Young Cantabrians soak up RWC atmosphere

Around 250 Canterbury students were given the chance to enjoy a ‘Break from the Quake’ camp when they arrived in Auckland recently.
Youthtown has organised for more than 500 children aged 10 to 18 to escape Christchurch over the school holidays for fun camps in the North Island.
The youngsters were split between Auckland, Hunua and Huntly, with plenty of fun activities lined up during the week.
The camps were free of charge, with all costs including airfares, travel, food, accommodation and activities covered by Youthtown, as well as other sponsors and supporters.
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.
While campers at Hunua enjoyed high ropes, orienteering, a disco and a night at the movies, Auckland campers took day trips to Auckland Zoo, Motat, the movies, and Eden Park.
Campers in Huntly also tried their hand at a range of activities, including kayaking, horse trekking, archery, low ropes and a Frisbee golf day.
Selected supervisors and caregivers accompanied the students to ensure safety while away from home.
Youthtown has partnered with a series of organisations including Air NZ, The Levene Foundation to make the camps happen.