Your support will transform lives!
Unleashing potential in young people to Live Life Wide Open
At Youth Encounter, we create safe spaces of belonging where young people can unleash their God-given potential and Live Life Wide Open.
Through therapeutic, activity-based programmes like mentoring, counselling, camps, and leadership development, we empower rangatahi aged 9–24 to grow in identity, purpose, hope, and resilience.
Too many young people today are weighed down by insecurity, a lack of direction, hopelessness, and experiences of victimisation. That’s why we create safe spaces of belonging where both rangatahi and staff can discover their value, grow in confidence, and thrive together.
We are based in Paengeroa, Te Puke, with young people accessing our services from across the Bay of Plenty, and North Island-wide through our camps.
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coming up
Get refreshed at our Young Adults Refresh camp! We will be exploring new ideas about life, God and people, while riding dirt bikes and other fun activities. Come refresh your mind-set and with like-minded people, who want to discover their God-given potential to Live Life Wide Open.
When: November 7th - 9th 2025
Where: Paengeroa, BOP
Who: 17-24yrs
Camp Fee: $180
Dirt Bike Hire: $150
Summer Blast Youth Camp - Dirt Bike Riding & Lake Activities
Ready for the ultimate summer adventure?
Dive into an unforgettable week where adrenaline meets connection! Tear up Waikato’s best dirt bike tracks, cool off with epic lake activities, and share non-stop laughs with new mates. More than just a camp, it’s a chance to discover who you are, build confidence, and explore faith in an encouraging, positive community.
When: 19th - 24th January 2026
Where: Capernwray Adventure Lodge (Lake Karapiro)
Who: 13-18yrs
Fee: $520
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Living Life Wide Open: The Lasting Impact of Youth Encounter
Your support will transform lives!
Our approach to safety
Our approach to safety is fundamental to the success of our organisation. At Youth Encounter, we believe in creating a culture of safety, driven by our top leadership with the systems in place to filter down to our participants. Click here to learn more about our safety and risk disclaimer.