The popular camp aimed to maintain and sustain recovery from alcohol and drug addiction was held at the beginning of September, with participants rating it 10/10.
NKMP staff were joined by seven participants on the week-long post-recovery camp as well as a Moana House staff member who stayed for the week to provide extra support.
The camp, which was first held in September last year, was developed by Nga Kete’s Addiction Services team and supports exercise, self-expression and wellbeing.
Addictions Manager and camp organizer Pikihuia Ruffell said the camp-goers enjoyed physical activities and tasks including daily fitness, tramping, waka ama, and environmental awareness.
Highlights of the camp included the waka ama, creating Tukutuku panels, and a 10km walk on the Kepler Track.
Tukutuku panels are a modern take on a traditional Maori art work using raffia paper and peg board. They were an amazing way to wind down after some physically challenging days, she said.
The panels will be donated to various organisations at a later date.
All of the participants said they would strongly recommend the camp and described it as well facilitated, and held in a great venue with fun activities.
Some said they developed life-long friends and others said the camp was life-changing.
One of the participants said he had made lifelong friends, and one young man had even become like a son during the week.
Opening up together as a group had been special and inspirational. “Sometimes when you’re on that boat you think you’re the only one in there.”
He enjoyed the walk, the waka, the laughs, singing and the morning fitness.
“You leave the camp feeling so positive. The whole thing was just inspirational. I’ll carry bits and pieces from the camp on for the rest of my life.”
Another of the camp’s participants said although she was initially apprehensive, she thoroughly enjoyed the camp.
“I was very scared and worried about going because I’m transgender and I didn’t know what the others would think, but it showed me that there are open minded people out there who aren’t going to judge me for being who I am. The camp gave me the boost I needed to just carry on.”
The next camp will be held early next year. If you or someone you know may be interested give us a call on (03) 214 5260.