The Boyle Lodge Development

The existing Boyle Lodge was built in the 1970s after a suggestion was put forward by members of the Rangiora and Belfast – Kaiapoi Rotary Clubs to build a tin shed in the mountains for the youth of Canterbury to experience the mountains. Six years later and after many hours of hard and dedicated work from community members the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre opened. From humble beginnings of providing outdoor education to two schools, no one could have foreseen the significant changes and demand that has occurred at the Boyle. Today the Centre caterers to over 2000 young people a year from over 30 schools and this figure is forecast to grow. We also provide tramping services to over local and thru hikers doing the Te Araroa Trail. We are also a Civil Defence Welfare Post for the Hurunui. The original design and footprint was great for the demand and needs in the 1970’s but now we need to adapt and re-design and provide our community with a future focused outdoor education and recreation facility. This is your chance to give back to the future youth that will experience the Boyle.

Over and above this, you can help us create the change and impact in all the young peoples lives who visit the Boyle.

Safety is also our top priority and ensuring a safe and positive experience for all users. Dedicated space for different users is necessary to ensure compliance with legislation and protecting the health and safety of all users. Updated building infrastructure will reduce the risk of plant and equipment failure, lowering fire danger and improving health and safety for not only users of the centre but also staff.

We also want to ensure that the community users have facilities that are up to scratch and fit for purpose, this would require updating the infrastructure of the building including installing sustainable hot water systems, insulation, and heating. The latter of which we have already achieved. We are supporting and facilitating our communities ideas for future developments and wider community consultation has been sought to ensure development will meet the needs of the community in to the future.

Throughout this process we are focused on;

• having strong relationships and open communication practices;

• encouraging sustainable development opportunities;

• promoting and maintaining a rich, versatile and sustainable volunteer base; and

• becoming a sustainable charitable entity while remaining focused on the bigger picture.

Our vision in to extend the potential of young people to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens, enhancing their well-being through engagement in responsive, future focused, outdoor education learning programmes.

To be sustainable, use sustainable practices and be internationally recognised as guardians of our unique learning environment.