Personal Experience
Each child who comes to camp has a story, some more noticeable than others. Some of the children are either withdrawn or in your face , compliant or aggressive, or merely hungry for love and attention. Some are suspicious, demanding, skeptical, rebellious, sexually awakened, disillusioned, and scared to show how much they long for acceptance.
They feel guilt for crimes they have not committed or were forced to be apart of, shame for the secrets that have been revealed, responsible for family break-ups and bewilderment at the shattering of their world. Almost all of these children long for the parents that they have been taken from, regardless of what the parent has done, he is still Dad, she is still Mum. Many of these children find at Kids Camps New Zealand, a haven - an opportunity to succeed.
Most of all, they find acceptance without any strings, love without any reciprocal gratification expected, and an atmosphere of family.
Tane (10) had established a reputation at school as a bad boy. He showed no respect and swore at his teachers. He attended a "Kids Camp New Zealand" camp and returned a different boy. He received awards for his behaviour, and showed leadership qualities. At home when visitors come, he shows them his memory book from camp and tells them about all the activities he took part in at camp. All those involved with Tane attribute his change in attitude to his camp experience. Boys are looking for role models - what a change with positive, supportive role models.