The Boyle River project was a pilot scheme run from 9 – 11 December at the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre, aimed at generating more youth leaders for national family and youth camps.

To begin with HNZ staff did a survey of the current youth committee and found that a three-day, as opposed to a five-day, induction was preferable due to life constraints.

The outreach team identified the areas they needed the learning objectives to focus on, these being communication, team building, and learning activities the youth leaders could run at the camps. They decided it was best if all the outreach workers attended so they had a first-hand experience with the course structure.

We all arrived on Sunday 8 December and stayed at a motel on the outskirts of Christchurch. We left early on Monday and travelled approximately 2 hours by minivan to the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre.

Sharon and her team met us, we were inducted, put through an epic pack packing exercise, and were on our way for the overnight tramp that afternoon. Two staff only are required to be on the field with a group of 10 or less, so we were well covered with eight youth attending. Darian and Vic accompanied the youth, while Lynne and Tineke stayed behind at the lodge.

The overnight camp under tarps, eating camp food and the early morning swim in the freezing Boyle River was a definite highlight, according to feedback. The instructors were so positive and really made everyone push themselves.

We returned to base mid-Tuesday and commenced a series of adventure-based learning activities. These were simple, easy activities that the youth leaders can implement on future HNZ camps. The solo adventure Tuesday night was great for some and disappointing for others who wanted to camp out again. Wednesday morning on the high ropes was challenging, and it was great to see the growth these youth had taken on.

Staff reflected that our youth showed a strong sense of inclusion. It was wonderful to observe the young people learning leadership skills and putting them in practice. They certainly grew in confidence as the camp progressed. The bonding between participants led them to become better leaders and to understand the need for clear instructions. They also learned that leaders need to focus on the whole group and keeping an eye out for any issues, and that it’s important to give and accept feedback that is constructive and respectful. The active learning experienced at this camp really helped the youth absorb the goals we had set.