Here is a short 30-second video from our Girls Journey, biking through beautiful Canterbury region with Instructors Grace and April.

The post Biking through Canterbury appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

Rangatahi Backyard Adventures!

A group of young women from Middle School West, trying out a variety of different outdoor activities in their local area, one day a week over eight weeks.

WHY?

The whole programme was funded by Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa, through Sport Waitākere, with the purpose of giving students (especially minority groups) the opportunity to try physical activities that they might not normally get to experience, and to encourage them to continue to be active afterwards.

Here is some feedback from the students:
“Everything was new and fun and I want to do everything again.”
“When I first tried surfing, I really enjoyed it and am definitely going to do it again another time.”
“Inspired me to give kayaking a go because I love being in the water.”

ACTIVITIES

Kayaking around Lake Pupuke, surfing at Orewa, coasteering at Tawharanui, treasure hunting in the Northhead Tunnels, indoor rock climbing (wet weather option), a day hike from Mt Donald McLean to Whaitpu with spectacular 360 degree views of the Manukau Harbour, Whatipu beach and the Waitākere Ranges.

Our activities were all based in Auckland, within driving distance from their homes in West Auckland, which will encourage the students to head back to these amazing places with their friends and whānau.

FEEDBACK FROM THE INSTRUCTORS

“Went in Shakespear Regional Park to walk the TiriTiri trail, then went back to the van for lunch and played some ultimate frisbee. Had the group reflect on gratitude and share about things that they were grateful for and worries that were occupying their minds at the moment and making them forget to be grateful. Group stayed together while walking, guessed riddles, and took some time to be mindful of their surroundings. Good mood, lots of laughter.”

– Instructors Louis and Reuben

MORE FEEDBACK FROM THE STUDENTS

“I found that I love being outside with nature.”
“I’ve learnt that other opinions are necessary […] and working together will always win.”
“When we did rock climbing, it helped me rely and work as a team when climbing the wall.”
“We went out a lot and had some awesome views. This made me appreciate my surroundings.”

The post “Being outdoors brought inner peace” (and other quotes) appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

Our instructors Peter, Joe and Oli took five students from Rutherford High School on a ten-day Journey.

Here is a short slideshow of their photos, including hiking, camping and bush skills, river crossings, mountain biking, team building activities, cooking together, as well as goal setting, group discussions and “chur bro” conversations.

A “chur bro” is an acknowledgement to another person in the group about something good that they have said or done, or something positive about that person. Most of the students mentioned afterwards how much they enjoyed the “chur bro” conversations!

The post Rutherford Journey photo slideshow appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

What happens when we take 10 students on a 10-day “Project K” journey through Karangahake Gorge, in the Waikato region of New Zealand?

There’s fun and laughter, there’s team building activities, there are even a few goats! There are some tears, some serious discussions, there are challenges and opportunities for growth. And, of course, lots of our favourite outdoor adventure activities like abseiling, cycling, hiking, camping, and more!

What is Project K?

Project K is a 14-month programme designed for Year 10 students, created by the Graeme Dingle Foundation.

It involves three parts (wilderness adventure, community challenge and an individual mentoring partnership with a trained mentor).

The wilderness segment is run in partnership with various outdoor providers like us, Adventure Specialties Trust.

“Project K focusses on building confidence, teaching life skills, promoting good health, relationships and encouraging a positive attitude. The aim of Project K is to arm rangatahi (youth) with a belief in their own ability to complete tasks and achieve goals, and to help them find purpose and direction, transforming their lives.”

More photos from the programme:

www.adventurespecialties.co.nz/getting-a-better-sense-of-your-inbuilt-character-strengths

More about Project K:

dinglefoundation.org.nz/project-k-mauri-t%E1%BF%A1-mauri-tau/about-project-k

The post Video: 10 students on a 10 day adventure appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.