Auckland rangatahi build confidence and connection through inclusive Sports Camps at Camp Adair

Hundreds of young people across the wider Auckland region are swapping their screens for the outdoors this month as part of a series of inclusive sports camps. The programme, running from 31 August until 25 September, aims to make physical activity and outdoor experiences more accessible to students who might otherwise face barriers to participation. Hosted at The Y Camp Adair, the initiative is now in its fifth year and is delivered in partnership with principal partner Grassroots Trust. The camps are intentionally designed to focus on participation, teamwork, and belonging rather than elite athletic performance. By providing substantial subsidies, The Y and its partners aim to ensure that a family's financial situation does not prevent a young person from accessing life-changing experiences. The curriculum blends traditional codes such as basketball, netball, rugby, and football with a wider range of activities including kī-o-rahi, mountain biking, archery, and climbing. The Y Chief Executive Rebecca Russell says these real-life experiences allow rangatahi to connect with others and discover new abilities. According to The Y, 94 percent of students who attended earlier camps this year reported discovering a new sport they wanted to try again. A key feature of the programme is the Fair Play Cup, which rewards teamwork and respect over match results. Established in 2022 as a lower-cost alternative to traditional tournaments, the camps serve as a youth-development vehicle where sport helps build resilience and self-belief. For many students, the achievement lies in the simple act of trying something unfamiliar in a supportive environment.