YMCA Tauranga Unleashes Youth on City

Monday, 19 December 2011, 12:06 pm
Press Release: YMCA

YMCA Tauranga Unleashes Youth on City

On Monday the 12th December the YMCA Youth 4 Youth programme finished their year off in style. Teams of teenagers embarked on the ultimate scavenger hunt through the streets of Tauranga city. They were given a list of challenges that each required photo evidence of completion. Each challenge was ranked on difficulty and the inevitable scale of public humiliation involved. The higher the risk of humiliation, the more points it was worth.

It was a rainy night, but spirits were high and the competitive streak was alive and well. Briefing consisted of a feed of pizza, devoured in record time, explanation on the rules, and the team lists. This was followed by some healthy trash talk by those desperate to get a win for their team. They then jumped in the YMCA vans and set out. You may have been one of the lucky few to be on the Strand to witness impromptu song and dance, from groups of teenagers, completing their flash mob challenge, singing none other than the Village People’s YMCA of course. Or perhaps you witnessed random people being serenaded to by a boy on one knee with 10 backup singers. Other challengers included going for a team swim in their clothes, this brought plenty of squeals and screams of excitement as they waded into the water at Memorial park to neck deep. Apologies if you happened to be at the park that night, as the peaceful surroundings were disturbed with screams of ‘it’s freezing!’ Teams were also challenged to busk for $5. One team went above and beyond, making a whopping $8.50. There were a bunch of challenges that shared the love around with complete strangers, these included: give someone a group hug, complete a random act of kindness, wash someone’s dishes, help someone with their groceries, and walk someone’s dog. For the strangers involved this was surely a unique experience, especially if you were hugged by 10 teenagers at the same time.

The list of challenges went on, and in an hour and a half almost all of them were completed. At the YMCA we work with people to help find their spirit, so they can make the most of their experience and unleash their potential on the world around them. The youth on this particular night had no problem showing their spirit. The night was an absolute blast for all involved. The winning team received all important bragging rights along with great memories. Thank you to everyone we came across on the night for being good sports. And for all teenagers aged 14 to 17 out there who haven’t been involved with Youth 4 Youth this year make sure you don’t miss out in 2012. Get in touch with the YMCA today!

About YMCA Tauranga
To us, it’s all about showing your spirit. Ask yourself, when was the last time you showed yours?

Most people hold tightly onto theirs, often too shy to release it. Some people let their spirit run wild, and sometimes have to rein it in- and we meet tonnes of people who have just never been shown how to find theirs. You also get the occasional person who reckons they are just saving their spirit for later.

At the YMCA we work with people to help find their spirit, so they can make the most of their experience and unleash their potential on the world around them.

© Scoop Media

YMCA

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The Y has been in New Zealand for over 168 years, building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. There are 48 Y centres across New Zealand.

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