School Programmes

There is little doubt that physical activity, when combined with adventure, is an effective tool for developing self-esteem, trust, motivation, determination, self-awareness and confidence - particularly in young people. It is amazing how a change in scenery can bring out hidden qualities and capabilities! The YMCA staff provide quality adventure activities for all ages, cultures and abilities while always focusing on the YMCA key values; Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Caring. It is the values focus which sets us apart from other outdoor education providesr. Proudly, these four words represent our point of difference.
The staff team at Wall and Outdoors are proud to be leaders in outdoor education and youth development programmes. We are always working hard to ensure that the service we provide aligns with what the local community needs, as well as being professional, safe, well-resourced and affordable.


INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Abseiling
Our abseiling tower is indoors and is a great option for individual challenge. This option is not affected by the weather outside and can be an excellent precursor to similar activities outdoors.

Classroom Action
Don't want to leave school but want the benefit of our dynamic instructional team? We can come to you to run a range of programmes; think outside the square and get the Y crew to bring to you team building, initiative olympics, peer support training and more. Call us to talk about it and we'll come up with creative ideas!

Indoor Climbing
The Christchurch YMCA boasts the biggest indoor cimbing wall in the South Island, with a massive number of routes. This is an ideal option for beginners or experienced climbers. Our instructors will sequence the session so that your students achieve their goals and participate fully. A great option as it is not weather dependent.

Team Building Games
Never underestimate the power of play when it comes to adventure in the outdoors. Some simple activities, cleverly facilitated by our staff, can result in fantastic outcomes for your class. Kids who previously never spoke to eachother suddenly become friends, the student who is least co-ordinated is suddenly the key to success, the child who is always disruptive finally has an important role in the group. This activity is great for developing trust, building the team and having fun without requiring physical skill.


OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Adventure Days
These are action-packed days which provide your students with 3 activities (any of the above). This is like a day at camp - without the camp! bring your class and rotate them through three ativities of your choice and rest assured that they will have had some great exposure to adventure in the outdoors as well as being nicely exhauster by the end ofit! A cost-effective one-hit-wonder for your class.

Classroom Action
Don't want to leave school but want the benefit of our dynamic instructional team? We can come to you to run a range of programmes; think outside the square and get the Y crew to bring to you team building, initiative olympics, peer support training and more. Call us to talk about it and we'll come up with creative ideas!

Kayaking
We have a fleet of 20 'river' kayaks which are great for beginner or intermediate level kayakers. We believe that for the best result in either introducing participants to kayaking or teaching kayaking skills, flat, non-moving water is best. We run kayaking at many different sites but favourites of ours are Cass Bay, Purau Bay and the Groynes. Howeverm we can go anywhere - Sumner Beach, the Avon or you school pool! Our instructors are trained to provide structured sequenced sessions which are safe but still fun and encourage confidence and independence on the water.

Orienteering
Get them running! Looking at and interpreting maps, using a compass, racing against each other or time, discovering independence in the great outdoors; orienteeing is ofer underestimated for it's capacity to be great fun and educational to boot. Those students who hate running and sports will enjoy the intellectual side of activity, but those who are cross country gurus will be right at home too!

Rock Climbing
Get your students outside for some 'real' rock climbing at one of the many locations around the Port Hills and South Island. Our instructors will top-rope routes according to your groups' experience level, and facilitate and instruct them safely thourgh a series of climbs which push their personal limitis as well as encourage them to maintain an interest in activity in the outdoors. Outdoor climbing is weather dependent, so a back-up plan can be indoor climbing if an alternative date is difficult.

Team Building Games
Never underestimate the power of play when it comes to adventure in the outdoors. Some simple activities, cleverly facilitated by our staff, can result in fantastic outcomes for your class. Kids who previously never spoke to eachother suddenly become friends, the student who is least co-ordinated is suddenly the key to success, the child who is always disruptive finally has an important role in the group. This activity is great for developing trust, building the team and having fun without requiring physical skill.

Tyrolean Traverse
This activity is a team-based initiative with a difference. Depending on where the traverse is set up - there is an element of 'perceived' risk involved as well as an adventure element which is great for the more energetic and physical in your class. We commonly set this up across the Avon in Hagley Park, though in reality it can be set up just about anywhere - at your campsite, in your school grounds, or anywhere with suitable large trees.


DESIGNER PACKAGES

The YMCA School Camp Rocks the Camp that rocks the camp!!!
Take your students on an adventure, have a School Camp at Purau Bay, Orton Bradley Park or a venue of your choice. At Purau Bay they can stay overnight in the safety of a beach side camp ground, with the option of tents or bunks, plus all the facilities of home, and they can take part in a full adventure day with Kayaking, Raft Building, Team Building, Navigation Work Shops and they can scale the mighty cliffs of Purau Bay, and at night the kids can be entertained with camp activities. Alternatively they can tent at Orton Bradley Park with many of the same activities.
Meals and accommodation are to be provided by the school.

Designer Packages
If you want more than what is outlined above then there is no problem! We are happy to put together a programme for you based on your particular objectives, participants, budget and time frames. Just call us to discuss options and we'll put together a plan and a quote.

NZQA Assessors
We are NZQA accredited, and work with many school and youth groups to help their students gain qualifications in kayaking, camp skills, rock climbing, snow craft, bush craft, adventure based learning, survival skills and navigational workshops.


PROGRAMME PRICES

Please call the Youth and Outdoors Department on 03 9632828 for our information pack and price list.


HOW TO REGISTER

Registration form

A registration form is included in our Information Pack
which can be downloaded or mailed out to you on request. Simply call us on 366 0689 or email us at adminyo@ymcachch.org.nz. The pack includes a description of activities, a full price list of all activities with additional information on group numbers, contact details and a registration form.


CONTACT DETAILS

If you would like to discuss any aspect of our operation or make a booking you can call any of the staff at Wall & Outdoors on 03 366 0689. Other contact numbers are:


Jo Fitzpatrick Administrator Direct Dial: 963 2828  Email: adminyo@ymcachch.org.nz
Ginny Bowden Youth and Outdoors Manager Direct Dial: 963 2825  Email: manageryo@ymcachch.org.nz
Josie Ogden Director Youth & Outdoors/Wainui Park 366 0689 or 03 304 8460  Email: josie@ymcachch.org.nz

Fax to Wall & Outdoors: 365 1386
Fax to Wainui Park: 03 304 8784