Tyler's School Trip to Great Barrier Island

Hello, I'm Ange. I am a single mum who is studying to be a nurse. We are a family of four Mum, Tyler (aged 14), Ezra and Alyssa (twins aged 11). I aim to provide as many opportunities to my children when they arise, but raising three kids on a student allowance can have its tough times.

Tyler has recently applied for a yr 10 trip with his school - Hillcrest High in Hamilton. This trip is to Hillary Outdoor Education on Great Barrier Island. He was accepted, which he is very excited about. He will be away from home for five weeks staying at the Hillary outdoor education center. Leaving May 2nd 2021 returning home June 4th 2021. This is an amazing opportunity for the kids who wish to go. They are pushed out of their comfort zones a little, learn about the environment, the logistics of living in an area that requires forward planning and support from your peers. They are required to do all of their own cooking and cleaning, teaching them basic life skills. While there they have no access to technology besides a computer for when doing particular schooling tasks.

While there, they still meet their educational requirements. Their lessons are however adapted to be a little more hands on or alterative compared to sitting in a classroom completing their science, math's and English. They will need to interview locals about the logistics and challenges of living so remotely. Complete assignments on their experience and infrastructure of the island. Along with studying the environment and ways in which living on the island can be done sustainably. They must also complete a daily journal, and upon returning home have a presentation night where they present a slide show and speech about their experience.

When he asked to do this trip I agreed. But advised him I was unable to come up with this money alone and that he may need to help. As this trip costs $4200. He is so keen to go he has managed to find some work in the school holidays with his Uncle and some of his Uncles friends. Doing farm work, helping with fencing, spraying weeds, docking lambs etc. All of these things he enjoys as he is very much an outdoors boy. He has made a good start (small but its a start) in the October school holidays but we have a long way to go, and I'm unsure how to come up with the rest.

So here I am being hopeful that there may be some people out there that are willing to assist in Tylers education and help get him to Great Barrier Island for what may be an experience of a life time for him.

If we happen to raise more than the required amount of the cost of the trip, excess money will be used to buy gear that is required. Or if the trip for some unforeseen reason is canceled the money will still only be used to assist in education. If not for Tyler alone but all three children. However, I feel cancelation will be unlikely, as this years trip that was affected by covid-19. It had to be cut short, yet the school arranged for the trip to continue later, once able, but at Tongariro Hillary Outdoors Education Center.

Below is a link of the 2019 boys trip of an example of the fun they have. (not so much of the academic side is shown)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BiJp7i0SWE&feature=youtu.be

There is also a small blurb about what they will do under yr 10 Great Barrier Island Experience under Extra Curricular on Hillcrest Highs website.

http://www.hillcrest-high.school.nz/extra-curricular-high-school

Thankyou for taking the time to consider this opportunity for Tyler.