Back to Blog

Connect Groups Advancing Community Health

According to the 2023 Vital Update Youth in Tauranga face significant mental health challenges, with 34% of youth aged 13-18 and 37% of those aged 19-24 reporting mental health struggles. Many young people also experience social isolation, with 55% of teens and 65% of young adults feeling lonely frequently. Contributing factors include distance from family, high travel costs, and a lack of time. Access to mental health support is often hindered by financial constraints and long waiting lists for...

Now Motivated to Work: A Story of Transformation

Before Steve became involved with Youth Encounter, he was a quiet and frustrated teenager, longing for change. He was unhappy with the direction his life was taking and knew he wanted something different, but he didn’t know how to make that change happen.To address Steve's needs, Youth Encounter provided tailored 1-on-1 therapy sessions over an eight-week period. This programme aimed to help Steve gain a more secure sense of identity, whilst offering fun and engaging experiences. Through cogni...

The Power of Mentoring: A story of Transformation

Mia is a young girl who, like so many, struggled with the weight of her circumstances. Life at home wasn’t easy—there was a lot of turmoil, neglect, and challenges that left her feeling emotionally raw. School was tough, too. Mia experienced challenges with her emotions, and when it all became too much, she turned to unhealthy habits, including substance use, just to cope. Her relationships with her family were strained, and she spent most of her time living apart from them due to unfortunat...

Youth Encounter's Charity Golf Competition

Support Youth Encounter's mission to empower young people across Aotearoa New Zealand by participating in our Charity Golf Competition! All proceeds raised from this event will go towards operating our programmes and ensuring that we can have a positive impact on the young people within our community.Details:Teams of two participants - Ambrose style formatWhen: 20th October, 2024Time: Arrive at venue at 1:30pm for registration and rules. Shot-gun start at 2pm.Where: Summerhill Estate Golf Course...

Getting on the Live Life Wide Open Track with our powerful theory of transformation

Our Theory of Change (TOC) or as we like to put it, 'Theory of Transformation' leverages from eight learning modules to facilitate an intentional delivery, empowering young people to unleash their potential by shifting their mindset, ultimately leading to transformative changes in behaviour.In our approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and our faith perspective form the foundational pillars that underpin the Live Life Wide Open modules. CBT provides practical tools to c...

Zayn's Journey of Transformation with Youth Encounter

In Term 2, 2024, Youth Encounter had the pleasure of working alongside Zayn, an incredible young man who wants to see change in his future.  In the face of profound emotional challenges and enduring behavioural struggles, Zayn's journey with Youth Encounter stands as a testament to the transformative power of personalized therapy and dedicated support. Before engaging with Youth Encounter, Zayn grappled with significant obstacles of mental health, including unmanaged ADHD, anger issues, and...

Youth Encounter's Commitment to Being Impact Focused

At Youth Encounter, our mission is clear: to create a safe space where both staff and clients can unleash their God-given potential. This mission fuels our vision of seeing the young people of Aotearoa thrive with purpose, and hope in their future. Central to achieving this vision are our four key objectives, which guide our efforts, measure our progress, and ensure that we remain focused on what truly matters — impact."Over half of all New Zealanders aged 15-24 experience anxiety or depressio...

Ethan’s Story: A Testament to Transformation

Ethan’s journey with Youth Encounter is a powerful testament to the impact of faith-based leadership development.Ethan attended a camp at Youth Encounter in 2017, inspired by his older brother's positive experiences. Ethan, who knew about God and faith, had decided to forge his own path, independently of God.“I really struggled with facing expectations and holding up to good morals as I was always trying to fit in,” Ethan recalls. Before connecting with Youth Encounter, he felt an emptine...

Support Kyan's Journey to the NZ Aspiring Leaders Forum!

At Youth Encounter, we believe in the power of leadership to inspire and transform lives. That’s why we are excited to announce our fundraising campaign to support one of our dedicated staff members, Kyan McMurtrie who has been chosen to attend the prestigious New Zealand Aspiring Leaders Forum at Wellington's Beehive. This incredible opportunity will not only enhance his leadership skills but also bring back valuable insights to benefit our entire Youth Encounter team.Why the Aspiring Leaders...

Winter Wind-Out Teen Camp Recap!

At Youth Encounter, we love empowering young people to grow in faith, confidence, and skills. Youth Encounter is built on the values of Fun, Acceptance, Connection, and Empowerment (FACE), ensuring that every participant has a holistic and enriching experience. One of the ways we empower young people through this is on our residential camps.We recently wrapped up our incredible Winter Wind-Out Teen Camp, where 30 participants and 15 staff members gathered for an unforgettable experience on the s...

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...

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...

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...