Camp Raukawa

In a collaboration between the YMCA and VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, our tūhono at Camp Raukawa was born! Organised and run by VOYCE’S Lower North Island team, Te Tai Hai-ā-uru Raukawa Moana, young people were invited to spend a day out at Camp Raukawa, where VOYCE and the YMCA ran two interactive sessions with care experienced young people.

Camp Raukawa is for tamariki in care between the ages of 8 to 16, and we had 12 young people come and participate in the two sessions that VOYCE ran. During these sessions, we did fun games like balloon tossing, hula-hoop races, a giant joint art project and a chance to make your own sleep spray. This was super fun for everyone involved – kaimahi too! The young people were also given VOYCE care packs, and were told about who VOYCE is, what we do, and how they can get in contact with us if they want advocacy support.

The purpose of our event was to connect with children and young people in care in the region, so that they can learn who VOYCE is, the support we offer and build trusted relationships with them. Any event VOYCE runs is also a great chance for young people in care to meet, and connect with one another. The Lower North Island team has a wider plan to run regular events at the respite camps that the YMCA holds across the region.

The young people who came along to the event had a great time, with one young person even saying “this has been the most fun day of camp so far!”

YMCA’s programme co-ordinator also spoke with the VOYCE team and gave positive feedback around the activities run. We can’t wait to come along to the next one!