Auckland Group Programme (GP8)

Over eight weeks, 12 teenage boys from across Auckland came together to take part in Big Buddy’s Auckland Group Programme (GP8). Designed to build confidence, resilience, connection, teamwork and practical life skills, the programme combined workshops, outdoor adventures and a four-day camp experience that challenged the boys to step outside their comfort zones and discover what they were capable of.

From their first meeting to the final Homecoming Hui, the boys developed new skills, formed lasting friendships and grew in confidence as they navigated a journey of personal development and shared experiences.

Starting the Journey

The programme began with an Orientation Evening, where the boys, facilitators and volunteers had the opportunity to meet one another, enjoy some pizza and take part in icebreaker activities. It was a relaxed introduction that helped everyone begin building connections and created a welcoming environment for the weeks ahead.

In Week One, the group established shared agreements, discussed expectations and set personal goals for what they hoped to achieve during the programme. It was the first step in building trust and creating a strong foundation for the journey ahead.

Learning Through Challenge

A key part of GP8 was providing opportunities for the boys to challenge themselves in new environments.

One of the highlights came in Week Two when the group headed to Orewa Beach for a day of surfing. For many, it was their first time on a surfboard. The experience encouraged perseverance and self-belief as the boys learned new skills, overcame setbacks and cheered one another on in the water.

Back in the workshop setting during Week Three, the focus shifted to team-building activities, communication and self-awareness. Through discussions and practical exercises, the boys explored how they work with others and developed valuable life skills that could be applied at home, school and in their communities.

Week Four saw the group take on the high ropes course at Adventure Works. Suspended high above the ground, the challenges required courage, trust and teamwork. The experience pushed many participants beyond their comfort zones while reinforcing the importance of resilience and supporting others.

As the programme progressed, Week Five focused on leadership, personal development and preparation for the camp experience. The boys reflected on their progress so far and explored ways they could continue growing as individuals and team members.

Another outdoor challenge followed in Week Six with a mountain biking adventure through Woodhill Forest. Navigating the trails required determination, confidence and cooperation, giving the boys another opportunity to put their developing skills into practice in a fun and supportive environment.

The final workshop in Week Seven brought the group together to prepare for camp. Discussions focused on expectations, packing, leadership, teamwork and reflecting on the journey they had already shared. It was clear that strong bonds had formed and that the boys were ready for the final stage of the programme.

The GP8 Camp Experience

The highlight of the programme was a four-day camp over the Matariki weekend in Huia, where the boys bonded while staying at Kiwanis Lodge and spending a night camping in tents at a nearby campground.

Camp provided an opportunity to put everything they had learned into practice. Activities included caving, coastal walks, swamp walking, team challenges and camp cooking. Surrounded by nature and away from the distractions of everyday life, the boys were encouraged to take responsibility, work together and support one another through new experiences.

The camp also created space for reflection. Whether sitting around a campsite, tackling a challenge as a team or sharing experiences with peers, participants were able to recognise how much they had grown since that first orientation evening.

Celebrating Growth

The journey concluded with a Homecoming Hui attended by parents, caregivers, whānau and mentors. This special event gave the boys an opportunity to share what they had learned and reflect on their experiences throughout the programme.

It was a powerful celebration of growth, resilience and connection. Families were able to see the confidence their boys had developed and hear firsthand about the challenges they had overcome, the friendships they had formed and the lessons they would carry forward.

GP8 was more than an eight-week programme. It was a chance for young people to discover new strengths, build meaningful relationships and develop skills that will continue to benefit them long after the programme has ended.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making the Auckland Group Programme a success, including the participants, facilitators, volunteers and families who supported the boys throughout their journey. Together, they helped create an experience that will have a lasting impact for years to come.

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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