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Unleashed Potential: Mary shares some of the backstory behind the Live Life Wide Open Track

In 2009, when a career-ending injury shattered my dreams of achieving more world firsts in the male-dominated sport of freestyle motocross, I had to reset. It was through this journey I realised my overarching struggle in life was an internal one. That I was not the believing in the God-given potential within me—that I was created with the potential to fulfil my dreams and desires without constantly feeling the need to prove it to the world. And this ignited a greater purpose within me—to gu...

Defying the Odds: Danika's Story of Transformation

In the face of profound emotional challenges and enduring trauma, Danika's journey with Youth Encounter stands as a testament to the transformative power of personalized therapy and dedicated support. Prior to engaging with our program, Danika faced a myriad of obstacles, including experiences of abuse and neglect, disengagement from education, and struggles with mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviours.During an intensive 8-week period in term one of 2024, Dani...

Kaupapa Māori Perspective

Youth Encounter's Theory of Change, from a Kaupapa Māori perspective, is embodied in the concept of the "poutama" or staircase, which represents a step-by-step framework guiding young people towards holistic development. This poutama approach is deeply rooted in Māori cultural values, emphasizing a progressive journey through stages of growth and learning. By integrating the principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā, the poutama ensures that each step addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and spir...

Dirtbikes to Flowers

At Youth Encounter, our mentoring programme embodies a variety of activities for all our rangatahi. We are so blessed to have a wide range of activities on site but also beyond our property, in this beautiful country we live in....

Finding an Outlet for Greater Freedom: Sam's Story of Transformation

In a world where potential often lies dormant, Sam's story stands as a testament to the transformative power of personalized therapy and dedicated support. At Youth Encounter, we believe that everyone possesses incredible potential, waiting to be unleashed and embraced. Sam's journey with us is a shining example of this belief in action.Sam, an 18-year-old rangatahi, faced numerous challenges before joining Youth Encounter. From struggles with anger management to substance abuse, disengagement f...

Surf Therapy Transforming Lives at Youth Encounter

In Term 1, 2024, Youth Encounter had the pleasure of facilitating our Surf Therapy Programme for a group of four students from Te Puke High School.  Before their involvement in this programme, this group reported a minimal understanding of their values, low self-worth and connection with self, and a lack of meaningful relationships with whānau and peers.Youth Encounter’s Surf Therapy Programme is a unique activity-based therapy that provides support for young people who will often not en...

Unleashing Leadership Potential: Young Adults Escape Camp Recap

Over the weekend, Youth Encounter's Young Adults Escape Camp brought together 15 campers and 5 staff members for a transformative journey of discovery and leadership development. Based at the Youth Encounter facility in Paengeroa, the camp was a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and genuine connections.Arriving on Friday evening, excitement filled the air as participants prepared for a weekend of growth and exploration. The camp kicked off with a warm welcome, setting the tone for what was t...

Unleashing Potential: Why Referring to Youth Encounter is a Game-Changer

In a world brimming with opportunities for personal growth and development, Youth Encounter stands out as an innovator of transformative experiences. Discover why making a referral to Youth Encounter can be a pivotal move, following Donald Miller's StoryBrand framework.The Hero's Journey: Your Role in Transformative NarrativesAt the heart of Youth Encounter's story are the heroes – individuals seeking personal growth and a path to a better future. By making a referral, you become the guiding f...

Ezra's Transformative Story

Meet Ezra. He attended our Young Adults Escape in August 2023 where he had a transformational experience. The impact of the leadership camp on Ezra's life was immeasurable. It was a time of growth, self-discovery, and transformation—a pivotal experience that would shape the course of his future in ways he could have never imagined. Watch this video to see how the Young Adults Escape influenced Ezra's life......

Hugo's Story of Transformation Towards Living a Full Life

Prior to his engagement with Youth Encounter, Hugo struggled with behavioural issues, a lack of confidence, and he struggled to make conversation with others. He was also engaging in criminal activity. Hugo has engaged with multiple services at Youth Encounter including Clinical Counselling, Matched Mentoring, and Group Therapy. In the Matched Mentoring programme, Hugo and his mentor spent a lot of time talking about values, setting goals and sharing their life experiences. His mentor has provid...

Impact Report 2023

The Impact Report 2023 is a comprehensive document that assesses and communicates the effects and outcomes of Youth Encounters activities, initiatives, and projects over the year of 2023. It outlines the social, environmental, and economic impacts that are consistent with the rangatahi in our community and how our programmes and mission show promising outcomes to support these rangatahi. ...

Exploring Cognitive Growth Through Dirt Bike Riding

In recent years, Youth Encounter’s unique programmes have gained attention for its potential to foster cognitive growth and emotional well-being among our youth using dirt bikes as a tool of engagement. Using off-road dirt bike riding as a means to promote positive development and resilience among the participants offers a lot of fun and excitement. This article explores the therapeutic benefits of such programmes and examines how engaging in activities like dirt bike riding can contribute to ...

How to join Youth Encounter?

The question is often asked, how do I (or my kids) join Youth Encounter? Youth Encounter has different programmes including therapy counselling, mentoring, camps, gathering and leadership development. There are a few different ways you can join Youth Encounter;Make a referral - see below the online systemRegistering for a programme such as camps - see our website for online registrations and camps coming up - www.youthencounter.co.nz/camps/Attending a gathering - see our facebook event...

Emma's Story of Transformation: Finding Security

Emma was a young individual grappling with insecurity and self-esteem issues but through engagement with Youth Encounter, Emma embarked on a path of introspection, resilience, and empowerment.Emma's upbringing was marked by familial instability, financial hardship, and mental health challenges. These factors contributed to her struggle with identity and self-worth, manifesting in social anxiety and disengagement from school. Recognizing the need for support, Emma sought assistance from Youth Enc...

Revolutionizing Youth Counselling

In a groundbreaking initiative, Youth Encounter is redefining youth counselling with its pioneering Dirt Bike Therapy program, combining the thrill of motocross with cognitive behavioral therapy and clinical counseling. This innovative approach is the first of its kind globally, designed to engage, empower, and heal young minds.Youth Encounter's Dirt Bike Therapy program employs Te Whare Tapa Wha, a holistic model of well-being encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Thi...

Summer Blast Teen Camp 24' Recap

What an incredible week with a fantastic group of young people at Summer Blast 2024! Witnessing their growth as they navigate life's corners much like the dirt bike track has been truly inspiring. We had a blast with 3 days of riding and an epic Encounter X-games day at the lake. Over the course of camp, our facilitators brought some thought-provoking messages based on the life of Paul (Saul) and the valuable lessons we can learn from his walk with God. Our awesome Camp Coordinator, Kyan, p...

Youth Encounter continues to offer youth development for those at risk!

Article provided by TECT.It might not, on the face of it, seem significant, but a casual conversation outside a fish and chip shop in Pukehina proved to be a major development for one young person.That young person was struggling with behaviour issues and lacked confidence. Unable to make conversations and involved in criminal activities, he was referred to Youth Encounter.Through engaging with clinical counselling, matched mentoring and group therapy, he learned about values, setting goals and ...

Trinity Lands doubling your Donation Impact

Trinity Lands Ltd has generously committed to match funding up to $30,000 for our campaign. This means that for every dollar you contribute, Trinity Lands will match it, effectively doubling the impact of your donation up to a total of $30,000. Their support is a powerful endorsement of our mission to empower the young people of Aotearoa New Zealand, who may not believe in their God-given potential. With Trinity Lands' generous pledge, we have the opportunity to ensure that even more young indiv...

Help Us Empower Aotearoa's Youth to Thrive!

Join us in our vision to empower the young people of Aotearoa New Zealand who may not believe in their God-given potential. We are a youth development organisation dedicated to unleashing the potential in young people. We do this by providing therapeutic, activity-based programs that allow youth to thrive and live life to the fullest. With your support, we can make a significant impact on the lives of these youth.We are launching a fundraising campaign that will run for four weeks, starting on N...

Cameron's Story: Overcoming the Villian

Cameron’s journey with Youth Encounter has been a testament to his resilience and growth. Struggling with confidence due to Tourette Syndrome, he found himself concealing his tics, often hiding his face to mask the involuntary movements. Through the dedicated guidance of his Youth Encounter mentor, Cameron discovered a newfound sense of self-acceptance. Understanding that he doesn't need to feel embarrassed about aspects beyond his control became a pivotal moment in his transformation.Particip...

Story of Transformation: Strengthening Connections

Diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder in his early childhood, Sam struggled to form strong connections with others, and only had a few friends as he struggled with identity due to being abandoned as a child.  Prior to engaging with our programmes at Youth Encounter, a representative from his School recognised the lack of value that Sam had for himself and sought to find an initiative that would assist him with finding purpose in life and having hope for the future.  Sam also has ...

A Remarkable Story of Transformation

Tom's transformation through his involvement at Youth Encounter is truly remarkable. Tom was referred to Youth Encounter by a parent who expressed a desperate need for our help.  Before engaging with Youth Encounter, Tom struggled with overwhelming anxiety, frequent bullying from his peers, lacked confidence and resorted to self-harming behavior's due to these challenges. His referral reported that from the time he entered playgroup as a young child, he had been labeled as a loud, rough, na...

Ruth's Story of Transformation: The Future is Bright

Ruth is a bright 15-year-old who resides in the community of Te Puke with her whānau. Ruth carries a maturity and a solidified sense of integrity. She values her family immensely and is always striving to be more connected to them. Ruth had a very reserved and hidden nature about her. She felt like she couldn't let anyone know who she truly was and about her past and the hardships she continually faces. Ruth had significant mental health disorders and intellectual disability which caused a lack...

Unleashing Potential through Social Work Values

Kia Ora e te whānauKo Kopukairoa te MaungaKo Waitao te awaKo Mataatua te wakaKo Ngāti Pūkenga te iwiKo Gemma ahau My name is Gemma and I am a Youth Facilitator here at Youth Encounter. I am half way through my Bachelor of Social Work at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute. I am so blessed to be apart of Youth Encounter through this time of exponential growth and extension of resources, staff, kaupapa and opportunities. Throughout my time at Youth Encounter, I have been give the opportunity to a...

Brighten Young Lives with Moana Road Sunglasses

In today's fast-paced world, making a difference can be as simple as updating your wardrobe. Moana Roads 50/50 sunglasses are the perfect accessory that not only enhances your style but also contributes to the bright futures of young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. With $2 from every pair of 50/50 #461sunglasses sold donated to Youth Encounter NZ, your purchase goes a long way in unleashing the potential in the youth of Aotearoa.Moana Road is a New Zealand-based company known for producing a wid...