YOUNG ADULTS PUSH THEIR BOUNDARIES AT NZDSA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CAMP

By Coen Lammers

The 14 young adults and many of their parents had mixed emotions when they boarded their flights from all corners of the country. The participants and their supporters were still buzzing from their amazing experiences during the three-day camp in Long Bay, north of Auckland, but also shed a tear saying farewell to all the new friends they had made. The annual weekend is one of the highlights on the NZDSA calendar where young adults from all regions in the country are nominated by their local groups to be invited to this fully funded camp of fun, action, laughter and great food. The change in the mood of the group and the interactions between the young people and their carers between arrival and departure is incredible to watch. When the group first gathers, most participants are understandably shy and nervous of what they can expect. Some have never been on a plane, and some had never spent a night away from their parents. Each young person got their own room at the beautiful Vaughn Park, looking out over Long Bay beach. The parents stayed nearby in another house on the same property, but for some participants even that small separation was a big step in growing their independence. After the first introductions and getting familiar with their new surroundings the young adults are driven to Xtreme Bowling where they proved to be extremely competitive in their ten-pin bowling and barely had time to eat the pizza on offer. Saturdays are always action packed at the Sir Peter Black Maritime Education and Recreation Centre (MERC) where the wonderful instructors gently guided the young people through the first steps of rock climbing and abseiling. Some of the young people were clearly not impressed by what was lying ahead but all showed incredible courage as every participant

conquered their fear of heights and abseiled the intimidating wall. The rock climbing proved to be a bit more challenging but again all participants gave it a real go and many of them managed to reach the top of the wall. All that activity had created a real hunger, but the Rapid Response Team were there to the rescue and fed the crew a much appreciated lunch of burgers and chips. In the afternoon, the MERC instructors brought out the archery gear and the participants showed a real knack of hitting the target. For many of them it was the first time they had handled a bow, and they all enjoyed learning this exciting new skill. After a well-deserved rest, the youngsters dressed up for a beautiful dinner prepared by the Vaughn Park staff, but any extra kilos were quickly worked off when the dining room was turned into a dance floor. The crew particularly enjoyed songs from Mamma Mia and Grease, but all showed their unique dancing styles with a variety of music. A slightly jaded group arrived at breakfast on Sunday, before heading into an art session to reflect on the weekend and about the new things they had learned. Several of the parents also commented about their own personal development and how impressed they were with their children trying new things and showing more independence than they had expected. Most caretakers vowed to use the new lessons to let their children become more independent. The weekend created some wonderful new friendships and many exchanged details to stay in touch. The NZDSA Youth Camp is a unique opportunity to learn, for parents and their offspring, and build new networks. If you are interested in attending at the next camp in late 2021, contact your local NZDSA representative and put your name forward.

What the participants thought of the Youth Development Camp

Jared, participant

What did you like the best? Archery. Did you do anything that was a bit scary? Playing at a different bowling alley. How did it make you feel doing something that was scary? The new things were fun though. Did you make any new friends? Made friends but unsure on names. What would you say to other young people who might want to go to camp? Go for the rope climbing.

Reuben, participant

What did you like the best? Rock climbing. Did you do anything that was a bit scary? Thought the rock climbing was scary. How did it make you feel doing something that was scary? Excited and scary, but I’ll do it again. Did you make any new friends? I made friends with someone called Glen. What would you say to other young people who might want to go to camp? Go on the camp if you want to go on the plane.

Karlin, participant

What did you like the best? The best part about the camp was the ten-pin bowling on Friday night. Did you do anything that was a bit scary? The abseiling was a bit scary. How did it make you feel doing something that was scary? It was good to do something hard. Did you make any new friends? Yes I made new friends, that was cool. What would you say to other young people who might want to go to camp? It was a fun experience. I would love to do it again, and come by myself.

Amelia, participant

What did you like the best? I liked the abseiling the best and meeting new people. Did you do anything that was a bit scary? No I was not scared because I have been to the camp before and we did the same activities before. Did you make any new friends? Yes I made two new friends Caitlin and Libby and I met up with my best friend Talia there too. What would you say to other young people who might want to go to camp? Give it a go. It's great fun working as a team and helping each other and being kind and friendly.

Glen, participant

What did you like the best? My favourite was abseiling. Archery was my favourite too. Did you do anything that was a bit scary? Rock climbing, tried once and didn’t like it. How did it make you feel doing something that was scary? It got a bit scary going up but not down. It made me feel nervous but someone helped me by talking me into giving it a go. Did you make any new friends? Yes I did, don’t remember their names but made lots of friends. What would you say to other young people who might want to go to camp? It is heaps of fun! Heaps of good food – they cook better than mum! Two thumbs up and I would like to go again.

Caroline, STRIVE support person

I have really enjoyed being in different roles by being a support buddy and to cheer on everyone that participated in the activities that we have done that weekend. I found abseiling a bit scary at first but at the end of it I really enjoyed it. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself and think to yourself I can do it and be proud of who you are.

Jonathan Leach, parent

What did you like the best? Being around other young DS adults, my first time in a group. Meeting Zandra from the NZDSA and all her support team for the first time. It's been a long time but I have always found the NZDSA extremely supportive over the past 20 years when I have made contact. Meeting other parents and caregivers. Conversations. Watching the enjoyment on their faces when they achieved. Experiencing how the young adults confront their fears on the abseiling and rock climbing, with vengeance and determination. Formal but relaxed and considerate. Did you do anything that was a bit scary? Attend the camp. How did it make you feel doing something that was scary? It made me feel inclusive and part of a team. Contented. Not alone. Proud. Did you make any new friends? Everyone was just wonderful, I would call all who attended the camp as friends (I am a bit of a loner) but yes I intend making contact with a few of you. What would you say to young people who might want to go to camp? Go and attend. You will be taken care of. You will have fun. You will make new friends. This is your camp. Lots of food and drinks. Great activities.