From Wellington Airport to the serene landscapes of El Rancho Camp, Teens Camp 2024 was a beacon of connection and empowerment for teenagers and young adults with arthritis.
As attendees trickled in on 26 January, the air buzzed with anticipation. These teenagers and young adults travelled alone, many for the first time, navigated multiple flights, to finally meet a group of peers they had never met face to face – the first of many experiences for them at Teens Camp.
The bonds formed during Teens Camp 2024 were visible from the get-go. Led by our enthusiastic youth leaders, participants dove headfirst into team-building activities, breaking the ice with laughter and shared experiences. From guessing each other’s ages and locations in NZ in a charades-type game to playing challenging team-building games, the connections made are likely to last a lifetime.
The teens enjoyed taking part in challenges, including raft building and kayaking, rock climbing, soft archery, and more, with each activity fostering a sense of accomplishment and group camaraderie.
“For me, one of the standout moments of Teens Camp 2024 was the educational session led by nurse specialist Nicola Gray. With a focus on self-management strategies for transitioning into adult rheumatology care, attendees displayed unprecedented engagement and curiosity. Nicola’s expertise, coupled with the willingness of youth leaders to share their lived experiences, facilitated open and meaningful discussions about navigating the complexities of managing arthritis into adulthood,” said Georgie-Anne Cox, Youth & Community Coordinator at Arthritis NZ.
The theme of connection permeated every aspect of Teens Camp 2024, echoing the sentiment of the Youth Advisory Group. By providing a safe and supportive space for young people with arthritis to connect, the camp not only fostered friendships but also instilled a sense of belonging and empowerment.
These gatherings have a profound impact on the mental health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life of participants, underscoring the importance of continued support and community engagement for people with arthritis.
Teens Camp 2024 would not have been possible without the generous support of donors and supporters. Their contributions, alongside the dedication of our volunteers, ensure that future generations of teens and young adults with arthritis have access to transformative experiences like Teens Camp.
Teens Camp 2024 was more than just a weekend getaway – it built resilience, fostered camaraderie, and empowered these young people with arthritis. As attendees departed El Rancho Camp, they carried with them not only memories but also a renewed sense of hope and possibility for the journey ahead.
From Wellington Airport to the serene landscapes of El Rancho Camp, Teens Camp 2024 was a beacon of connection and empowerment for teenagers and young adults with arthritis.
As attendees trickled in on 26 January, the air buzzed with anticipation. These teenagers and young adults travelled alone, many for the first time, navigated multiple flights, to finally meet a group of peers they had never met face to face – the first of many experiences for them at Teens Camp.
The bonds formed during Teens Camp 2024 were visible from the get-go. Led by our enthusiastic youth leaders, participants dove headfirst into team-building activities, breaking the ice with laughter and shared experiences. From guessing each other’s ages and locations in NZ in a charades-type game to playing challenging team-building games, the connections made are likely to last a lifetime.
The teens enjoyed taking part in challenges, including raft building and kayaking, rock climbing, soft archery, and more, with each activity fostering a sense of accomplishment and group camaraderie.
“For me, one of the standout moments of Teens Camp 2024 was the educational session led by nurse specialist Nicola Gray. With a focus on self-management strategies for transitioning into adult rheumatology care, attendees displayed unprecedented engagement and curiosity. Nicola’s expertise, coupled with the willingness of youth leaders to share their lived experiences, facilitated open and meaningful discussions about navigating the complexities of managing arthritis into adulthood,” said Georgie-Anne Cox, Youth & Community Coordinator at Arthritis NZ.
The theme of connection permeated every aspect of Teens Camp 2024, echoing the sentiment of the Youth Advisory Group. By providing a safe and supportive space for young people with arthritis to connect, the camp not only fostered friendships but also instilled a sense of belonging and empowerment.
These gatherings have a profound impact on the mental health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life of participants, underscoring the importance of continued support and community engagement for people with arthritis.
Teens Camp 2024 would not have been possible without the generous support of donors and supporters. Their contributions, alongside the dedication of our volunteers, ensure that future generations of teens and young adults with arthritis have access to transformative experiences like Teens Camp.
Teens Camp 2024 was more than just a weekend getaway – it built resilience, fostered camaraderie, and empowered these young people with arthritis. As attendees departed El Rancho Camp, they carried with them not only memories but also a renewed sense of hope and possibility for the journey ahead.
