Ignite Camp
Adventure Therapy Youth Camp
Do you want to build the confidence to try new things? Do you want to feel more comfortable with other people in a group setting? Want to learn better ways to cope with stress and anxiety? Are you wanting to feel better about yourself and more hopeful about your future?
Adventure Therapy can help with all these things … and it is fun too!
Join us as we head off for 5 days and 4 nights of adventure in the stunning native bush of Puhoi, north of Auckland. We will combine outdoor adventure activities (like tramping, kayaking and a high ropes confidence course) with therapy activities like team-building exercises, facilitated group discussions, one-on-one sessions, space for personal reflection, and simply being outside in nature with its proven therapeutic benefits.
We use this combination of outdoor adventure plus therapy activities to help you work towards these positive outcomes: increased self-worth, a better toolkit for building hauora (health and wellbeing), stronger whanaungatanga (kinship or community belonging), a greater hope for a future with purpose, and stronger taha wairua (spiritual wellness).
QUICK FACTS
Who? For teenagers (15-18 years old)
Where? An adventure camp in Puhoi (north of Auckland)
When? During the school holidays (see specific dates below)
Apply: By emailing Brenda (office@adventurespecialties.co.nz attention: Brenda)
More info: Keep reading!
UPCOMING CAMPS: 2024
TERM 1 holidays: N/A
TERM 2 holidays: Monday 15th – Friday 19th July 2024
TERM 3 holidays: Monday 30th Sept – Friday 4th October 2024
Term 4 holidays: N/A
COME ON AN ADVENTURE WITH US!
WHO IS THIS CAMP FOR?
Maybe you are struggling with anxiety or depression, maybe feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, maybe struggling with anger or other negative emotions, maybe wanting to improve the relationships in your life.
Our Adventure Therapy programmes focus on building health, wellbeing, confidence and connection.
(See the section ‘What is Adventure Therapy’ below for more details)
WHICH ACTIVITIES WILL WE DO?
Outdoor adventure activities are always weather dependent, but the plan is to do the following:
- Kayaking
- Tramping
- High ropes confidence course
- More activities TBC
If outdoor adventure sounds intimidating, don’t worry! All the activities are designed to be easy and fun, suitable for complete beginners who have never tried these activities before. We often offer “easier” and “harder” options for each activity, to cater for all different experience levels and confidence levels.
All equipment is provided.
And you won’t be forced to do anything that you feel uncomfortable doing. We will encourage you to try new things and get out of your comfort zone, but we will support you the whole time.
STAFF
The programme will be staffed by:
- Two highly qualified, experienced instructors
- A mental health professional
DATES
During the school holidays, normally Monday-Friday of the second week.
Five days, four nights.
Scroll back up the page to see the blue box called “Upcoming Camps” for specific dates
LOCATION and ACCOMMODATION
We will be sleeping in bunks in an adventure camp, with one night camping off-site in tents (provided).
PROGRAMME COST
The programme costs $1866 per person.
This cost covers the following items:
- Our highly experienced and qualified outdoor staff
- Our highly experienced and qualified mental health professional
- Transport from Auckland (or you can meet us there)
- Food
- Accommodation
- Any outdoor adventure equipment that is required (tents, cooking equipment, mountain bikes, abseiling harnesses, etc.)
Need financial assistance?
If finance is an issue, limited financial assistance may be available. Please enquire with Brenda, the programme co-ordinator.
office@adventurespecialties.co.nz (attention: Brenda)
SAFETY
It is our top priority to keep participants and instructors safe during the adventure.
You are welcome to read more about our safety policy here.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
WHAT IS ADVENTURE THERAPY?
If you are having a hard time, or finding life is a struggle at the moment, then Adventure Therapy can help you feel better and also find ways to deal with the hard stuff in your life.
Plus, it is a ton of fun!!!
We use the stunning, wild places of Aotearoa New Zealand, along with therapy ‘tools’ like challenging outdoor adventure activities, team-building exercises, group discussions, one-on-one chats, time for personal reflection, and simply being outdoors in nature.
We use these tools to help you work towards positive outcomes, like increased self-worth, a better toolkit for building hauora (health or wellbeing), stronger whanaungatanga (kinship or community belonging), a greater hope for a future with purpose, and stronger taha wairua (spiritual wellness).
We base our Adventure Therapy programmes around the following five outcomes:
SELF WORTH
Build a toolkit for practicing self-acceptance and self-compassion, and the ability to recognise the value that you add to your whanau, your friends and your community.
TOOLS FOR HAUORA (HEALTH OR WELLNESS)
Develop more confidence in asking for help and support.
WHANAUNGATANGA (WOVEN INTO COMMUNITY)
Improve your social skills and your relationships, so you can feel a greater sense of belonging and connection.
HOPE FOR A FUTURE WITH PURPOSE
Discover the energy and motivation to work towards your personal goals and find a way around obstacles.
TAHA WAIRUA (SPIRITUAL WELLNESS)
Reflect on your own spiritual identity (wairuatanga) and how this adds to your health and wellbeing.
Develop a stronger connection to your own place (turangawaewae), to the land, to nature, to the environment.
COME JOIN US!
Get in touch with Brenda, our Adventure Therapy co-ordinator in Auckland. She can answer any questions that you might have and give you information about how to apply:
Brenda
office@adventurespecialties.co.nz (attention: Brenda)
CHECK OUT OUR ADVENTURES
Every week, we share stories and photos and videos from our recent Adventure Therapy programmes.
Check them out on our Latest News blog or our social pages:
“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.”
—Fydor Dostoyevsky