Behind the Stage Lights: Youth, Energy, and Purpose

Last Saturday I found myself in a different kind of environment—not out in the bush, not running a shelter setup or teaching knots—but behind the scenes, working as stage crew for my son’s business, Stampede Immersive.

And I’ll be honest… I was completely gobsmacked.

The event was part of a local council youth program, showcasing young metal bands from the area. Now, you might think you know what to expect from a youth gig—but this was something else entirely. The level of talent, the commitment, the raw energy these young people brought to the stage… it was next level.

From the first chord to the final set, there was a sense that this wasn’t just noise—it was expression, identity, and direction.

When the Weather Turns… and You Keep Going

It wouldn’t be a proper outdoor event without a curveball—and we got one.

• Rain during setup.

• Rain through parts of the day.

Tarps went up, gear got covered, adjustments were made on the fly. No drama, no panic—just a team working the problem.

And that’s what stood out.

No one folded. No one complained. The team adapted, adjusted, and kept moving forward.

The show must go on… and it did!

If you ever want a real-world lesson in resilience and preparedness, don’t look for perfect conditions—look for how people respond when things don’t go to plan.

That’s where the learning is.

More Than Just a Gig

Working stage crew gives you a different perspective. You see the nerves before the set, the quiet focus as instruments are tuned, the teamwork behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.

And then—bang—the lights hit, and these young people transform.

Confidence. Presence. Ownership.

It struck me that what was happening here wasn’t just entertainment. It was development.

The Power of Safe Spaces

What really stood out to me was the role of the local council in making this happen.

We often talk about youth engagement, about “keeping kids on the right path,” but here it was in action—real, tangible, and powerful.

• A safe environment.

• A supportive platform.

• A place to belong.

These events give young people somewhere to go, something to aim for, and a community that says, “You matter. Your voice matters.”

And that’s no small thing.

Watching My Son Lead the Way

As a father, there’s a different layer to all of this.

Seeing my son step into this space—not just running an event, but actively helping to create opportunities for others—was something I’m incredibly proud of.

• He’s not just putting on shows.

• He’s helping build pathways.

• He’s creating an environment where young

people can explore who they are, push their limits, and channel their energy into something constructive.

That matters.

Different Environment, Same Mission

Standing there backstage, surrounded by cables, amps, a bit of mud, and a whole lot of controlled chaos, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel to what we do with Everyday Bushcraft.

On the surface, they’re very different worlds.

One is loud, electric, and driven by music.

The other is quiet, grounded, and rooted in nature.

But underneath?

The mission is the same.

We’re creating spaces where young people can:

• Build confidence

• Develop skills

• Find direction

• Feel a sense of belonging

Whether it’s learning to light a fire, tie a knot, build a shelter in the rain—or step onto a stage in front of a crowd—it all comes back to capability and belief.

Giving Youth a Direction That Matters

Young people need challenges.

They need opportunities.

They need places where they can test themselves safely.

If we don’t provide those environments, they’ll find their own—and not always in ways that serve them well.

What I saw at this event was a clear example of what happens when we get it right.

• Energy gets channelled.

• Talent gets nurtured.

• Confidence grows.

Final Thoughts

I went in expecting to lend a hand.

I walked away inspired.

There’s something powerful about seeing young people step up, take ownership, and express themselves with passion and purpose—even when the rain’s coming down and things aren’t going to plan.

Whether it’s in the bush or on a stage, the principle holds true:

Give people the right environment, the right support, and a chance to grow—and they will surprise you every time.

And sometimes, they’ll absolutely blow you away.