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16 Sep

Update on the Taupo front

Youthtown Taupo has been in action for four months now – and to say ‘it’s busy’ is an understatement!

Before programmes officially kicked off in June, 250 young people were surveyed to identify exactly what local youth wanted from Youthtown.

With this information on-hand, Youthtown Taupo branch manager Dion Brown formulated an action-packed holiday programme that will see 80 participants go paint ball shooting, caving, skiing and snowboarding (just to name a few things).

A series of stimulating and challenging programmes for term four have also been set up. Ceroc dancing, cooking classes, self defence and makeup artistry will be just some of the activities on offer for teens keen to get involved.

“Our programmes are designed to be high quality with challenging objectives that will produce positive outcomes,” says Dion.

Youthtown Taupo burned up the dance floor last month, hosting the Neon Rave. Just over 500 teens aged 13 – 18 attended making it “larger than Texas” in Dion’s opinion. A second dance party is already in the works as well as a ‘post NCEA prom’ for year 11 – 13 students which will take place after exams wrap up in December.

The Youthtown Taupo team is excited about 2010, ready to hit the ground running.

January will see the centre host a fundraising Luau at the AC Baths with a variety of entertainment (including performances from some of their hip hop and ceroc dance students) on show.

Summer holiday programmes are set to include camping at Whakaipo Bay with a focus on outdoor challenges such as orienteering, mountain biking, adventure-based learning, kayaking and bush craft.

The challenge to make the programmes affordable to all youth and their familieis remains.

“We work hard to try and subsidise the programmes as much as possible. This can be difficult as there is currently no funding in this sector for 13 – 18-year-olds,” says Dion. “We need to attract funding from all outlets as the resources required to develop and deliver quality programmes are significant.”

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