Hillary Outdoors (formerly OPC) was established in 1972 to provide outdoor education opportunities to assist the growth and development of young people.
Today their work has been extended to provide a range of experiences in the natural environment.
For youth aged 11 to 18 years who might otherwise not be able to afford to take part in outdoor education, Hillary Outdoors offers the five day “Hillary Step Scholarship Programme”. This provides a life-changing outdoor education experience.
Foundation North has approved funding towards the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre based at Great Barrier Island which offers experiences with a marine emphasis.
“For many of the young people participating in our programmes, the experience is extremely rewarding and life-changing. Most importantly, students gain a greater understanding of their own potential, responsibilities and contribution to the world. The funding provided by Foundation North is directed to students in low decile schools in the Northland and Auckland regions. This allows us to heavily subsidise the fees for students who would not otherwise be able to reap the rewards of our programmes because of their financial circumstances.”
Outside of school, many of these students do not get the opportunity to leave the confines of the city to receive the natural lessons provided in the outdoors, experience real adventures or appreciate the wonderful land in which we live.”
