YMCA Camp Raukawa

21/09/2026

Got a great idea to get tamariki playing?
Applications are now open for our Pop-Up Play Fund: supporting schools, marae and local community organisations across Whanganui to create fun, inclusive and community-led play experiences during Aotearoa Play Week 2026.
👉 Apply here: https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.cloud.microsoft%2Fpages%2Fresponsepage.aspx%3Fid%3DdUZMPy9nZUC7PArhxR8lXrLMIzHsY6ZIpDuRzuHL5HJUMTFaWTdGVUlMWUY5V0gxR0ZMVThaMTRWSi4u%26route%3Dshorturl&data=05%7C02%7Candy.savage%40ycentral.nz%7C4a7ce2f99a2d4ded628d08df182b1fab%7C10851d9e39b4448e8ea76ce3f417f6b3%7C0%7C0%7C639256245654643617%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C4000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Vxu1PAePJfZBoLgTXiH%2FlMp5gTtBuxwSfYSdMjGezsc%3D&reserved=0
Groups can apply for up to $300 to help bring their play idea to life — from active games and creative play to sports, and new ways for tamariki and whānau to get involved.
📅 Applications open: 21 September – 9 October
💰 Up to $300 available
Thanks to our partners at Sport Whanganui and the Manawa Active Aotearoa fund for helping make more play possible in our communities!
👉 Apply here: https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.cloud.microsoft%2Fpages%2Fresponsepage.aspx%3Fid%3DdUZMPy9nZUC7PArhxR8lXrLMIzHsY6ZIpDuRzuHL5HJUMTFaWTdGVUlMWUY5V0gxR0ZMVThaMTRWSi4u%26route%3Dshorturl&data=05%7C02%7Candy.savage%40ycentral.nz%7C4a7ce2f99a2d4ded628d08df182b1fab%7C10851d9e39b4448e8ea76ce3f417f6b3%7C0%7C0%7C639256245654643617%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C4000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Vxu1PAePJfZBoLgTXiH%2FlMp5gTtBuxwSfYSdMjGezsc%3D&reserved=0

30/07/2026

The NZ Herald recently wrote an article about the increasing cost of school camps... https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/education/school-camp-costs-double-in-five-years-some-forced-to-cancel-scale-back/5JDPCVF4G5HTVG4P63HK3KFCNY/
Camp Raukawa has responded with an entirely new format to make camp accessible again! Get in touch with Robyn to find out more.... [email protected]

16/03/2026

Thanks for a wonderful article highlighting Camp Raukawa and our wonderful site manager and host, Robyn Mann.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DCkpQHdc8/

YMCA Raukawa Camp takes camping back to what it was

Thousands of children and adults have created lasting memories at YMCA Camp Raukawa since it first opened in the 1950s, tucked 50km up the Parapara Road. For generations, the camp has offered the simple joy of being outdoors together — something Y Central is now proudly returning to.

With the recent clearing of the pine plantation and extensive tidy-up work across the grounds, Camp Raukawa has been revitalised, reflecting the care invested in the site and strengthening its role as an enduring place in the community. That renewed sense of openness and simplicity mirrors a broader shift in direction. While the camp has at times focused on catered programmes and high-adventure activities, changing needs among schools and community groups have inspired a refreshed approach — one that returns to the fundamentals of shared outdoor experience.

“We want to take Camp Raukawa back to camping as it was,” says Andy Savage, Regional Manager.

Instead of packed schedules and structured thrills, the focus is shifting to a slower, more traditional camp experience:
• Evenings around the campfire roasting marshmallows
• Games on the field
• Nature crafts and bush walks
• Simple team-building activities indoors and out

It’s a chance for tamariki, families, and groups to step back from fast-paced, screen-heavy routines and reconnect — with each other and with the environment.
To help make camp more accessible, Raukawa is now offering self-catering options. Groups can prepare meals together, keeping costs down while strengthening the shared experience that makes camp memorable.

The camp is once again in the hands of a familiar face: Robyn Mann, who many will remember from her decade as Camp Manager from 2009 to 2019. After six years leading RDA in Whanganui, Robyn has “come back home,” returning to Raukawa just over a year ago.

Robyn and Andy note that Camp Raukawa’s versatility makes it ideal not only for school camps but also for community retreats, church and youth gatherings, weddings, motorbike groups, yoga retreats — and even a Medieval re-enactment group, hosted just last year.

“Whatever you’re looking for, you can make it your space,” says Robyn.
With no screens and plenty of room to breathe, imagination becomes the most valuable tool at camp — and community becomes the greatest outcome.

10/03/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring! Join the Camp Raukawa Team! 🌟
Camp Raukawa is on the lookout for passionate Teacher Aides who are keen to work on a casual basis during the school holidays and occasional weekends.
If you love supporting young people, enjoy the outdoors, and want to be part of a fun, energetic camp environment, we’d love to hear from you! 🙌🔥 Email or call today.