Outdoor adventure activities at The Y Camp Adair
We have plenty of outdoor and adventure activities, from High Ropes to bush craft to kayaking and Archery to name a few
Need help designing adventure activity programmes that meet the goals of your group? The dedicated staff at The Y (formerly YMCA) Camp Adair are happy to help utilising the 'Challenge by Choice' philosophy. Most people taking part in outdoor adventure activities share common goals: they may want to learn or improve skills, build confidence and trust, improve communication or get to know one another.
During our activities, experiential learning comes first. We design our sessions based on the philosophy that once a person has learnt the skills needed, they will be able to have fun and enjoy the experience. The Y Camp Adair’s outdoor adventure activities have been credited with the OutdoorsMark standard, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning experience for everyone. For a description on all of our available activities just scroll down.
With our team of friendly, inclusive and professional instructors leading the outdoor activities, participants have the opportunity to learn and improve their skills in a variety of pursuits. Our adventure activities include everything from tramping and orienteering, to high ropes and water elements.
YMCA Camp Adair is an registered Adventure Activity Provider with an OutdoorsMark safety audit
Information on our safety management system including known risks and their controls will be shared with participants after a booking has been made and prior to arrival on the programme. If you would like information prior to making your booking please contact the Camp office.
Activities In the Air
Climbing
What is it?
Using a combination of bouldering and top rope climbing, participants will learn different climbing techniques, as well as correct use of equipment and how to keep each other safe working in small groups to belay each other.
Why do it?
Participants will gain knowledge on the wider world of climbing, as well as challenging themselves and learning to trust others.
Abseil
What is it?
Participants climb a ladder to the top of a 10m tower, where they will be able to lower themselves down a wall, controlling the speed of their descent.
Why do it?
A physical and mental challenge combined, this is a great way for participants to step outside their comfort zones. Learn how to use abseiling equipment to lower off a wall.
Cargo Climb
What is it?
Pairs climb a 12m vertical cargo net while the rest of the team belays and supports from the ground.
Why do it?
A fun challenge, both mentally and physically. The group will also be able to learn proper belay techniques and equipment use.
Crate Stack
What is it?
In a small team, build a crate stack while a climber stands on top. Create the highest stack possible before time runs out or the tower comes tumbling down.
Why do it?
Provides a great opportunity for participants to learn to work effectively as a team, as well as being a test of courage and trust for the climber.
Giants Ladder
What is it?
A team exercise where pairs attempt to get as far up a giant ladder as possible, while the rest of the team supports on the belay system. The further up they go, the more difficult it becomes so cooperation is a must.
Why do it?
Encourages strategy and problem solving as pairs will often need to rely on each other for physical and moral support.
High Beam
What is it?
Climb the pole and walk cross a beam suspended high in the air. There are two high beams one on the field and a higher one in the grove.
Why do it?
A good introduction to high ropes. While it is not one of the higher activities, the shape of the log and lack of handholds give the users a tough mental challenge. The hardest part is letting go!
Islands In The Sky
What is it?
Climb 10m then step across suspended 'islands' without losing balance.
Why do it?
This activity is a great challenge for climbers as it tests balance and trust as the platforms progressively get wider apart. Confidence building as it is not particularly high or narrow.
Multivine
What is it?
One of the taller high rope activities, Multivine involves crossing a cable suspended between two trees, with only a few swinging vines to hold on to. This is one of the more physically challenging traverse activities as participants will need to keep their balance to successfully cross.
Why do it?
This activity is a great test of balance paired with stamina and encourages climbers to trust their equipment from height. Climbers often feel a great sense of achievement upon completion.
Pirates Crossing
What is it?
Participants try to move along a thick rope suspended in the air, while using a variety of different handholds to make the crossing. A confidence builder and great for younger kids as it isn't very high.
Why do it?
This activity is great for building confidence at height, as it is one of the lower high rope activities at camp.
Two Wire Bridge
What is it?
Participants cross a bridge made of two wires: one for hands, one for feet. A confidence builder and great for younger kids as it isn't very high.
Why do it?
This activity is a great confidence builder, being one of the lower high rope activities at camp.
Vertical Centipede
What is it?
A vertical climbing challenge on a narrow, swaying attachment that hangs below the High Beam.
Why do it?
A confidence booster for more cautious climbers due to the lower height, this challenge starts at ground level is about moving up rather than across.
Flying Kiwi
What is it?
Best suited to our younger participants it is designed to make kiwi kids fly, one team member is clipped into the rope and then pulled up by their teammates where several challenges can be set.
Why do it?
This activity is fantastic at giving participants a taste of heights without having the physical challenge of climbing
High Swing
What is it?
Step off a tall platform, drop 5m and then start swinging high in the air.
Why do it?
One of the most exhilarating and popular activities at camp. Participants learn to trust their equipment and step out of their comfort zones. This challenge often brings out support and encouragement from teammates.
Leap of Faith
What is it?
The highest activity at camp, and one of the most challenging. Participants belay each other in a team belay system as the climber ascends a tall, narrow pole. Once at the top, they will leap off to try and hit the ball suspended in front of them.
Why do it?
It tends to bring out plenty of teamwork, support and encouragement from within the team. Often provides the climbers with a great sense of achievement upon completion.
Super Fox
What is it?
Climb a tall pole to meet an instructor who will attach participants and send them on an exhilarating ride down a zip-line spanning over 60m in length.
Why do it?
Fun! This activity offers a great physical and mental challenge, and a great opportunity for participants to step outside of their comfort zone.
Trapeze
What is it?
Similar to Leap of Faith, but not quite as high. Participants ascend a narrow pole, with their team in charge of belaying, before they attempt to jump and grab the hanging bar in front of them.
Why do it?
Participants will learn to trust their team as well as themselves. This challenge tends to bring out plenty of teamwork, support and encouragement from within the team. Climbers often feel a great sense of achievement upon completion.
Activities On the Ground
Air Rifles
What is it?
An interesting and rewarding activity. The session covers firearms safety, and correct shooting technique.
Why do it?
Gives participants the opportunity to learn about and use a rifle in a safe and controlled setting, leading to better awareness when encountering firearms outside of a well managed environment.
Alpha Beta
What is it?
Participants will be split into two different cultural groups (Alphas and Betas) in a fun simulation to try and understand the other culture, while following the rules of their own culture.
Why do it?
Great for team development. Learning cultural awareness and importance of communication this activity often leads to in-depth discussions and new perspectives.
Archery
What is it?
Our session follows the New Zealand Field Archery Association (NZFAA) 10 Step programme – introducing correct shooting techniques, safe use of a weapon and correct archery terminology, through the teaching of skills and playing games.
Why do it?
It promotes a high rate of success and enjoyment for all participants regardless of sporting ability.
The Beast
What is it?
A challenge involving Lego, communication and abstract thinking. A message must be passed down a chain in a series of steps as the group attempts to recreate a Lego 'beast'.
Why do it?
Encourages teamwork, as well as giving a mental challenge to the group. Influences deeper thinking, great for older groups who need a mental challenge.
Bush Cooking
What is it?
During this activity participants will get to use and learn about a number of different types of camping stoves that are often used when going into the outdoors and test them out by cooking pancakes.
Why do it?
Gain an understanding of the fire triangle and increase your confidence around stoves and fire.
Bush Skills
What is it?
A chance to look at the skills needed to reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring in the outdoors and dealing with them if they do. Scenarios are used to get participants actively involved in learning the Outdoor Safety Code.
Why do it?
Provide participants with the knowledge they need to have safe and enjoyable adventures in the outdoors with friends and family.
Confidence Course
What is it?
Groups will encourage each other through a course of obstacles involving crawling, swinging, teamwork, trust, relays, competitions and a whole lot of mud!
Why do it?
Fun! This is one of the most popular activities at Camp Adair, and for good reason! Participant's comfort zones will get pushed as they are encouraged to get muddy and silly as they work together to complete the course.
Fire Lighting
What is it?
Learn the skills needed and have a go at preparing, laying and lighting your own fire. Use a knife as a tool, whittle sticks to help get your fire roaring.
Why do it?
Important skills that can be applied to real life scenarios out in the NZ bush. Develop confidence around fire and knifes in a safe learning environment.
Mt Biking
What is it?
Advances the skills needed to ride a mountain bike including, correct braking, use of gears and downhill technique. Once riders show they can safely control their bike, the group heads off on the purpose built trails around camp. To make the most of this session participants should already be able to ride a bike.
Why do it?
Most people can ride a bike, but this session allows you to push your skills further and get a taste for mountain biking as a way to explore the outdoors.
NB - Year 7+
Orienteering
What is it?
It is the sport of navigation, using maps participants will head out into the camp s grounds and work in groups to find controls whilst moving at speed.
Why do it?
Combines physical fitness with mental skills and gives a knowledge of map reading which is relatable to other outdoor activities. Competition can be used to put these skills to the test.
Shelter Building
What is it?
Work in teams to build emergency shelters in the bush using a mixture of specialist equipment and natural materials.
Why do it?
Learn not just how but why you might need to build a shelter in the bush. Provides a challenge for both the thinkers and the do’ers.
Pioneering
What is it?
A construction based, problem solving activity, involving basic knot tying.
Bridge building – Working together as a team from opposite sides of a “stream”, to build a suspension style bridge for your team mates to cross
Chariots – work together as one or two groups to build a chariot capable of holding one of your teammates
Catapults – with the help of the whole team build 2 catapults and compete in several competitions to see who’s is best
Why do it?
All great options for learning how to work together.
Bridge building Needs the most Cooperation and communication. It develops collaboration and problem-solving skills alongside the construction skills needed to build the bridge.
Chariots is the easiest option for our youngest participants. It allows for a more guided build including methods of design and construction
Catapults Can help to develop collaboration and constructions skills and offers the opportunity for some friendly competition. It requires the most construction out of our 3 choices.
Team Challenges
What is it?
The group are set several different challenges, mental, physical and skill based. Participants are challenged in many ways: using different communication techniques; sharing ideas; identifying strengths and weaknesses and breaking down barriers of personal space.
Why do it?
A great activity for getting the group to work together and think outside the box. Often allowing for different participants to shine.
UHF Radios
What is it?
While learning to use ‘walkie-talkie’ radios, the students explore the camp, and play games such as sardines (a version of hide and seek). The activity is lots of fun and exciting.
Why do it?
This activity has a fantastic balance of instant appeal, and worthwhile curriculum links. It leads participants to actively use listening skills and develop skills in speaking clearly, using structured language and speaking in a public forum
Activities On The Water
Kayaking
What is it?
Groups will use sit on top kayaks in a section of the river that flows around Camp Adair. Here they will learn paddle techniques and how to successfully move their boats, as well as have challenges, races and most likely get very wet in the process.
Why do it?
An opportunity to pick up and develop new skills in a fun environment. Games and challenges provide a great opportunity for team work and strategy.
Raft Building
What is it?
As a team, with the equipment provided the participants must build a raft to float on the water with all of their team on board, during the activity participants will gain knowledge of basic knot tying and construction methods.
Why do it?
A great sense of achievement can be gained by building something together that works. But if it doesn’t float there are still many lessons learnt.
Whole Group Activites
Camp Adair Challenge
What is it?
Teams will verse each other in an exciting series of challenges and games. A Good option for a 3-hour full camp activity which can be tailored to suit you best.
Why do it?
A great mix of teamwork, competition, and most importantly, fun! Can be tailored to suit your objectives.
Bush Craft Field Camp
What is it?
A longer session based at our field camp offers participants the chance to try out a number of bush craft activities e.g. Stretcher Making, Bush Cooking, Shelter Building, Fire Starting and Tramping Etiquette.
Why do it?
Learn new things and gain outdoor and survival related skills. Develop important and useful knowledge, that can be applied in later life.
Field Camp Out
What is it?
Combination of Shelter Building and Bush Cooking in a realistic simulation that we would recommend pairing with a sleep out under shelters that they have built.
Why do it?
Provides opportunities to learn many outdoors skills, and gives participants a taste of camping.
Tramping
What is it?
Explore the beautiful Hunua ranges on foot with walking routes ranging from 3-8 hours.
Why do it?
A great way to be in the outdoors and exploring the beautiful Hunua Ranges together. Gain a sense of accomplishment upon completion.
Night Time Activities
Night Ropes
What is it?
Led by a Y instructor; have a go at doing the high ropes under spot lights. (Leap of Faith, Multi-vine, High Beam – Grove, Cargo Net)
Campfire
What is it?
Led by a Y instructor enjoy a traditional campfire with songs, chants, games and stories! Or self lead!
Self-Led Activities
Map Orienteering
What is it?
We will provide you with the equipment you need to run your own orienteering session around camp.
Burma Trail
What is it?
A self-led activity where you will follow a rope trail through the bush. This activity can be done at night or in the day with blindfolds!
Visual Orienteering
What is it?
A different way of orienteering where pictures are used instead of maps. The equipment is provided for you to lead this activity yourself.
Water Slide
What is it?
Camp Adair’s much-loved water slide with a pit of muddy water at the bottom. A self-led activity but we will provide you with rules to keep it safe.
Glow Worm Trails
What is it?
Take your group for a night time walk to see the local glow worms.
Get A Proposal
Find out how Camp Adair can create a tailored programme based on your unique needs
