Teen Development Program
Fostering independence, leadership and connection, Pure Exploration’s Teen Development Program is here to immerse your teen in nature and social skills in a group setting. A young person’s brain is changing everyday, and in this day and age societal pressures, the internet and simply growing up can be hugely challenging. Finding a sense of self, practical skills for life in today’s world, and learning how to perform in a team environment are key to our rangatahi flourishing.
That’s why we created our Teen Development Program. An eight-day program filled with activities and adventures that promote and stimulate personal growth, leadership skills, independence, self-management and a stronger sense of self.
Register Your Interest
What will my teen do?
Your teen will explore the natural world through learning how to manage themselves and others in the bush, hiking and navigating using a map and compass. They’ll discover survival skills through bushcraft, river crossings and wild camping - all whilst under the guidance of one of our skilled and qualified instructors.
Stretching comfort zones, your rangatahi will go rock climbing, abseiling, cliff jumping and zip lining. Restoring their connection to self, nature and others, your teen will explore the Queenstown region, whilst practicing the skills required to participate in outdoor expeditions.
What will my teen learn?
Besides the practical skills woven into the experience, your teen will learn about managing themselves as an individual and as a member of a team, being introduced to models such as emotional regulation, managing stress/stress response, group consensus, conflict resolution, mindset, comfort zones, negotiation and communication styles. These are introduced in a brain-friendly way, creating accessible and relatable concepts for our young people to draw on as they develop and grow closer to adulthood.
Your teen will also acquire leadership skills, and be taught tools and skills which they’re encouraged to perform and practice throughout the program.
Why should my teen do this?
It can be hard to get quality time with our young ones, especially as social media and technology seem to always be on hand (or in hand!). Spending time away from excess screen usage, immersed in nature and awesome experiences, with peers of a similar age is the perfect way to refresh, whilst kick-starting a teen to think more deeply about the connections they hold to themselves, others, and the environment. Upon completion, your teen will know that connection isn’t only found through a screen. Please note, groups will be split into 11-13 year olds and 14-16 year olds.
What's Included?
- Highly experienced local program instructors who are with the group from start to finish
- All activities and experiences
- All accommodation, transport and food for the duration of the program
- All necessary technical equipment and group equipment (tents, rock climbing gear, camp cooking equipment)
- Relevant and important documents to prepare you for the program
- 24/7 Emergency Phone number during program
- Please note: personal equipment like hiking boots, backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad will need to be brought with you