developed as I’ve seen him in a new light, as a young man. It’s great to see.” Marcellin College Participant, 2012
“I loved giving the young blokes the opportunity to lead and they certainly shone.” St Virgil’s College Participant, 2008 & 2011
What the boys say…
“I think I have begun to understand the sacrifices my dad has made for my family and I.” St Virgil’s College Participant, 2013
“I got to see and to talk to him in a whole new way. Just seeing him get along with new people, both year 9’s and dads, just made me see how great my dad is and how I never want to let him go.” Marcellin College Participant, 2011
Is Complete Time & Space just for boys?
No. While it has previously been a predominantly father and son program, Complete Time & Space is now available for mothers and daughters.
Mum or dad aren’t around. Can mentors participate?
Mentors are absolutely welcome on Complete Time & Space.
I already have a good relationship with my teen. Should I come?
The overwhelming feedback Bill Jennings has received since 1997 is this: parents/mentors who have good relationships with their teens are amazed at how much closer they have become at the conclusion of the Complete Time & Space program.
I’m not as fit as I’d like to be… and is the adventure camp safe?
The Complete Time & Space adventure camp is operated by trained outdoor activity staff and every safety precaution is taken. The camp is challenging, but made suitable for every fitness level.
Are the teens actually in charge of the camp?
Yes. They are given leadership roles that match their skills and, while experienced guides are there to help, teens show their abilities by leading our adventure.
A weekend and four night-time sessions is a lot. Is it worth it?
If you want the chance to do something that has the potential to see you become allies with your teen for life, then Complete Time & Space is worth every minute.
