Shine and Explore

An Outdoor Adventure Programme for youth with Spina bifida, and whānau

Supporting young people living with Spina bifida and their whānau to shine and explore in the outdoors.

Shine & Explore 2027 is an innovative five-day Outdoor Adventure Programme for tamariki and rangatahi living with Spina bifida and their whānau.

Following a successful pilot programme in 2026, Shine & Explore is returning to Mārahau, Tasman, from 18–23 January 2027. The programme supports wellbeing, resilience and connection through fun, inclusive and therapeutic experiences together in the outdoors.

Shine & Explore is grounded in a holistic, whānau-centred approach. It includes pre- and post-programme therapeutic support and aligns with the Enabling Good Lives principles.

The five-day programme includes:

• Inclusive outdoor adventures – Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, climbing, paddle boarding, camping and an Abel Tasman hikoi.

• Therapeutic support – Physiotherapy, adventure therapy, occupational therapy, continence nurse specialists and a child and family counsellor.

• Creative and social activities – Circus workshops, music, arts, team-building and group events.

• Strengthening connections, supports and wellbeing, through fun adventures together in the outdoors.

Shine & Explore is designed and coordinated by our small team of committed volunteers at the West Coast Early Intervention Trust, in collaboration with the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre team and experienced therapists.

The Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre Team will lead the delivery of the outdoor activities, working alongside our therapy team and local operators.

Shine & Explore 2027 will bring together approximately 40 participants from across Aotearoa, including 10 young people living with Spina bifida, alongside their siblings and whānau.

We are currently fundraising to keep programme costs as low as possible for families. Our fundraising efforts include raffles, Bunnings BBQs, school fundraisers, Moana-Rose's 3D-printed Little Critters & Fidgets, sponsorship, and other community initiatives. Families are contributing towards programme costs also.

Donations will be used to cover costs including accommodation, adaptive equipment, accessible bathroom hire, food, and activities. As well as keeping family contributions as low as possible.

We really appreciate any support you can offer to help towards the costs of Shine & Explore 2027 and make this incredible experience accessible to more families.

Together, we can help young people and their whānau create connections, strengthen supports, adventure together, build resilience and Shine and Explore in the outdoors.

Ngā mihi nui,

The Shine & Explore Team