YMCA camp at Raukawa

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 31, 24 December 1985, Page 15 (Supplement)

YMCA camp at Raukawa

Children can have a taste of adventure this summer at the YMCA's camp at Raukawa Falls. The camp, situated half way between Raetihi and Wanganui just south of Raukawa Falls, is directed by YMCA newcomer, expoliceman Keith Smith, who spent 18 months at the Raetihi police station eight years ago. Three four-day camps will be run for seven to ten yearold boys and girls, the first beginning on 3 January. The camps are designed for the age group and the children are closely supervised by leaders and helpers. Two camps will also be run for 11 to 15 year-old boys and girls, for seven days each. These camps are designed to extend each child and develop their confidence and skills. Both senior and junior camps will be taken on camp-outs and children can experience adventures such as canoeing, bushcraft, tramping, swimming, fishing, campfire cooking and an exciting mud slide. Assisting Keith during the summer will be Shauna McGuinn, an American, who is very experienced in camping in America. Keith left the police recently after nine years service without another job to go to because, he said, he'd had a 'gutsful'. "1 needed something new and positive, something more enjoyable," he said.