Earlier this year, Waikato Farmers Trust funding enabled the delivery of the Stars Camp for two high schools, Tokoroa High School and Forest View High School. The Stars Camp was held at Raglan for Forest View High School and at Lakes Ranch for Tokoroa High School.
Stars is a 12-month mentoring programme that supports, motivates and positively reinforces Year 9 students during their first year at secondary school.
Professional outdoor facilitators take students through a series of outdoor and indoor activities to develop positive relationships and teamwork between Year nine students and their senior mentors. Camps and activities days can range from one to five days.
By using the teina / tuakana model, the programme achieves positive, measurable results, including increased academic engagement and achievement for junior and senior students. It also transforms school culture through building relationships, leadership skills and a sense of community and connection with teachers and students.