Solving life's puzzles
Helensville’s teens put the holiday break to good use, with a summer camp that helped develop life skills, team building and trust.
TrustLine, March 2009
Part of a range of activities run by the Te Awaroa Youth Club, the camp focused on youth development, participation and connection, says club manager Heidi Van Duyn.
“They learned about the importance of team building, community awareness, environmental awareness, how to communicate effectively and leadership qualities,” she says. “That all helps on the path to becoming healthy young adults.
“We included games and activities, Fear Factor style, and that brought a week of laughs, tears, sweat and new found achievements. Pushing themselves both physically and mentally, many discovered that ‘can do’ attitude and gave all they could to achieve high standards and great results.”
The summer camp may have been a highlight for the 40 participants, but a big range of regular activities make the Awaroa Rd clubhouse a second home for up to 200 Helensville youths. Six days a week they can join in games like air hockey and pool, use the fully equipped music room, gym and boxing ring, or the library and art room. The club even has its own café, which hosts movie nights, live music from local bands, theatre sports and art shows.
“We want this to be a place where teenagers can gain friendships, skills and a real sense of belonging and involvement,” says Heidi. “We’re helping local teenagers in their personal and social development during what is known to be the toughest years of a persons life.”
The club was formed in 2002 as a community response to the issues facing Helensville’s young people. Its founders wanted a place that would encourage and inspire and an environment teens could feel at home in.
Over the years dozens of local youth have spent almost every afternoon hanging out there, playing pool, doing homework in the computer suite, having fun creating in the art room or jamming in the sound-proof music space.
Heidi says the club is used by around 50 young people most days. “Our goal is to encourage learning new skills, gaining friendships and encourage ownership of the club – but above all, to have fun.”
The same creative philosophy flowed through to the 2009 summer camp, which focused on the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa and highlighted that youth development:
- is shaped by the big picture
- is about young people being connected
- is based on a consistent strengths-based approach
- happens through quality relationships
- is triggered when young people fully participate
- needs good information.