ACTION OVER INTENTION Taking bold leaps forward used to be so innately part of our lives, we didn’t give it much thought – you did it, or you didn’t survive long enough to pass on your genes! However, over time and through advances in technology, education and healthcare, a great proportion of society no longer has to act boldly, satisfy curiosity, confront uncertainty or overcome real fears – we seem content to pass much of our lives fretting about things that do not really have an effect on our survival, but rather on our stylised interpretation of happiness. That situation is not inherently bad, it’s just how it is. But, what if that isn’t enough? What if the dormant instinct to act boldly is still pulsing beneath the surface? If that is the case, there is only one person who can change it – you. The aim of our all Adventure for Good programmes is simple: build adventurers; expose them to other adventurers; immerse them in the hard, physical, magnificent world around us; ignite a boundless curiosity and give them the opportunity to act for the betterment of something greater than themselves.
Christian Pera, Adventure for Good Co-Founder and General Manager
History & MISSION
Adventure for Good was formed by a group of young, yet already disillusioned teachers who wanted to dedicate themselves to a deeper and more philosophically holistic form of education, born in the pursuit of adventure. We offer an experience and education that transcends traditional measures of performance; a programme that empowers people to become more ambitious and engaged individuals who initiate positive action at every opportunity. All this, set against a backdrop of unparalleled beauty New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.
We believe that change happens from the ground up. Our staff and our crew are our family, and we help them to build connections, grow confidence and inspire leadership for the benefit of our communities, unique cultures and fragile environments. Our values are ambition, adaptability, professionalism, camaraderie and creativity – or as our staff put it:
Stop talking and start doing. leave things better than you found them. carry out courageous endeavours. feed a boundless curiosity.
KEY STAFF We work continuously to forge partnerships with the leading minds in global issues and research and adventure to ensure the rigour and relevance of our curriculum. Our adventurous pursuit training is mentored by qualified professionals who are avid adventurers and educators in their own right.
antonio pasquale/ AFG Director Doctor of Philosophy, successful businessman and blue water sailor are but a few of our director and founding patron’s accolades. In addition to a commitment to the ongoing development of the Adventure for Good centre and slate of programmes, Antonio works closely with our management team to seek out new opportunities for growth and provide strategic business direction.
christian pera / AFG General Manager A co-founder of Adventure for Good, Christian’s primary goal has been the development of AFG as a force for good. An English, Physical Education and Outdoor Adventure teacher in a former life, he now spends his time at the helm of the AFG ship, as the company’s general manager. A ‘compulsive novice’, his adventures have led him across the Atlantic, along the Drakensberg Mountains and into the surf. e: christian@adventureforgood.com // p: +64 22 047 5532
Chris wallis / Centre Manager Despite training as an aeronautical engineer, Chris has always been drawn back to education. He has spent most of his working life as a mathematics teacher and outdoor educator, before co-founding Adventure for Good. Chris is characterised by an unshakeable attention to detail, a resolute sense of social responsibility and a passion for education. Running our centre is the realisation of his life’s ambition. e: chris@adventureforgood.com // p: +64 21 0228 8938
Rebecca moore / Brand & Marketing Manager Rebecca is an avid surfer, hiker, and dabbler in the arts. In her role as Brand and Marketing Manager, Rebecca works to build Adventure for Good’s identity by telling and sharing stories about our people, our beliefs and our adventures. With one boot planted in the creative world and the other in the boardroom, Rebecca pushes strategic thinking across all of our projects to help the Adventure for Good brand grow. e: becs@adventureforgood.com // p: +64 27 318 0362
MASTERCLASS IN ADVENTURE
ADVENTURE ACADEMY
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Embark upon the ultimate gap adventure - the Masterclass in Adventure. Over the course of a 12-week semester, you’ll develop skills in sailing, scuba diving, sea kayaking and bushcraft. Your training will be tested in action on a series of challenging expeditions. At the same time you’ll conduct front line research on the unique and fragile ecosystems around us, and ultimately learn what you can do to save them.
ACTIVITIES & Training • • • •
Sailing & Seamanship Scuba Diving Sea Kayaking Hiking and Bushcraft
Theoretical Learning • • • • • • • • •
First Aid in Remote Environments Marine Biology & Research Ecology & Environmental Studies Energy Issues & Adaptability Our Changing World & Sustainable Solutions Safety & Risk Management Nutrition for Adventure Emergency Scenario Planning Expedition Planning
Projects • • •
Community Research Projects Campus Enhancement Projects Community Service Projects
expeditions • • •
Marine Research Expedition (5 days) Sea Kayak Expedition (5 days) Final Expedition (2 weeks)
Optional • •
Cultural Experiences ESOL (optional)
This action-packed four weeks is not for the faint hearted! In the space of a month, you’ll have become an accomplished sailor, ocean kayaker, scuba diver, and bushman. You’ll have navigated your way through the spectacular Bay of Islands on our 50ft sailing vessel; made ambitious passage crossings by kayak and dived the spectacular waters of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.
ACTIVITIES & Training • • • • • • • •
Sailing & Seamanship Scuba Diving Sea Kayaking Hiking and Bushcraft Overnight Expeditions First Aid in Remote Environments Cultural Experiences ESOL
BASE CAMP
BOUNDLESS & SEAWORTHY
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Explore the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands on our all inclusive, 12-day Base Camp adventure programme. Over the course of twelve days, students will learn the ancient art of sailing amongst a maze of 140 sub-tropical islands; undertake a passage crossing by kayak to an island steeped in archaeological history; and surf the secluded beach breaks of the iconic Tasman Sea.
ACTIVITIES • • • • • • • • •
Sailing & Seamanship Sea Kayaking Hiking and Bushcraft Overnight Expeditions Surfing Electric Bike Tour Cultural Experiences Beach BBQ Evening Bonfire
Our range of short Boundless & Seaworthy camps combine outdoor pursuits, physical education, personal responsibility and environmental awareness. They are ideal for school groups and can be tailored to meet the requirements of Duke of Edinburgh awards.
ACTIVITIES
Boundless and Seaworthy programmes can combine any combination of activities. Choose from our range of premade itineraries or work with an AFG representative to develop a programme based on your students’ needs – whether they are skills development, leadership, team-building or a focus on school-specific core values.
The weekender
corporate bookings
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Designed for those who wish to dip their toe into adventure but are short on time. The Weekender is a 2.5 day-long excursion including a boat cruise through the islands, snorkelling and kayaking at Oke Bay and a short hike with spectacular views across the Bay of Islands. The Weekender includes return travel to Auckland if required.
Highlights • • • • • •
Island Cruise Snorkelling Kayaking Beach Barbecue Evening Bonfire Waitangi Cultural Experience
Reward your staff with a truly memorable and unique experience that develops leadership qualities and encourages team work. Over the course of your team-building experience, your employees will develop skills in outdoor pursuits and build their strength as a team. Participants will come to know one another outside a workplace context and learn to utilise each other’s strengths and interests in a range of teambuilding exercises.
ACTIVITIES
Choose from our range of premade itineraries or work with an AFG representative to develop a programme based on your teams’ needs – whether they are leadership, team-building or a focus on organisation-specific core values.
Adventurous pursuits Adventurous pursuits form the building blocks of all Adventure for Good programmes. We believe that the path to boundless curiosity and astute adaptation begins with the development of skill sets that get people out into the ever-changing natural world. By their very nature, adventurers go further, ask more questions and accept fewer excuses. They are continually searching for new horizons, and immersing themselves in what really matters, because their lives depend on it! Adventure also provides the best context to develop the leadership skills that will empower our participants to become citizens of influence. The level to which students develop their skill set is contingent on programme choice. Boundless and Seaworthy programmes provide participants with a taste of adventure while the Adventure Academy and Masterclass in Adventure builds a stong competence in each adventurous pursuit.
Scuba Diving
With miles of rugged coastline and waters sheltered from almost any wind direction, the Northland coast is a diver’s playground. The area boasts shipwrecks, fascinating marine life, complex ecosystems and great under-water visibility. Under the expert guidance of qualified instructors you’ll master scuba diving and learn the underwater safety skills necessary to ensure safe and successful underwater adventures. Each Masterclass in Adventure crew member will complete a PADI Open Water Dive Course, which is internationally recognised for turning out highly trained and safe divers.
SEA kayaking
With easy maneuverability and shallow draft, kayaking is one of the best ways to really explore the nooks and crannies of the Bay of Islands coastline. During your sea kayak training you’ll develop a high level of technical skill, as well as learning how to plan and prepare for day trips and expeditions including leadership and group management. Sea kayaks are a perfect platform for low impact marine research, so you will practise these skills in the field.
sailing & seamanship
Gliding among the islands on our flagship Caliph under full sail, as dolphins surf along the crest of the bow wave will be a highlight for many of our crew. Under the tutelage of sailors who have crossed oceans and traced coastlines, you will be trained in all aspects of seamanship, including both small and large vessel sailing, safety and emergency procedures, maritime law, navigation, meteorology and expedition planning.
Bushcraft and Navigation
Exploring the world on foot is not only one of the most rewarding ways to immerse yourself in what surrounds you, it is a skill set that is crucial in a wide range of conservation efforts, remote area access and emergency survival. The Bay of Islands is home to an extensive network of hiking trails. Immerse yourself in dense native forest while learning how to cross rivers and practise navigation techniques to get yourself out of trouble when things don’t go to plan in the wilderness.
surfing
Under the guidance of seasoned surfers, you’ll experience the thrill of surfing at a selection of New Zealand’s renowned and isolated surf spots. In addition to practical techniques, you will learn surf etiquette and how to read ocean swells and currents.
Theoretical Learning & Expeditions Successful adventures are underpinned by a sound theoretical understanding of our environment, community and bodies, as well as extensive planning for any situation that could arise in the wilderness. Depending on your programme selection you will have the opportunity to study these topics under the tutelage of engineers, royal marine medics, arctic explorers and trailblazing marine biologists. Although environmental awareness and adventure safety are common threads through all our programmes, participants of our Adventure Academy and Masterclass in Adventure will undergo more comprehensive study of these topics. The Masterclass in Adventure takes the culmination of skill development and theoretical learning to the next level by testing students’ abilities in a series of challenging expeditions.
Environmental education Energy Issues and Adaptability
Limited resources don’t mean limited possibilities: they are an opportunity for adaptation in our rapidly changing world. You will study global energy sources and their sustainability, learn water and energy conservation techniques, and develop an understanding of alternative power generation systems and how they can be integrated into our everyday lives.
Ecology and Environmental Aspects
Our lecture theatre is set amongst 11 hectares of native bush in the cradle of the New Zealand conservation movement which is world-renowned. You will explore the concept of biodiversity vs mono-culture; study the impacts of urban development and agriculture; witness the effect of habitat destruction; and analyse how atmospheric pollution and climate change affect our natural environment.
Our Changing World and Sustainable Solutions
Learn from world experts how human development is affecting the world we live in; with a focus on identifying proactive strategies for living sustainably and in balance with nature.
Marine biology & Research The world’s oceans are complex systems that play many crucial roles in sustaining life on our planet but we still know so little about them. We believe that deepening our understanding of the marine environment is key to striking a balance with nature and ensuring the long term survival of the human race. With the pioneering marine researchers at TriOceans, through a range of lectures, tutorials and applied research, you will develop an understanding of the diversity and inter-relationships in the marine environment. Your research team will learn and apply different sampling methods in marine ecosystems and use a variety of research techniques to collect data. Scientific research is of limited value if nobody can understand its discoveries. A major focus of your learning will be how to present and communicate research outcomes to a range of audiences.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS Community Research Projects
Making a long lasting and positive impact on our environment and local community, is one of Adventure for Good’s tenets. On a daily basis you will undertake mini data collection and conservation tasks aimed at building a research database that can be used to monitor key indicators of the health and biodiversity of our local ecosystems.
Campus Enhancement Projects (5 days)
The future development of the AFG centre is limited only by the imaginations of our crew members. You will be given the opportunity to leave your legacy for future Masterclass in Adventure crew by completing a short practical project which enhances our immediate environment.
Community Service Projects (5 days)
Working with a conservation or community group within the local area, you will complete a project which addresses an identified need to improve their environment in a tangible and sustainable way.
Adventure Training Safety & Risk Management
It is not possible to eliminate all risk from the outdoors and if it were, there wouldn’t be much adventure to be had. Successful adventurers are masters of dynamic risk management and throughout your programme you will develop and hone these skills in every activity you complete.
nutrition for adventure
Food is essentially fuel for our bodies but it also has a great impact on morale and motivation. You will learn the principles behind good nutrition and how to plan a menu that satisfies you and meets your energy demands on expedition.
Remote First Aid
Delivered by medical experts the first aid training is a scenariobased, practical course which equips participants with the skills and confidence to manage a medical emergency where outside help may be several hours away. You will practise techniques for wound management and casualty care over an extended period and develop an understanding of how remoteness affects the decisions and actions required in an outdoor first aid situation.
Emergency Scenario Planning
A sound adventurer prepares for the worst case scenario; and effective management of emergency situations requires training and practice. You will be taken through a range of practical scenarios and simulations so you are ready to react decisively if the worst should happen.
Expedition Planning
To be an independent adventurer you need to be able to plan expeditions from start to finish. Working closely with the other crew and using AFG staff as mentors you will learn the skills of planning and preparation in the lead up to your expeditions. Splitting into small teams and assigning a variety of roles to different members will allow you to efficiently integrate research outcomes, journeying, equipment and logistics into a cohesive expedition plan. Further training needs will be identified and completed during this stage so that you are able to operate as autonomously as possible on your expedition.
Expeditions Research Expedition
Working with our marine biology experts aboard our sailing research vessel, you will experience the full process of planning and implementing a smallscale research expedition. Exploring the Northland coast between Mangonui and Mimiwhangata whilst living aboard, you will learn contemporary techniques to conduct actual marine research at the same time as developing seamanship and leadership skills.
Sea Kayak Training Expedition
Based from sea kayaks and camping out for a week, you will extend your practical kayaking and expedition skills into more exposed environments. The training expeditions will cover the outer coast of the Cape Brett peninsula and the Eastern Bay of Islands incorporating many areas of outstanding natural beauty and significant conservation interest.
Final Expedition
This is the pinnacle of the Masterclass in Adventure experience bringing together everything learned in the course so far. As aspirant adventurers, your achievements during your Masterclass will be assessed by the outcomes of your final two week expedition. We will be your facilitators and resources, imposing as few constraints as possible, so that you can plan and execute an ambitious research expedition which addresses local needs. At the finale of your Masterclass in Adventure course you will share your experiences and research findings with our local community and your families to firmly cement your first Adventure for Good in the records.
location & Lodging “
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The area is known for its undeveloped beaches, diving, sailing, fishing, abundant wildlife and maori cultural heritage.
Our programmes take place in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, a micro-region comprising more than 140 subtropical islands. The area is known for its undeveloped beaches, diving, sailing, surfing, abundant wildlife and Maori cultural heritage. Our adventure centre, which boasts expansive views over the Bay of Islands, direct access to the ocean and custodianship of a large piece of native bush is home base for our longer courses. We also support other excellent local accommodation businesses to provide lodging for our short courses.
expeditionary trust A portion of all profits from our programmes and products go directly towards the fulfilment of the Expeditionary Trust mission, which is to engage in robust, ambitious expeditions for the betterment of our community, environment and neighbours. Our most recent deployment was to the remote Temotu Province of the Solomon Islands where we worked with the local health authority and residents of Emua village to provide supplies and repair the only medical facility on Vanikoro Island. Find out what unknown adventures awaited our our crew, in these remote and uncharted waters, by visiting our journal at www.adventureforgood.com.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please be aware that our programmes are not for the faint hearted! You must be physically fit, have an enquiring mind, be globally engaged and highly motivated. Please read the following information and consult the Adventure for Good website closely to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure.
Cross Accreditation The skills and knowledge gained during your experience with Adventure for Good may contribute towards your diploma or degree. A comprehensive course curriculum with detailed learning outcomes can be made available to your learning institution upon their written request.
safety management systems Several of the adventurous activities offered as part of the Masterclass in Adventure are required to be licensed in New Zealand whilst others are not. The entire Adventure for Good operation has been externally audited to ensure that our safety management system meets the highest standards in New Zealand.
what past students say
Paige Bell, New Zealand “It’s beautiful here, the surroundings are amazing; there’s definitely no place in New Zealand like this. I’ve met a lot of new friends and it’s just a fun energetic group of people who all love the outdoors and going on adventures. It’s definitely a worthwhile journey and you get to do a lot of really cool things.”
Holly Ma, New Zealand “This truly has been an adventure for good that has benefited us as a group as well as the local communities we’ve explored. It offers experiences from coast to coast that are right on our doorstep, yet many people from around the world could only dream of this. Thank you so much for this once in a lifetime experience and I really hope I will come back to AFG soon”
CALLUM SHEPHERD, New Zealand “Everything about it is unique. We don’t get to do any of that sort of thing in Auckland so it’s just good to step aside from our day-to- day routine and do something different.”
ARIANE POLA, New Zealand “It’s so beautiful here! It’s amazing having the opportunity to stay on this beach. It was the first time I’d been sailing. It was great seeing how everything was done; how the sails were unrolled and how to work with the wind.
Lanlie Zheng, New Zealand “It’s all about escaping your typical nineto-five, whether that is work or study and embracing every second and whatever comes your way. You get to explore the secluded parts of New Zealand that not many people see, and I think that is something special and really cool. The instructors have been really informative and they make sure that you understand everything that’s going on and they look after you. You are their main priority and you never feel left out. I’d definitely recommend it!”
Svea Endres, Germany “Every single day was an adventure that broadened my horizons and helped me gain a lot more confidence. I had the time of my life out in the beautiful Bay of Islands.”
It’s a good group of people. I was nervous initially, but was set at ease from the getgo. It’s amazing getting to make your own shelter. I’ve never done anything like this before and never expected to unless I was in danger, not under planned circumstances, so it’s pretty cool.”
THOMAS HYLAND, New Zealand “It’s been great meeting all these new people. We’d never met each other and in a couple of days we’ve become good friends and we all get along really well.”
EMILIA MENNICKEN,Germany
Alice Bax, brazil KAZUMA OTANI, Japan “It was lots of fun. I would love to do this for a job!”
“It was amazing. The instructor was awesome and always patient. The activities were very challenging but totally worth it”
“An experience, never to be forgotten in one of the most beautiful parts of the world! Many activities, I could have never tried in Germany – sailing, kayaking, hiking, diving, surfing, going into the bush and loads more made me enjoy my time to the fullest. I often pushed myself to the limit but that is what helped me to learn so much about myself.”
www.adventureforgood.com info@adventureforgood.com +64 22 047 5532