YMCA doubles number of children catching a free break

Thursday, 13 December 2012, 11:37 am
Press Release: YMCA

11 December 2012
MEDIA RELEASE

YMCA doubles number of children catching a free break this summer

The high ropes course at Guthrie Smith Trust in Tutira is a ‘must do’ for those taking part in the YMCA Hawke’s Bay free Break-Away Youth programme, which these summer holidays has been doubled to cater for 100 Hastings young people.

Now into its third year catering for Flaxmere youth, the Government-funded programme has been extended to include 11 to 17 year olds from Camberley and Raureka. It kicks off on December 17 for a week and then recommences on 7 January for three weeks with the aim of providing constructive activities for at-risk youth who could drift into anti social activities due to boredom over the holidays.

Gemma Dixon, YMCA Hawke’s Bay youth volunteer coordinator, says that the young people are given the opportunity to explore Hawke’s Bay and try new experiences. The high ropes course, and if water quality is safe, kayaking on Lake Tutira were on offer at the popular request of previous attendees, many of whom are booked for the full four weeks.

“It’s something that can’t be done anywhere else locally and it’s a real adrenaline rush for the thrill seekers,” says Miss Dixon. “A big part of Break-Away is the opportunity to travel out of town to see what else there is to do in the area. We want to broaden their horizons and show them how to take advantage of opportunities that come their way.”

Zumba is a new activity that has also been requested and forms part of an itinerary of day trips to locations and activities around the region.

Fishing, beach days, movies, pool days are among the day activities being investigated for the Monday to Friday programme. It is a stipulation of the Break-Away contract that there is at least one hour of physical activity incorporated into each day.

Two buses will collect the children who will be separated into age groups 11 to 13 years and 14 to 17 years, and take them to age appropriate activities then drop them back at the end of the eight hour session. Snacks, lunch and drinks are provided, all at no charge.

Miss Dixon says that it was heartening to see some of the older previous participants now volunteering and coming on as staff. “It’s also great that younger siblings, who are now old enough, want to come along because they know how much fun it is.

“We see there is a huge flow-on benefit as older kids set better examples for their siblings and peers, and the reduced anti-social behaviour is having a positive influence across the whole community.”

Miss Dixon, who works for YMCA Hawke’s Bay as the coordinator of all youth programmes, will be joined each day by other staff and Y-Force volunteers.

“We are recruiting more volunteers now and are especially keen to find more mature helpers who want to make a difference in the future of our community,” Miss Dixon says.

Pre-enrolments for the Break-Away programme or Y-Force volunteers can be made by phoning YMCA Hawke’s Bay on 878 3207.

Break-Away is a free youth programmes being offered by YMCA Hawke’s Bay. There are also OSCAR holiday programmes, which include junior and senior children programmes in Taradale, Napier and Hastings. Two youth programmes see 11 to 14 years olds picked up from various locations and brought to Youth-HQ sites in Hastings and Napier.

ENDS

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