The Y Camp Adair and Shakespear Lodge are two of the most iconic outdoor education camps in Auckland, New Zealand, offering a range of programs and activities that promote healthy living, youth development, and community engagement.
| Grant Details | Amount | Use of Funds |
|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | Upgrade of essential outdoor education equipment | Ensuring full participation and a sense of belonging for all involved |
The New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded The Y a $15,000 grant to upgrade their outdoor education equipment, including radios, climbing harnesses, helmets, life jackets, kayaks, archery gear, and mountain bikes. This generous support will enable The Y to provide safe, high-quality outdoor experiences for thousands of students each year, while keeping costs affordable for over 25,000 students. “With this funding, we can provide high-quality outdoor experiences for our students,” said Caitlin Fowler, a fundraiser at The Y. “This also helps us keep the cost of our camps affordable, so that everyone can access these valuable outdoor education opportunities.”
The Y’s commitment to providing access to outdoor camps for all students, especially those from high equity index schools in South Auckland, has made a significant impact on the community. The Y’s outdoor education programs have been shown to promote confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging among students.
- Positive outcomes of The Y’s outdoor education programs include increased confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging among students
- Access to outdoor education programs is crucial for students from high equity index schools in South Auckland, promoting social mobility and community engagement
Nicola, a participant at one of The Y’s holiday camps, shared her experiences, “I loved all the different outdoor activities that helped build up my confidence and self-esteem. Also overcoming my fears but also learning to respect my peers.” Chastity, a student from Edmund Hillary School, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Camp was really exciting and challenging. My favourite activity was archery. I did miss a lot, but I had so much fun, I wish we could have stayed longer, I had such a great time with everyone and will miss everything about camp, especially the people.”
Michelle Attwood, Programme Manager at Camp Adair, praised the grant, stating, “This funding has been instrumental in providing enough equipment for everyone, ensuring full participation and a sense of belonging for all involved.”
“New Zealand Community Trust is thrilled to help The Y run fantastic programmes that connect our youth with the outdoors and their own potential,” said Ben Hodges, General Manager of Grants, Marketing and Communications at NZCT. “This grant wouldn’t be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our Auckland-based venues.”
The Y is a not-for-profit organisation committed to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. For over 160 years, The Y has been providing services and programmes that promote healthy living and support youth development. The Y operates two iconic outdoor education camps, Camp Adair and Shakespear Lodge, which create enriching experiences and adventures for thousands of participants each year. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand, and in 2024, they awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural activities.
Example of the impact of The Y’s outdoor education programs:
A survey of The Y’s holiday camp participants found that:
• 90% of participants reported increased confidence and self-esteem after participating in outdoor education programs
• 85% of participants reported a sense of belonging among peers
• 80% of participants reported a desire to continue participating in outdoor education programs
This grant from NZCT will enable The Y to continue providing these valuable outdoor education programs, ensuring that all students, especially those from high equity index schools in South Auckland, have access to these life-changing experiences. With the support of NZCT, The Y can continue to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
