Youthtown

Land Based Activities:

Catapults Available in Auckland

In this activity, students will get the chance to work as a team, problem solving and following instructions to construct 1 or 2 working trebuchet Catapults (group size and/ or time dependant). Once constructed students will learn how to safely operate the catapult and use it to launch different objects as far as they can.

Outcomes are;

Problem solving

Learning life skills through following instructions, symbols and texts

Working collaboratively to create and safely operate catapults

Self-management through following safety rules and boundaries

Having fun

Flintstone Carts Available in all regions

In this activity participants will work together to construct a form of transportation, using outdoor resources such as bamboo, ropes, and old water drums. During the construction process they will learn and use new knots and rope skills that can be used in other areas of life like securing items on a trailer or roof racks. Once built, the participants get to enjoy rolling around on a cart that looks like it came straight out of the stone age or the flintstones tv series.

Tee Pee Building Available in all regions

In this activity, Students will get the chance to learn and practice some knots, hitches and lashing skills while working together to create teepees and tripod style structures

During this process they will be exposed to all the problem solving those early traditional cultures had, to create movable shelters. Once created (time depending of course) the students can share camping stories, test their creations weather proofness or even create 1 giant Teepee using all the resources available.

Water Based Activities:

Kayaking *Auckland only

Kayaking is an exciting and adventurous experience. Participants get the chance to explore, race, play and rescue while paddling in individual kayaks. It is a hands-on activity that builds coordination, confidence and fundamental water safety knowledge. Participants will get to learn new skills, such as how to steer and paddle effectively, and stay safe on the water, including how to assist a friend who has fallen out their boat. Its an activity where paddling skills are just the beginning.

Objectives are:

Water safety, water confidence and water competence
Participation, trying something new and using challenge by choice to extend comfort zones
Self-management through following safety instructions and being solely in charge of their own kayak
Having fun

Sailing *Auckland only

Our sailing takes place in Optimist Sailing Dinghies which are perfect for beginner/ young sailors. Participants will learn the basic parts of the boat, what they do and how to use them before getting on the water and harnessing the wind. Participants will learn the difference between tacking and gybing and common points of sail and use this knowledge to sail a course on the water. Learning to right a capsized boat or other fun challenges are all on the cards as well.

Paddleboarding – The Great Paddle Challenge *Auckland and Christchurch Only

Paddleboarding is more than just a fun day on the water it’s a powerful way for participants to grow. As they learn to balance, paddle, and steer, participants build real confidence in their abilities. Each challenge on the water helps grow resilience, while group activities encourage teamwork and communication. Paddleboarding also fosters a deeper connection to nature, teaching care and respect for our outdoor environments. It’s an unforgettable adventure that builds life skills along the way.

River Smart – Learning to Respect the Flow *Christchurch Only

River Smart is a water safety activity dedicated to teaching participants how to enjoy rivers safely and responsibly. Rivers are beautiful places to explore, swim, and play, but they can also be unpredictable and dangerous if you don’t know what to watch out for. Even shallow or calm-looking water can have strong currents, hidden rocks, or sudden drop-offs. Participants will practice real-life scenarios in safe, controlled settings and learn how to move through water safely, signal for help, and help others without putting themselves at risk.

Raft Building – Teamwork on the Water *Auckland and Christchurch Only

Raft building is a hands-on, adventurous activity that brings teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving to life. As participants work together to design, build, and test their own rafts, they learn how to communicate effectively, adapt under pressure, and support one another. The experience challenges them to think critically and work as a team, while also having loads of fun in an outdoor setting. Whether their raft sinks or sails, the learning is in the journey and the laughter along the way!