"After camp he is much happier and feeling more confident"

"He was very tired when he got home, but has been quite chatty about his experiences on camp"

"After Camp Sarah has been more talkative and tells me if something is upsetting her" Massive thanks to Hope Funerals Christchurch who generate funds for community programmes like ours while also providing great service!

NEXT TUESDAY! Calling all Year 6-8 students in the Avonhead area! Check out a youth group and go to Ninja Valley - BNO Avonhead is happening! Will you be there?

"Jared came back beaming from camp. He enjoyed the positive interactions with leaders and other kids at camp and gained more confidence in his abilities :)"

We have our first Big Night Out event for the year happening in Kaiapoi! If you live in the area, come check out the local youth group this Wednesday. Sign up online www.cdntrust.org.nz/bno/kaiapoi

"Kids Camp was great he came home relaxed and happy"

"Sam came home from camp with a refreshed, happy and with a positive outlook" Massive thanks to funders like @christchurchcc Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton community board who help make our camps and events possible! We appreciate all the encouragement, advice, and support from the elected members and council staff who work tirelessly with us and many other community groups.

"We always notice a positive change in her attitude after camp. She absolutely loves camp!" We love hearing from parents after camp about the impact for their tamariki.

Thanks Kevin for your generosity and support! Our heatpumps always work better after an @airconheatpumpcleaners clean! If you need a heatpump clean find them on @upstream_nz

"The first thing they asked when they got home was can I go on the next camp?"

"Since camp, she has been so positive and happy and has been breaking out in song" Thanks to Ignition Auto Electric for helping to make feedback like this possibe. We not only get great services, but as an @upstream_nz supplier, they're generating funding for CDN camps and programmes, too!

Auction time! One of our amazing volunteers has upcycled an old led light window and created this stunning hand-crafted glass table! He has carefully restored the window and built the table with a solid glass top including hand crafting the legs on a lathe and making an absolute masterpiece. Support CDN and buy yourself this one of a kind gem! https://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/lounge-dining-hall/tables/coffee-tables/auction-5057705314.htm

"You guys did an amazing job, and Isla thoroughly enjoyed camp, the activities, and the leaders. She felt totally happy in his environment. This was their first time away from us, and she just loved it, so thank you." Thanks to Ignition Auto Electrics we not only get great services but as a@upstream_nz supplier they're generating funding for CDN camps and programmes too!

"Jack feels more refreshed and back to his cheerful self after camp!" Thanks to the cool team at @drbugspopcorn who keep our Kids Camp volunteer team running with great snacks!

"Noah has definitely come home from Kids Camp more positive and with a boost of self-confidence." Thanks to A1comms, we not only get great services, but as an @upstream_nz supplier, they're generating funding for CDN camps and programmes, too!

Want to help CDN and increase the efficiency and lifespan of your heat pump? Just book a heat pump clean with Aircon HeatPump Cleaners in September and you will generate 30 minutes of funding support for CDN programmes. https://airconcleaners.co.nz/

Parents often tell us how their children treat their siblings very differently after attending Kids Camp. "Alexandra has been more compassionate towards her sister, holding hands and telling each other “I love you". She's also really keen to get into a local youth group now." A huge thanks to Heat Pumps NOW for sponsoring kids like Alexandra - enabling young people to thrive through building relationships with great role models while enjoying the activities at camp!

Big Night Out Aranui is happening next week Wednesday for Intermediates!!! Make sure to sign up online to see what a youth group is like in Aranui. https://www.cdntrust.org.nz/bno/aranui

Our Last Big Night Out for this term is in Linwood. For Year 8-13's this Thursday so sign up quick. www.cdntrust.org.nz/bno/linwood

Next Week we have another event for High Schoolers in Sydenham area. Sign up: www.cdntrust.org.nz/bno/sydenham

Next weeks Big Night Out is in Riccarton, for more info and to sign up head to the link in bio

Our Two Big Night Out's this week are in Aranui (Year 9-13) & Halswell (Year 7-13) Sign up to check out a youth group in your area. www.cdntrust.org.nz/bno

Check out a Youth Group in Burwood & Parklands Areas this Friday for Year 6-8's Register here: www.cdntrust.org.nz/bno/burwood-parklands

Want to know what a youth group is like? We are running Big Nights Out across the city with local youth groups. For more details and to sign up check out the link in our bio.

"I'd tell my friends that I got the opportunity to meet new people and get along with them at camp"

"Camp was perfect! There is nothing I would change."

"I loved playing 9 square and having fun with fellow campers and leaders."

'The leaders at camp are awesome people and they have the energy to spend time and help you"

"The leaders art camp were all super friendly and lovely"

"I loved the camp because I made a lot of friends"

"The leaders at camp are amazing, they all have great personalities and are always smiling"

"I liked the leaders and the food at camp, overall the vibe of camp was really nice"

"My daughter said she had an amazing time at camp" - Kids Camp Caregiver

"Alex wants to go on more camps - they keep on talking about it" - Kids Camp Caregiver. It's great to know kids want to keep coming back to camp

"Since camp, he's a lot happier & listens better" - Kids Camp Caregiver We love hearing about the positive impact that Kids Camp has on young people!

"it was nice to see him so full of joy when he came home" - Kids Camp Caregiver It's great to hear how Kids Camp brings joy to our campers!

"Four of my daughters have attended camp over the years and they have always loved it" It's great to hear how Kids Camp has been consistently loved by kids and is #AddingLifeToLife

"Ella said it was really fun so she came home happy" - Kids Camp Caregiver

"Since camp, he’s using manners a lot and has been a lot happier" - Kids Camp Caregiver

"I would tell my friends that the leaders are awesome and they help you if you need anything" - Summer Teens Camper It's not just campers who think our leaders are awesome. Jakob and Matthew, as well as being frequent stars of our social media posts, received youth service awards at The Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Service and Youth Service Awards 2023

"I always notice an increase in Harrison's happiness, positivity and his overall well-being, after camp and youth group on Fridays!" - Teens Camp Caregiver Its great to hear that Teen Camp and youth groups are helping young people and #AddingLifeToLife

"My highlight of camp was the S'mores because it was the first time I had one" - Teens Camper Getting to experience new things is one way our camps are #AddingLifeToLife

"He was very excited to tell us all about his camp. How he did the zipline, Go Karts, Swimming....he thoroughly enjoyed the food . He even told me he had to clean toilets (he would never do that at home). He wouldn't have been able to enjoy this camp if it wasn't for the generous sponsorship for camp and it's very very much appreciated." - Kids Camp Caregiver Huge thanks to @heatpumpsnow for their sponsorship - enabling young people to thrive through building relationships with great role models, awesome activities (and even learning how to clean!)

"What I really enjoyed about camp were the food & activities. The reason why I enjoyed those two factors of camp the most was the food tasted really good, and in my opinion, was cooked and prepared really well. All of the meals that I was served at this camp really filled me up and fulfilled my hunger. I liked the activities because of how fun they were. The leaders and fellow campers really made the activities fun and enjoyable to participate in." - Summer Teens Camper

"I liked the 9 square and gaga dodge ball because I had fun with the new rules" - Teens Camper One of the great things we are able to do at CDN is share resources with organisations like @riccartonyouth, @hopeyouthhornby and @advance.wol so we can have Gaga and 9 Square at our Summer Teens Camp

"I would tell my friends that the leaders are nice and caring people. They care for you and are willing to spend time with you to make sure you’re having fun cool experience." - Teens Camper We really love hearing how our awesome volunteer leaders are impacting the lives of young people #AddingLifeToLife

"I would tell my friends that camp is a fun weekend away from home and that you didn’t need to worry about anything there" - Teens Camper We love how our leaders can help create spaces that are non-anxious and allow young people to enjoy themselves.

"I liked sitting at the table talking to my mates and our cabin leader" - Teens Camper While we have heaps of cool activities at teens camp what makes camp special is our amazing leaders who are great at #AddingLifeToLife

"At camp, I learnt to be a more a social person" - Teens Camper We love it when young people can see how camp has helped them grow

As we are sliding towards the end of the year we wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2024!

"I enjoyed everything about camp !! - Teens Camper It's great to see feedback like this from our Summer Teens Camp

"My highlight of camp was basketball and making friends" - Teens Camper It's great to hear how young people enjoy our activities at camp and how camp helps them to build connections with others.

"Sophia really enjoyed being at the camp, and now she's back very happy and made some new friends" - Teens Camper's Caregiver

"Liam came back beaming from camp. He enjoyed the positive interactions with leaders and other kids at camp and gained more confidence in his abilities :)" - Kids Camp Caregiver Our volunteer leaders do an amazing job of helping young people build connections with each other, and it's great to hear how their work at camp can provide a lasting boost in confidence.

"My favourite part of camp was the high five chair swap game" - Teens Camper Camp is a great place to learn new games

"You guys are doing an amazing job, and your communication before camp with parents was great!" - Kids Camp Caregiver

"I would tell my friends that camp is fun and you get to know great people and leaders " - Teens Camper CDN is privileged to have a great team of volunteer leaders who help young people enjoy camp.

"From what I heard, It was all great. He loved all the activities and said the food was delicious, he made some friends and overall loved it and will be back for sure!" - Kids Camp Caregiver We love hearing how camp has been a positive experience for our campers and how they want to keep coming back.

"Lucy doesn't connect with children in school and she loves the camp more than anything. I know she really enjoys making friends there which is a real struggle for her in school. Her confidence improves each time - we love seeing this in her." - Kids Camper's Caregiver. It's great to hear how Kids Camp is a real highlight for so many young people

"George really loved his time on camp and came home with a positive attitude towards the whole experience." - Kids Camper's Caregiver It's great to hear how campers come home from camp with a positive attitude

"She really enjoyed her experience and the different activities that you provide, a lot of which Addison hasn't done before." - Teens Camper's Caregiver One of our highlights is seeing people try new things at camp and discover talents they didn't know they had.

Big Night Out Avonhead ishappening next week Thursday 16th Nov, Year 6-8's Sign up online www.cdntrust.org.nz/bno/avonhead

"I always notice an increase in Ashton's happiness, positivity and overall well-being, after camp and youth group on Fridays!" - Teens Camper's Caregiver It's great to hear how our campers have been connected to youth groups after camp through connections with our amazing volunteer leaders, Big Nights Out, and our Whānau Connection Worker Rochelle.

"Liam really enjoyed the Adrenaline forest! He always says how well he gets on with the leaders. He said the beef stew was delicious!" - Teens Camper's Caregiver

Check out a snapshot of what we've been up to in 2023

"We think it's absolutely perfect and amazing what you all do, couldn't rate it higher if I tried, just amazing." - Kids Camp Parent We love hearing how young people have enjoyed camp!

"John came home from camp beaming and with more confidence. He enjoyed the positive interactions with leaders and other kids at camp and gained more confidence in his abilities." This was John's first experience being away from home, but John's cabin leaders said he made the most of camp by getting involved in everything. Even when he felt afraid he gave all the activities a go! Huge thanks to @heatpumpsnow for their sponsorship - enabling young people like John to thrive by making friends and building relationships with great role models at camp.

Want to know more about what CDN is doing? Check out this short video from our 2023 annual luncheon, or see https://www.cdntrust.org.nz/about-us for more information.

CDN has a brand new website, if you want to see more of what we do, and how we are #AddingLifeToLife across Ōtautahi check out the link in our bio

"Since camp we have noticed that, Maddie is more happy to help, open to conversations and more pleasant to her younger sister" It's great to hear from caregivers about how CDN camps are having a positive impact! We want to say a huge thank you to @heatpumpsnow for their sponsorship of Kids Campers like Maddie - helping young people to reach their potential. If you need a heat pump upgrade get in touch with them here: https://www.upstream.co.nz/business/65

"Lily was a bit sad that camp ended so soon 🙂" While our Teen Adventure camps are short they have a big impact!

"We have noticed since camp that Liam has been more patient, and started sharing more with his siblings."

"Paige came home from camp with a more positive view of teamwork"

We like to think our annual reports are a bit different. Along with all of the normal stats and figures we have heaps of cool photos and stories from our work in 2022. Check out the link in our bio to see our 2022 annual report

Today we get to say Happy Birthday to our Manager James Harris. While his hairstyle may have changed since he first volunteered with CDN in 2003, (just like he might be changing who can post on this account) and he spends more time with reports nowadays, he’s still an expert foosball player, and our first pick on a staff basketball team. Thanks for all you do, James, and have a great birthday.

Want to help CDN and increase the efficiency and lifespan of your heat pump? Just book a heat pump clean with @airconheatpumpcleaners in June and you will generate 30 minutes of funding support for CDN programmes. https://airconcleaners.co.nz/

"Shane is so much happier after camp, he even wants to be a camp leader when he is older" A real highlight for us is hearing how Kids Camp is inspiring young people to grow as leaders

Are you wanting new flooring in your home? Use a carpet and flooring service on @@upstream_nz and you can generate funds for us at the same time. Just click on the link below, make an enquiry, and select CDN as your preferred Good Cause. https://www.upstream.co.nz/searchResults/service/carpet/All%20Locations

It was great to be able to reflect on the past year's work at our Luncheon last week, thank you to everyone who came along and has supported CDN through our 27 years of Adding Life to Life in Ōtautahi

"I thought camp was a brilliant experience for Ashleigh so for us it was perfect" It's great to hear that kids camp is providing great experiences and #AddingLifeToLife

"I think camp is amazing and Zach would love more than anything to return" It's great reading feedback from Kids Camp, and seeing how CDN is #AddingLifeToLife

Are you needing a wheel alignment? Use a tyres and alignments service on @@upstream_nz and you can generate funds for us at the same time. Just click on the link below, make an enquiry, and select CDN as your preferred Good Cause. https://www.upstream.co.nz/searchResults/service/Tyres/All%20Locations

"Libby came home with such a turnaround in her attitude in such good ways, full of positivity and joy especially being a part of something as she doesn't have many people around her. She felt proud and so important, that camp was something for her alone. I truly feel she really needed camp and seeing the joy in her as her mum was so heart-touching. She had been a bit anxious in the lead-up to camp, but she really loved being a part of camp, and all of the people there. Overall it made an amazing impact on her thank you for letting her be a part of the team :)" CDN has a team of amazing volunteers, and we love hearing about how they are #AddingLifeToLife through kids camp.

CDN has a new full-time youth work role opportunity! Our new youth worker will be involved in the running of our camps and events as well as youth hangout programme and school-based youth work. If you are passionate about working with young people and are committed to living out CDN’s values as a Christian organisation we would love to hear from you! https://www.seek.co.nz/job/66988674 Applications close 16 May 2023. For more details and job descriptions contact: james@cdntrust.org.nz or 027-600-3800

Are you wanting to spend your summer swimming in a pool in your backyard? Use a pool supplier on @upstream_nz and you can generate funds for us at the same time. Just click on the link below, make an enquiry, and select CDN as your preferred Good Cause. https://www.upstream.co.nz/searchResults/service/Pool%20Design/All%20Locations

"Big Night Outs have been a real boost to our youth group and have helped people to feel more connected to their local community" Keep an eye out for our Big Night Out events coming up in term 2.

"My child had a blast at kids camp and she created amazing memories that will last for a lifetime" Great to hear how Kids Camp is impacting young people and #AddingLifeToLife

"George made friends at camp and is really looking forward to keeping in touch with them. He would also love to do another camp!" It's great to hear feedback from our kids campers and see how our volunteers are #AddingLifeToLife

Are you moving house and require a helping hand? Use a moving service on @upstream_nz and you can generate funds for us at the same time. Just use the link below, make an enquiry, and select CDN as your preferred Good Cause. https://www.upstream.co.nz/searchResults/service/moving/All%20Locations

"After camp my son was more relaxed and still continues to talk about camp. He says it was the best thing ever!!"

"We were really stoked with the awesome communication and planning by the camp team- we were really impressed with the whole camp experience- Highly recommend the CDN kids camp" It's great to hear how the work of our epic team of volunteers and staff pays off in great camp experiences

We love getting letters from families after camp! "Kia ora James, We just wanted to share that since Arahia has attended the camp we noticed some very stand-out changes in her behaviour and communication within our family! Arahia is a lot more affectionate and gentle. Arahia said she really enjoyed camp and wants to become a leader and support person. Hearing her speak like this really touched our hearts and we are very grateful for the opportunity Arahia was given to attend your camp. It’s really brought out her best self. We look forward to our younger daughter, Mia, coming to camp too when she's old enough. Thank you to all of your staff and support team for providing such a great service. Warmest regards, Aroha" We want to say a huge thank you to @heatpumpsnow for their sponsorship of Kids Campers like Arahia - helping young people to reach their potential. If you need a heat pump upgrade get in touch with them here: https://www.upstream.co.nz/business/65

Want to find out what a youth group is like? Our first Big Night In for 2023 is happening on the 23rd of March with the Riccarton Youth Community. For more information and to sign up head to https://cdntrust.org.nz/unleashedbni/

Are you needing to relook at your mortgage? Use one of the mortgage advisors on Upstream and you can generate funds for us at the same time. Just click on the link below, make an enquiry, and select CDN as your preferred Good Cause. https://www.upstream.co.nz/searchResults/service/mortgage/All%20Locations