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The New Zealand S2C community (Spelling to Communicate) held their first ever Family Camp with First Step Outdoors at Pirongia Forest Park Lodge, 25th- 27th April 2025. The first of its kind in Australasia, the camp was supported by Sport New Zealand who saw the camp as a leading and innovative example of a provider meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of tamariki and rangatahi. Known as S2C, the Spelling to Communicate method is designed to help nonspeaking individuals communicate by pointing to letters on a board or keyboard to spell out words. It helps them express their thoughts and needs through written communication, overcoming speech barriers. The camp was the brainchild of First Step Outdoors MD Kate Parr and her friend Alison Short, after Kate took Alison's son Dion rock climbing. Dion is a nonspeaker who uses spelling to communicate. Working closely with Alison and S2C Practitioner Andrea Darroch, the dream to hold a camp became a reality. With help of a team of instructors and camp facilitators, Kate, Alison and Andrea were able to provide a range of fun activities in an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment. The camp included zip lining, rock climbing, bush walking and a campfire, with the group also writing a special campfire song with the help of local musician Katrina Rae. There were also group spelling sessions and the camp was an opportunity for the spellers to come together and to communicate with each other. “At First Step Outdoors our philosophy has always been “No child left behind," said First Step Outdoors MD Kate Parr. “Over the years we have run a number of camps to meet the needs of people in our community who are excluded from active recreation or who face many more barriers than most to be able to participate.” Kate says “We are committed to sharing our experiences and learning more about adaptive practice. Ensuring our provision is inclusive requires a lot of talking, listening, upskilling and planning.” “Funding is limited and as providers we need to be persistent, creative and committed to helping everyone to get outdoors.” “We were truly inspired and blown away with what we experienced at this camp,” says Kate. “and I think it's really important that we leave the final words about this amazing weekend with one of our campers, Moritz: "It was my best camp so far. Yesterday we left camp and I am so hoping to come back!!! All I can say is that it changed my life.I have never been in a camp with other spellers. Nonspeakers never get opportunities like this. We are left out and get ignored. Autistics like me (are) missing out because we are not seen. As a teenager I didn't go to camp at school as they didn't cater for me. My school is inclusive, but they still don't get me. My peers are other nonspeaking spellers not my classmates. All I am hoping is that we have another camp." Recreation Aotearoa - Te Whai Oranga have just launched a new guide "Increasing participation of Muslim women and girls - Good Practice Guide." This guide is intended to help improve the participation of Muslim women and girls in outdoor activities. It describes strategies for outdoor centres, instructors, and leaders to improve religious and cultural sensitivity. The guide aims to create an inclusive environment, which reduces or removes barriers to participation for Muslimah. While focused on outdoor activities, the insights can support inclusivity in all areas of recreation. First Step Outdoors MD Kate was a significant contributor to the guide. ate says" We are super proud to have been involved with the development of this guideline. We have worked for many years with Muslimah, and have learned so much and made amazing relationships with many of the women in these groups many of whom we are now closely connected to. Personally, I have been on a journey with many of these young women, taking them on their first outdoor adventures many years ago, to now being 'Auntie Kate' to their babies. The community of women who allowed us to work work with them on this guideline are amazing, and spent a lot of time guiding and supporting this project. A massive thanks should go to Aliya Danzeisen, who I am so proud to call a great friend. She rocked up 17 years ago looking for someone to run a Muslimah camp for her WOWMA project. Her insight, organisation and dedication attributed to the success of this project, and to say she is a busy women is an understatement. I'm pretty proud of this work and really hope it holds some value to those who wish to learn more..." You can find the guide at https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/news/new-guide-launched-increasing-participation-muslim-women-and-girls. If you know an organisation that would benefit from this guide, please help spread the word.  We have 3 amazing GIRL POWA adventures lined up for the first half of 2025 -
We are encouraging women to come join us with their daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, sister or friend - and be a role model, support and inspiration for their teen. They are not only helping their teen get out in the great outdoors learning new skills and having fun but also helping her grow in confidence, her self esteem and know that outdoor pursuits are not just for boys. You can find all the information and booking forms at https://www.firststepoutdoors.com/current-women-only-and-girl-powa-events.html  We were really excited to win THE RECREATION AOTEAROA - TE WHAI ORANGA TE TOHU - WHAKAAWEAWE KAUPAPA / OUTSTANDING EVENT / PROGRAMME AWARD 2024 for our GIRL POWA Programme. The Award "recognises the significant contribution that events and programmes make to outdoor recreation and adventure activities in New Zealand." Kate accepted the award at the award ceremony held in Auckland late last year. We would like to give a massive shout out to the POWA women and girls who came along on the GIRL POWA adventures with us. And of course a huge thank you to Sport New Zealand Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund administered by Sport Waikato for part funding the programme. Winning this award confirms our commitment to GIRL POWA. Seeing the girls grow in confidence as they get outdoors and have some fun, at a time in their lives when they are facing many pressures and challenges, is hugely rewarding. Hopefully in winning the award we can continue to spread the word and get more people on board with this important mahi! 
We were delighted to win the 2024 Women in Sport Aotearoa Innovation Impact Award for our POWA and GIRL POWA programmes. First Step Outdoors also took out the Supreme Winner Award as part of their Change in Action Week.
An article featuring Kate was published in LockerRoom NZ, highlighting FIist Step Outdoors' commitment to empowering women in the great outdoors. "Nothing will stand in Kate Parr’s way when it comes to empowering women and girls of all backgrounds and abilities to push their boundaries in her adventure courses. Angela Walker meets Parr, whose POWA and GIRL POWA programmes won this year’s Women in Sport Aotearoa innovation impact award." Click on the link below to read the article. Join us on a fun and fabulous Women Only Bush Walk along the Kahikatea Tree track in Pirongia Forest Park. This stunning walk takes you to the tallest native tree in New Zealand, an impressive 66.5metres tall. On the way walk through the Kaniwhanwha caves (optional) and learn about the ecology and history of the bush with your local guide. Along the way we will also teach you essential navigation skills that will keep you safe and help you plan for future tramps. Great for anyone who wants to go walking but doesn't want to go alone. Meet other like-minded women and be guided by our experienced, qualified all-female staff. Saturday 26th October. Start time 8.30am. 6 hour return trip, approx 12km. Starts at the Kaniwhanwha reserve on Limeworks Loop Road, Te Pahu. $50 per person includes your guide and skills training. Women only. Moderate fitness required. SAY YES TO NEW ADVENTURES! To book complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/oYaHaf82VQWLFDfu5 
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If you would like to subscribe please complete the form below We are now taking bookings for our 2024 Adventure Days. This year we are offering Kayaking, High Ropes and Archery at the beautiful Lake Karapiro, Cambridge. It will be our third fun-filled Women Only Adventure Day and our 2nd GIRL POWA Adventure Day. The GIRL POWA event is part-funded by Sport New Zealand's Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, administered by Sport Waikato and we are very thankful for their support. It means we are able to help break down some of the cost barrier to our female rangatahi taking part in outdoor activities. Women Only Adventure Day - Saturday 18th May 10am - 4pm $160 pp includes all activities, morning tea and lunch. GIRL POWA Adventure Day - Sunday 19th May 10am - 4pm - $100 ticket admits 2 - 1 adult (20 years plus) and 1 teen (12-19 years) We are really looking forward to these adventures! Delighted to be Finalists in the Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility Category for our GIRL POWA programme at the Sport Waikato Sport & Active Recreation Awards. A great evening to celebrate so many amazing people and projects in our region. Such an inspiring event and we got to meet the awesome wahine and rugby legend Honey Hireme- Smiler! Check us out in our posh frocks! Not a helmet or harness in sight and no one had to wear a bright green t-shirt!!  Registrations are now open for our 2024 GIRL POWA events. With the support of funding from Sport New Zealand's Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, administered by Sport Waikato we are able to offer a series of 5 exciting adventures. A ticket for each event is $50 and admits 1 teen (12-19years) and 1 adult 20 years plus. Its a great way to spend the day with your teen, to role model and encourage each other to try out the challenges and have fun!
Kayak Adventure: Saturday 16th March Lake Karapiro, Mighty River Domain. 9-12.30pm or 1-4.30pm Come and have some fun on the water in this Learn to Kayak adventure. From beginners to experienced kayakers we will have some fun learning and challenges as we take to the water on the beautiful Lake Karapiro. Kayak and safety vest provided along with your awesome local, experienced, female instructors. A fun morning, challenging yourself, making friends and being in the great outdoors. To book this adventure complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/ECd9tyLgfXzSP6LJ7 Rock Skills Part 1: 21st April Pirongia Forest Park Lodge 10am -2pm The climbing wall was included in the first GIRL POWA adventure day and we know it is a favourite activity. Suitable for beginners and those with some prior experience, we have a range of challenges for you to try out on the climbing wall. A fun filled day, hanging out with a group of like-minded girls and ladies. Qualifies, local, experienced female staff will teach, inspire and make sure you have a great day out. To book this adventure complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/ZYjTibdWLCdwE12dA Rock Skills Part 2: 28th April Wharepapa Rocks 10am -2pm Take your climbing skills further and take on the rock face at Wharepapa. A great spot to improve your climbing and take on new challenges. The PART 2 of our Rock Skills will allow the girls to take their skills further and experience climbing a natural formation. Additional learning will include belay skills, knot workshops, bouldering and climbing techniques and personal safety. Suitable for those who attended our Rock Skills Part 1 or have climbed before. To book this adventure complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/MDK3JY74cb4Py8Eo8 Mountain Bike Adventure: 26th April Kaniwhaniwha Reserve, Te Pahu 9.30am - 12.30pm OR 1.30pm - 4.30pm Mountain Biking in the great outdoors is an exhilarating and thrilling and freeing experience. At this event we plan to give the girls the skills and the confidence to head out in future with their friends and family. You need to be able to ride a bike and will need to supply your own bike and helmet. Suitable for beginners, this stunning track is a great way to explore the forest park, up-skill and have a lot of fun with a group of like-minded women and girls. To book this adventure please complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/9ktHVm9Qr3f5Bicr8 Caving Adventure: 4th May Karamu Caves, Te Pahu 10am -2pm Join us on this adventure to the Karamu Caves - an amazing Limestone Cave system based in the heart of Waikato farmland. View large caverns, amazing formations, scramble through tunnels and see amazing formations that are millions of years old. Whether you want to get wet, stay dry, do some squeezes - there are options for everyone. All personal protective gear is provided and you will be supported by local, experienced guides. An all female event, this is a fun and exciting adventure. A chance to get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, meet other adventure minded girls and experience a real hidden gem. To book please complete the registration form at https://forms.gle/dvDgk1yjzzih2Yvs6 |
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Kate Parr - MD of First Step Outdoors Archives
May 2025
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