Young Cantabrians Soak Up Rugby World Cup Atmosphere

October 17, 2011

Young Cantabrians Soak Up Rugby World Cup Atmosphere

Two hundred and fifty Canterbury students descended on Auckland today for the second part of Youthtown's Break from the Quake camps.

Youthtown has organised for more than 500 children aged 10-18 to escape the city over the school holidays for fun and adventurous 'Break from the Quake' camps in the North Island.

Today Auckland campers will be given a tour of the newly installed Maori Waka at the Viaduct followed by a live, personalised performance from the Topp Twins at The Cloud followed by exclusive entry to the giant rugby ball on Queens Wharf.

The young Cantabrians are split between three locations in Auckland, Hunua and Huntly, with an exciting array of activities lined up to entertain and delight during the week. The camps are completely free of charge, with all costs including airfares, travel, food, accommodation and activities covered by Youthtown and other sponsors and supporters.

The October camps were originally scheduled to take place in the second week of the July holidays but inclement weather in both Christchurch and Auckland caused the cancellation of flights and postponement of the second week of camps.

Youthtown CEO, Keith Thorpe, says a great deal of work and research took place behind the scenes that led to the idea to deliver Youthtown 'Break from the Quake' camps which enable the city's youth to have fun and be kids again.

"We are delighted to deliver the second week of camps for the children and youth of Christchurch who have experienced a tough year at the hands of Mother Nature and deserve a break. It's going to be an exciting week," he said.

Campers at Hunua will enjoy high ropes, orienteering, a disco and a night at the movies.

Auckland campers will take day trips to Auckland Zoo, Motat, the movies and Eden Park.

Campers in Huntly will also try their hand at a range of activities including kayaking, horse trekking, archery, low ropes and a Frisbee golf day.

All three groups will enjoy a day at Auckland's largest theme park, Rainbow's End.

The students are being accompanied by selected supervisors and caregivers to ensure continuity of care while away from home. Youthtown has partnered with a series of organisations including Air New Zealand and The Levene Foundation to enable the camps to happen.

Other businesses that have generously donated products and services include Telecom, Farmers, Rainbow's End, Auckland Zoo, MOTAT, Spirit of Adventure Trust, Subway, Northern Districts Coastguards, Eden Park Trust Board, Auckland Rugby Union, Skycity, Event Cinemas, Brightstar, NZ Maritime Museum, Snowplanet, Tree Adventures, Vero, Coca-Cola and KFC.

Youthtown Break from the Quake Activity Schedule Week 2

Monday 17 October:
10am - 12.20pm: Flights arrive from Christchurch
3.00pm - 4.00pm: Maori Waka Visit, Auckland Viaduct
4.00pm - 5.30pm: Topp Twins and sheep shearing stage show, Queens Wharf
5.30pm - 6.00pm: Giant Rugby Ball tour, Queens Wharf

Tuesday 18 October:
12.00pm - 5.00pm: Rainbow's End

Wednesday 19 October:
10.00am - 1.00pm: Auckland Zoo (14-17 year olds)
1.00pm - 4.00pm: Motat (14-17 year olds)

Thursday 20 October:
10.00am - 1.00pm: Auckland Zoo (10-13 year olds)
1.00pm - 4.00pm: Motat (10-13 year olds)

About Youthtown

Youthtown is a not-for-profit organisation designed to provide young people with opportunities for great physical, social and creative experiences.

The organisation was founded in 1932 in Auckland and was originally known as Boystown. It officially rebranded itself as Youthtown in 1986. After celebrating its 75th year in 2007, it made a commitment to expanding its operations nationally. Youthtown currently has centres in North Shore, Auckland, Upper Hutt, Oamaru, Christchurch and Taupo.

Youthtown also has a fundraising arm called the Youthtown Trust. Funds for the trust are raised through gaming machines, with the takings being used to directly benefit youth within the area in which they are raised.

For more information on Youthtown Break from the Quake visit www.youthtown.org.nz.

ENDS

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