HELPING AT-RISK KIDS CATCH AN OPPORTUNITY
What's the problem?
A whole generation of youngsters are suffering. They are suffering from unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits, from peer problems at school like bullying, and from lack of self worth which leads to one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world.
What's the solution?
HARK is working with government agencies and schools to identify youngsters who will benefit from the HARK experience at different levels.
1.Outdoor Camp
This is a programme aimed at serious at-risk youngsters; who have been identified through the education system as those who would benefit from the total outdoor experience which will be offered at ‘Charlie’s Camp’, a custom-built facility in the wilderness at Lake Tarawera. Programmes at the camp will be tailored to suit individual needs, in conjunction with school counsellors.
2. The Fishing Experience
HARK will take youngsters out for a day of fishing on a professional charter boat. They will be chosen through the education system and will be struggling at school or at home. Each youngster will go home with fish to feed their family, a pack of goodies, a feeling of pride and self worth, and memories that will bring a smile.
1.Outdoor Camp
This is a programme aimed at serious at-risk youngsters; who have been identified through the education system as those who would benefit from the total outdoor experience which will be offered at ‘Charlie’s Camp’, a custom-built facility in the wilderness at Lake Tarawera. Programmes at the camp will be tailored to suit individual needs, in conjunction with school counsellors.
2. The Fishing Experience
HARK will take youngsters out for a day of fishing on a professional charter boat. They will be chosen through the education system and will be struggling at school or at home. Each youngster will go home with fish to feed their family, a pack of goodies, a feeling of pride and self worth, and memories that will bring a smile.
Who is hark?
HARK is the brain-child of Geoff Thomas, outdoor writer, broadcaster and host of the long-running TV show, Rheem Outdoors with Geoff. Along with like-minded people he is putting together the different programmes.
Our Patrons are Sir Graham Henry and Richie McCaw.
Our Patrons are Sir Graham Henry and Richie McCaw.
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Why the outdoors?
Interaction with the Outdoors has been identified as having major mental health benefits, and over one hundred international research studies show that direct contact with nature leads to increased mental health and psychological development, from stress reduction to improved self-confidence and self-esteem.
A prominent American writer, Richard Louv, has studied this problem intensively, and attributes many of today’s maladies in society to a lack of exposure to Nature. He has even given it a name - Nature Deficit Disorder. Richard says: “For a whole generation of today’s children the pleasures of a free-range childhood are missing, and their indoor habits contribute to epidemic obesity, attention-deficit disorder, isolation and childhood depression. We can now assume that just as children need good nutrition and adequate sleep, they may very well need contact with nature.”
A prominent American writer, Richard Louv, has studied this problem intensively, and attributes many of today’s maladies in society to a lack of exposure to Nature. He has even given it a name - Nature Deficit Disorder. Richard says: “For a whole generation of today’s children the pleasures of a free-range childhood are missing, and their indoor habits contribute to epidemic obesity, attention-deficit disorder, isolation and childhood depression. We can now assume that just as children need good nutrition and adequate sleep, they may very well need contact with nature.”
How fishing helps
The activity of fishing is beneficial in many ways :
Problem-solving
Lines get tangled and bait gets nibbled. Kids learn how to solve these problems with a cool head, especially with a calm mentor.
Awareness of other people
Casting with care, treating co-fishers with respect, not littering or swearing.
Praise for self-esteem
Making kids feel good about themselves by praising them when they initiate an action or make an observation, which leads to increased self esteem.
Biology and Conservation
Kids can hold a fish and see the eyes, tail and scales close up, and as our future conservationists they need to learn about catch and release, maintaining fish populations, and how rubbish floating in the sea affects sea life.
Camaraderie
Fishing together creates common ground and shared experiences.
Suspension of reality
Fishing gets kids away from everyday distractions and problems and habitual technology (mobile phones, iPads etc)
Success
Fishing is an activity at which all kids can succeed at some level.
Fishing links kids and the natural world in a way that can generate caring, responsibility and action.
Problem-solving
Lines get tangled and bait gets nibbled. Kids learn how to solve these problems with a cool head, especially with a calm mentor.
Awareness of other people
Casting with care, treating co-fishers with respect, not littering or swearing.
Praise for self-esteem
Making kids feel good about themselves by praising them when they initiate an action or make an observation, which leads to increased self esteem.
Biology and Conservation
Kids can hold a fish and see the eyes, tail and scales close up, and as our future conservationists they need to learn about catch and release, maintaining fish populations, and how rubbish floating in the sea affects sea life.
Camaraderie
Fishing together creates common ground and shared experiences.
Suspension of reality
Fishing gets kids away from everyday distractions and problems and habitual technology (mobile phones, iPads etc)
Success
Fishing is an activity at which all kids can succeed at some level.
Fishing links kids and the natural world in a way that can generate caring, responsibility and action.
