Physical challenges for bored youngsters

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 3, 5 August 1988, Page 29

Physical challenges for bored youngsters

BY

roz

noble

Mountains, rivers, bush-clad ranges and magnificent Lake Taupo surround the small rural township of Turangi in the central North Island. A township similar to many in New Zealand with its problems of unemployment and crime. But in 1987, the Woolrest Foundation with well-known mountaineer Graeme Dingle as Director selected Turangi as a community model to attempt to prove an idea. The idea was that every community was responsible for its own problems, and if a community faced and dealt with its own problems, the rising tide of unemployment and crime would decrease. One of the more serious problems facing Turangi was the high crime rate a m o n g young people particularly petty burglary and vandalism. It indicated a bored and unhappy bunch of youngsters looking for a buzz. Yet, here they were in one of New Zealand's most magnificent areas, surrounded by the "great outdoors" and barely aware of it, The first task Graeme Dingle tackled as Director of the Woolrest Foundation was to form an Outdoor Club for young people. The philosophy of the club is to make outdoor activities available to all youngsters, from approximately 10 years upwards, regardless of sex, cultural or social background. Also to attract seriously "at risk" youngsters to the club activities (around 20% of the club roll) with the intention of exposing them to positive peer pressures and activities which can be of on-go-ing interest and motivation to them. Finally to develop a system of youngsters rising up though the club to assume responsibility thus ensuring the survival of the club. On Wednesday, April 29, at 7.00pm a meeting was held in the town centre of Turangi to see if the young people wanted an outdoor club. By 7.10pm the room was packed out. Yes, these young people wanted a club alright, and could hardly wait to get out there tramping, kayaking and rock-climbing. A system was soon established. Meetings would be held every Wednesday night and on Sundays the activities would take place. $1 per person would be charged every Wednesday and Sunday thus covering the hiring fees for gear. The club was fortunate that the Outdoor Pursuits Centre

of New Zealand, located near Mt Ruapehu, agreed to hire any gear required such as ropes, harnesses and kayaks. Tongariro High School also had a supply of p'acks, tents and primus's which were duly hired. The Wednesday night format became fairly informal. The following Sunday's activities would be discussed and occasionally an instructor from the Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand would come down to give a talk and show slides. A schedule of activities was drawn up for Sundays and every Sunday since April last year has seen a group of youngsters attempting rock-climb-ing, mountaineering, overnight tramps, horse-riding, fishing, caving, kayaking, canoeing, skiing and rafting. In July 1987, The Hillary Commission for Recreation and Sport

approved a grant of $5000 to go towards the cost of purchasing equipment. This was a wonderful gesture of confidence in the club. Local outdoor enthusiasts, such as members of the Mountain Safety Council, plus instructors from

the Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand give their time on Sundays to assist and instruct in the day's activities. Parents have been encouraged to participate in the activities and in particular to help with

transport, but very few parents showed their faces. Whether this was due to disinterest and a chance to get the kids off their hands or whether they lacked the confidence and self-es-teem to give things a go, remains to be seen. However, thanks to a small group of adults, in particular William Malcolm who organises the gathering o n Wednesday night and

Gordon McLeod who is responsible for the Sunday activities, the Outdoor Club looks set to be running for a long time yet. Impressions of the outdoors by members of the newly formed Turangi Outdoor Club. The Climb up Pihanga - by Dain Leathem aged 12 Many warm clothes were needed on our tramp up

Pihanga last weekend, despite the heat on the way up, which rapidly changed to cold weather by the time the summit was reached. A hot fire and boiled water got some of the heat back into every one with their favourite hot drinks. The trip down got everyone bruised a few times but that's life. Overall everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and they are all probably looking forward to next week's outing on flat ground.

Roz Noble lives at Turangi's Outdoor Pursuits centre, with her husband who is an Outdoor Pursuits Centre instructor.