The Discovery Challenge is tailored to home-schooled students aged 14-18 years.
Face new challenges, develop new skills, build lasting friendships and discover new passions!
The Discovery Challenge is uniquely designed for home-schooled students, offering opportunities to step outside their usual learning environment, engage with peers from diverse backgrounds, and share transformative experiences. This immersive programme fosters a sense of community, builds social skills, and encourages personal growth, empowering participants to explore new interests, push their boundaries and form lifelong connections.
Discovery Challenges are offered on various dates each year and are hosted from our Tongariro and Coromandel Centres.
A journey of discovery like no other:
Our Discovery Challenge offers:
- Opportunities to gain NCEA Unit Standards.
- Tailored team-based activities that build connections and are co-designed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Immersive outdoor learning opportunities facilitated by our skilled and experienced Instructors.
- Holistic approach to programme delivery, including participants contributing to daily duties and communal living on site at one of our Outdoor Education Centres.
- Overnight expeditions in unique alpine and marine environments.
- Pastoral care and support available 24/7 for participant wellness.
“Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I’m so grateful for being able to have such an amazing adventure! I am a shy introvert and was so thrilled to have been able to open up and be myself in such a safe environment, challenging myself and helping me to become more confident in myself and others.
I’ve learnt so much about this wonderful country we live in and how to work in a team. I’m so thankful for being able to go on such an amazing trip, it has been one of the best weeks of my life and one I won’t ever forget! Forever grateful.”– Discovery Challenge student
Since 1972, Hillary Outdoors has worked on the philosophy that all youth, regardless of their finances or ability, should have equal opportunity to enhance their lives through outdoor education.
The Hillary Step Scholarship (HSS) programme helps make that happen for rangatahi and subsequently whānau and hapori by awarding scholarships to help cover the cost of Hillary Outdoors programmes.
Thanks to our incredible community of funders, we have overcome financial inequities and empowered thousands of rangatahi from across Aotearoa to have life changing experiences through outdoor and adventure education.
For more information about the Hillary Step Scholarship programme and other funding opportunities, check out our Funding Information Pack for schools, groups, organisations and individuals.
Note: You must have a confirmed booking with Hillary Outdoors to be eligible for a HSS.
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