WE HAVE PROGRAMMES FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES
Our programmes are designed to afford every young New Zealander the opportunity to engage in marine environmental outdoor education and recreation.
SHP
The Original MERC School Holiday Programme
Cost: $50/day
Ages: 7 to 13
Dates:
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Week 1: 11 - 14 Apr (Tues - Fri)
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Week 2: 17 - 21 Apr (Mon - Fri)
About:
The MERC School Holiday Programme is a fantastic way to get your kids from 7-13 years involved in outdoor education and recreation experiences in the beautiful Long Bay area!
On each given day, MERC’s qualified Leaders may run activities such as abseil, archery, sailing, kayaking, outdoor survival, snorkelling, and stack ‘em - which take place on-site at the MERC facility or off-site, making the most of the Long Bay Regional Park and Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve right on our doorstep!
LIT
Leaders In Training - Overnight Camp
Cost: $450 (4 days, 3 nights)
Ages: 13 to 16
Dates: 11 - 14 Apr (Tues - Fri)
About:
The LIT programme is designed for 13-16 year olds with an interest in the outdoors who want to develop their leadership skills. LITs will participate in SHP activities, learn leadership theory, conquer team-building challenges, and will work toward leading a group of SHP participants by the end of the week (with the support of a trained MERC Leader).
Participants will stay in the MERC accommodation for 3 nights, cook their own food, and enjoy late-night campfires in the evening to reflect on their day.
Click here for the LIT Info Pack.
BOLD Level 1
Boating Outdoor Leadership Development
(formerly "Learn to Sail")
Cost: $225 (3 days)
Ages: 10 to 13
Dates: 12 - 14 Apr (Wed - Fri)
About:
On this 3-day MERC BOLD Level 1 Programme (formerly "Learn to Sail"), new sailors will learn the basic theory of sailing and gain practical experience sailing with trained MERC instructors!
Two of our trained sailing instructors will cover:
- appropriate boating attire
- tacking
- gybing
- how to capsize & right your vessel
With three participants to a boat your child will have a hands on experience allowing them to build a solid sailing foundation. If you're thinking about sailing and don't know where to start, come on down and have some fun with us out on the water.
BOLD Level 2
Boating Outdoor Leadership Development
Cost: $225 (3 days)
Ages: 10 to 13
Dates: 17 - 19 Apr (Mon - Wed)
About:
For those who have completed BOLD Level 1, or those who have beginner/moderate sailing experience, our MERC BOLD Level 2 sailing programme is a great way to continue developing your sailing skills and further your knowledge!
Two of our trained sailing instructors will cover:
- advanced manoeuvring
- effective crew/teamwork
- reading weather patterns that effect sailing
- effective route planning
All this knowledge/skills learned from BOLD 1 and 2 will then be used to plan and run a full-day sailing mission alongside MERC sailing instructors!