2 minute read
Trailblazers’ sports-based youth development programme
All tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential and Trailblazers provides an inclusive platform of supportive access to do so.
We are a unique programme that adds life changing value to tamariki and rangatahi by developing their physical fitness, building their social and emotional wellness, and providing a strong sense of team as we support them in connecting with the wider community.
The Trailblazers programme integrates the core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform work with participants.
We adopt a trauma informed approach and a programme design that enables all participants to be challenged and to achieve.
We combine this with the power of running and the magic of nature, building resilience to stress. We provide leadership opportunities for rangatahi and embody acceptance, inclusion and equity in all avenues of our practice.
The Trailblazers programme design:
Utilising physical activity › Neurosequential model of sport › running › the outdoor/ natural environment › participant outcomes achieved.
Recovery from trauma, resilience to stress, reduction of anxiety, self-regulation, social and emotional skills, pro-social connections, sense of belonging, independence, confidence, achievement, and improvements in physical health.
There are three main components to the Trailblazers concept
Trailblazers’ community group - This is the heart of the programme. Referrals and enrolments from whanau, participating schools, agencies and community groups. Team members participate in 1-2 weekly training sessions after school at local parks and trails.
Club members build towards competing in an official trail running event at the end of the term. Journals provide them with a training program, fitness advice and track their progress visually and anecdotally. Social media platforms are used extensively to engage with whanau and the wider community.
TrailMates buddy mentoring programme
- TrailMates is a programme extension, which provides mentoring for team members that may benefit from more one to one time with a positive adult role model.
Tamariki are carefully paired with one of our TrailMate volunteers. These buddies are carefully vetted and commit to supporting their TrailMate mentee during the group sessions.
TrailGr8s - TrailGr8s is a leadership programme within the programme whereby tamariki and rangatahi learn skills to lead components of the programme and develop mentoring skills to help progress their younger and/or higher needs Trailblazers.
They may also become involved in the TrailMates programme as they pair with younger tamariki in some sessions.
The program includes a pathways programme, as children progress through the community group they can be supported to engage with running clubs, events and other sporting groups and/or activities.
End of term Fun Run and events:
All group members attend and participate in a Fun Run and/or community event(s). Distances and courses can be adjusted so that all can achieve and feel a sense of pride at their participation in the program. We do not focus on the result, we focus on the effort and challenges we overcome. Trailblazers Charitable Trust adopts a strengths-based perspective, we look beyond the behaviour, seek to understand the young person, and support them to overcome challenges and experience success - it truly is a very special programme and we need to spread our impact for those that need it most.
Please contact programme director if interested:
Jo Ryder
022 4665488 aotearoa.trailblazers@gmail.com
