At First Step Outdoors our philosophy has always been “No child left behind".
We run a number of activity days and camps to meet the needs of people in our community
who are often excluded from active recreation or who face many more barriers than most to be able to participate.
First Step Outdoors is committed to sharing our experiences and learning more about adaptive practice through
making community connections, consultation, staff development and sharing best practice.
Please contact us to discuss for more information.
who are often excluded from active recreation or who face many more barriers than most to be able to participate.
First Step Outdoors is committed to sharing our experiences and learning more about adaptive practice through
making community connections, consultation, staff development and sharing best practice.
Please contact us to discuss for more information.
Sharing our experiences
S2C Family Camp - April 2025
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.
Working closely with S2C Practitioner Andrea Darroch and the speller's families we were able to provide a range of activities in an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment.
The camp included zip lining, rock climbing, bush walking and a campfire. There were also group spelling sessions and the camp was an opportunity for the spellers to come together and to communicate with each other.
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.
Working closely with S2C Practitioner Andrea Darroch and the speller's families we were able to provide a range of activities in an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment.
The camp included zip lining, rock climbing, bush walking and a campfire. There were also group spelling sessions and the camp was an opportunity for the spellers to come together and to communicate with each other.
"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." Moritz
We have contributed to the Accessibility and Inclusion in the Outdoors -a guide for outdoor providers and educators. The Accessibility and Inclusion in Outdoor Education and Recreation Guide helps to break down barriers for disabled tamariki and rangatahi by supporting outdoor providers and educators to make outdoor experiences more inclusive and accessible.
Working with young Muslim women
For a number of years we have worked closely with the Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand. We have worked with them to produce a best practice guide and also to run a number of outdoor activities that meet the needs of young muslm women. 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.
You can access the Recreation Aotearoa - Te Whai Oranga Increasing participation of Muslim women and girls - Good Practice Guide here.
You can access the Recreation Aotearoa - Te Whai Oranga Increasing participation of Muslim women and girls - Good Practice Guide here.
