The Y aims to create opportunities and environments where youth can develop to become the best version of themselves. Sports Camp at The Y Camp Adair is all about making sure that no young person misses out on opportunities because of financial hardship.

Sports Camp started as a lower-cost alternative to other sporting competitions, offering traditional sports like volleyball, rugby, swimming, golf and basketball. Over time, it has evolved based on student feedback, with annual surveys shaping the programme.

This has led to the introduction of new and exciting activities such as kī-o-rahi, t-ball, dodgeball, flag football, lacrosse, mountain biking and even a manu competition, ensuring the experience is fresh, fun and truly youth-led.

While there are medals for winners, the Fair Play Cup is one of the most celebrated awards, recognising teamwork, encouragement and respect. Many schools choose to send students who will benefit most from the experience, not just their top athletes. With cultural and creative night-time performances woven into the programme, Sports Camp is about much more than sport; it’s about participation, creativity, and collaboration.

Building Community

Sports Camp has become a space where barriers are broken, friendships are formed, and communities are strengthened. Over August and September, 47 schools took part, each bringing around 40 students across six different camps. For the first time, schools from West Auckland and Tāmaki-Maungakiekie joined our South Auckland schools, and we even welcomed a team from the Cook Islands.

What began in 2022 with just 27 schools and 3 camps has now more than doubled in size, showing how quickly this initiative is growing and how much it means to the communities involved.

Our impact over the past 4 years!

2022: 27 schools, 3 camps

2023: 35 schools, 4 camps

2024: 39 schools, 4 camps

2025: 47 schools, 6 camps

Sports Camp is more than a week of games; it’s an investment in safer, more connected communities where young people are engaged, motivated, and proud of who they are. As participation grows year on year, so too does the positive impact on our youth, our schools, and our communities.