cactus
This elite 8-week leadership and life skills training programme for students aged between 12 to 18 years of age is run through Wairoa College with several groups graduating each year.
Carefully targeted life skills training, career education and 1:1 mentoring is offered on courses run at three different levels – Basic, Extreme or Advanced.
All courses begin with an early morning, hour-long training session three times a week based on physical training exercises developed for New Zealand defence force personnel. This PT is followed by hot showers, a hearty breakfast and then coaching and goal-setting activities – individual and group – all finishing in time to start school for the day.
On the last day of training – “The Longest Day” – participants demonstrate personal strength and teamwork skills to achieve a series of tough individual and group challenges. The end of the course is celebrated with a special graduation event for trainees and their families, the wider CACTUS support crew and invited guests.
Supported by the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust, CACTUS provides youth with the opportunity to improve their self-management, time-management and self-discipline. The courses are both physically and mentally challenging and trainees are duty-bound to meet minimum standards of behaviour and achievement in specific areas. Tremendous commitment, passion and drive are needed to meet these expectations. For many trainees the difficulties are huge and the support received from volunteers is crucial to their success.
CACTUS is well regarded for its success at honing skills and attitudes young people need to play productive, fulfilling roles in society. Courses are typically led by current or former police officers, fire service or army personnel, with support from community volunteers.
Carefully targeted life skills training, career education and 1:1 mentoring is offered on courses run at three different levels – Basic, Extreme or Advanced.
All courses begin with an early morning, hour-long training session three times a week based on physical training exercises developed for New Zealand defence force personnel. This PT is followed by hot showers, a hearty breakfast and then coaching and goal-setting activities – individual and group – all finishing in time to start school for the day.
On the last day of training – “The Longest Day” – participants demonstrate personal strength and teamwork skills to achieve a series of tough individual and group challenges. The end of the course is celebrated with a special graduation event for trainees and their families, the wider CACTUS support crew and invited guests.
Supported by the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust, CACTUS provides youth with the opportunity to improve their self-management, time-management and self-discipline. The courses are both physically and mentally challenging and trainees are duty-bound to meet minimum standards of behaviour and achievement in specific areas. Tremendous commitment, passion and drive are needed to meet these expectations. For many trainees the difficulties are huge and the support received from volunteers is crucial to their success.
CACTUS is well regarded for its success at honing skills and attitudes young people need to play productive, fulfilling roles in society. Courses are typically led by current or former police officers, fire service or army personnel, with support from community volunteers.
For further details please contact Denise Eaglesome-Karekare 021 835 794

Click here to download the CACTUS Application Form |