Wellington Group Programme GP7

Over eight weeks, a group of Wellington young people stepped outside their comfort zones, built new friendships, and discovered strengths they may not have realised they had.

The Wellington Group Programme was designed to help participants grow in confidence, develop resilience, and strengthen positive connections through a series of engaging workshops, outdoor adventures, and shared experiences. From the first orientation evening to the final Homecoming Hui, each stage of the programme provided opportunities for personal growth, connection, and fun.

Building Connections from the Beginning

The journey began with an Orientation Evening at Q Space in Lower Hutt, where boys attended alongside their caregivers to meet the Big Buddy team, facilitators, and mentors.

Through introductions, icebreaker activities, and plenty of pizza, participants were able to begin forming connections and become familiar with the supportive environment that would guide them through the programme.

The following week, the group gathered at Paparangi Scout Hall for their first workshop. Together they established group agreements, built trust, explored emotions, and learned tools to support positive communication and strong group connections.

Reaching New Heights at Titahi Bay

One of the programme’s most exciting early highlights was a full-day outdoor rock climbing and abseiling adventure on the sea cliffs at Titahi Bay.

For many participants, it was their first experience scaling rock faces and descending cliffs. The day challenged them to step beyond their comfort zones, trust themselves, and persevere through moments of uncertainty.

Just as importantly, boys learned to encourage one another through challenges, celebrate successes, and build confidence as a team. The experience reinforced an important lesson that carried throughout the programme: growth often happens when we are willing to try something new.

Developing Trust and Self-Awareness

Back at the workshops, participants continued strengthening connections through team-building activities, life mapping exercises, communication skills, and self-awareness activities.

These sessions provided opportunities for the boys to reflect on their experiences, better understand themselves, and continue building trust within the group.

Taking on the Rapids

Week 4 delivered another unforgettable adventure as the group headed to the Ōtaki River for a whitewater rafting experience.

Working together to navigate the rapids required communication, trust, and teamwork. The excitement of travelling down the river and overcoming challenges together created a strong sense of achievement and became a standout experience for many participants.

Strengthening Wellbeing and Connection

As the programme progressed, participants explored wellbeing through Te Whare Tapa Whā, learning about the different dimensions of wellbeing and the importance of maintaining balance in their lives.

The group also explored ways to strengthen their connections with whānau and began preparing for the upcoming camp experience.

Bushcraft and Time in Nature

In Week 6, the group spent a day in Catchpool Bush developing bushcraft and outdoor skills.

This adventure-focused day emphasised teamwork, resilience, and the benefits of spending time in nature. Highlights included cooking lunch over an open fire, bush walking, developing practical outdoor skills, and taking time for quiet reflection and gratitude.

The experience encouraged participants to slow down, appreciate their surroundings, and recognise their ability to overcome challenges together.

Preparing for the Final Challenge

The final workshop focused on preparing for camp. Participants reflected on how far they had come, strengthened communication and teamwork skills, and discussed camp expectations.

By this stage of the programme, strong bonds had formed within the group, setting the foundation for the culminating camp experience.

Camp Adventure and Homecoming Hui

The programme concluded with a four-day camp based at the YMCA Kaitoke Outdoor Education Centre, held over the Matariki long weekend.

The boys participated in a range of activities including tramping, bushcraft, team initiatives, cooking together, reflection sessions, gratitude letter writing, personal goal setting, and an overnight camping journey. These experiences strengthened resilience, independence, leadership, and connection while creating lasting memories.

A major highlight was tackling the iconic Remutaka Incline Trail. Following the route of the historic railway line, the trail winds through native bush, tunnels, and valleys, offering stunning views along the way. The challenge tested participants’ determination and resilience, while also providing countless opportunities to encourage and support one another.

In the spirit of Matariki, the camp created space for reflection, gratitude, and connection. Boys celebrated how far they had come, recognised the strengths they had developed, and looked ahead to the opportunities and challenges that await them. Shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and time spent in nature helped deepen the friendships and sense of belonging that had grown throughout the programme.

The programme concluded with a Homecoming Hui, where boys shared reflections from their journey with parents, caregivers, whānau, and mentors. It was a powerful opportunity to celebrate achievements, recognise personal growth, and acknowledge the relationships that had been built throughout the programme.

The Impact Beyond the Programme

While the adventures and activities created lasting memories, the greatest impact was often seen at home.

One caregiver shared:

“I’d just like to thank you all for your time and effort with our boys, especially mine. It takes him a lot to get up and want to go be a part of something. Nepia came home on Sunday and was so grateful for his time spent with you all. He also thanked me for pushing him to go. This is a big win for us.”

Another caregiver reflected on the positive changes they had seen in their son:

“So grateful to have done this. For a very long time I never heard the magic words ‘Thank you’ from my son. It started coming and I was shocked, but in a happy way. Really appreciate the effort you invest in the boys. Life impact! ❤️”

These reflections highlight the lasting impact that connection, encouragement, and positive role modelling can have on young people and their whānau.

Looking Back

By the end of the programme, the young people had accomplished far more than completing a series of activities. They had built confidence, strengthened relationships, developed resilience, gained practical skills, and discovered new strengths within themselves.

From cliffside climbing in Titahi Bay and rafting the rapids of the Ōtaki River to bushcraft adventures in Catchpool Bush and the challenges of camp life at Kaitoke, every experience offered an opportunity to learn and grow.

We are incredibly proud of what each participant achieved and grateful to the caregivers, mentors, facilitators, and supporters who helped make the journey possible. The programme was a powerful reminder of what can happen when young people are given opportunities to connect, challenge themselves, and discover what they are capable of achieving.

We’re incredibly grateful to the following organisations for their generous support in making our 8-week Group Programme possible:

• Wright Family Foundation
• St Johns in the City
• Grants for Good | HealthCarePlus
• Wellington Methodist
• Potter Masonic Trust
• Society of Emissaries Charitable Trust
• Constellation Communities Trust
• Tu Manawa Aktive Aotearoa

Thanks to their generous funding, each young person received over $4,500 worth of mentoring, adventure, and personal growth at no cost to their whānau.

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