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Recreate NZ Camps Out with Confidence: NZCT Helps Youth Adventure Take Off

"The camps are so good for (my daughter) to develop her independence. When she goes away normally it’s to family, so being in charge of herself and responsible for her belongings has really changed her attitude about her capabilities."
Parent, Nicky Cranshaw

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Recreate NZ a $9,495 grant to help cover the cost of their Kauaeranga Valley National Youth Camp, a multi-regional outdoor adventure camp for youth with disabilities. The funding will help keep costs low while providing high-quality activities, accommodation, and catering, ensuring all participants enjoy a safe, fun, and accessible experience.

National Operations Manager Matt Alpe says, “Recreate NZ offers positive out-of-home experiences for children and young adults with disabilities, helping them connect, grow, and build confidence.

Recreate NZ is a youth-focused, family-orientated charitable trust that engages with local communities to foster inclusion and change perceptions about disability and neurodiversity. Kauaeranga Valley National Youth Camp will bring together 42 young people with disabilities in the trust’s largest multi-region outdoor adventure programme to date. Through outdoor education, challenges, and group activities, participants, staff, and volunteers will connect, learn, and grow together. The camp encourages positive mental health, builds social bonds, fosters confidence, and supports personal growth.

The idea for this multi-region programme came from Recreate NZ’s National Youth Board, which includes 13 young people with disabilities from Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Wellington. Alpe adds, “We love collaborating with young people by listening to their needs and they’ve been asking for more opportunities to connect across regions for some time.”

Participant, Noelani, says, “I love making new friends with other Recreate students and coming together to have fun in camps and day trips, and feeling fully trusted with everything we do!”

Parent, Nicky Cranshaw adds “The camps are so good for (my daughter) to develop her independence. When she goes away normally it’s to family, so being in charge of herself and responsible for her belongings has really changed her attitude about her capabilities.”

NZCT GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, “Everyone regardless of ability should have the opportunity to enjoy and grow in the outdoors. Recreate’s camps are wonderful. NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnerships we share with local hospitality venues via their responsible gaming lounges.”