Summerhill Youth Leadership Academy
The Academy is full of fundamental life skills that are vital for success in and out of the school classroom.
When push comes to shove 'real-life' skills often take a back seat to academics. Summerhill Youth Academy has in its programme, words of wisdom for today's young adults, which is presented in a unique location with passion and variety.
It's a sure blueprint for building your life and leadership skills, for knowing how to get the life you want and to motivate yourself and others to reach their full potential.
It's the little things that make a big difference. As the saying goes "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today".
This Academy is well worth investing time in; the skills, experiences and reference gained, will open up many doors for future employment and scholarships.
How to get there:
We are located 11km southwest of Tauranga, 3km climb up Reid Road off Welcome Bay Road.
What you Gain by Being Involved.
The subjects we cover are very practical – a lot is common sense, wisdom and quite a few leadership skills that a future employer will value and can put into practice.
By attending the academy you’ll learn things you don’t learn at school or at home.
Here are some of the topics covered:
- Values
- Leadership
- Team-building
- Public speaking
- Business enterprise
- Culture and environment
- Team building weekend
- Life coaching
- Optional gliding (costs extra $90)
- First aid
- CV writing and interview skills
- Inspirational movies & books
- Fun outdoor experiences
- Budgeting ...and more
Your commitment is the attendance of 90% of the sessions plus 20-30 hours of extracurricular activities.
Hear From Our A1 Youth Academy Graduates
Taryn Robb
My son attended the 2016 programme at Summerhill and benefited greatly by the positive experience.
"He was reluctant to attend the course when recommended by his school but with encouragement signed up and completed the six month course. Being part of a group really helped with his confidence as his peers were inclusive and like minded individuals.
The programme was varied and interesting and looked like much fun was being had. So thanks Summerhill for the opportunity."
Josh Dempsey 2015 (Boys high)
"Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the Summerhill A1 Youth Academy. I enjoyed everything we have done and will out this Academy I would have likely never done activities such as gliding or navigation.
I will definitely recommend this Acedemy to others.
I have listened to some really inspirational speeches and meet some great people. Once again, Thanks"
Rachael Midwinter 2015 (home schooled)
"I just want to thank you all so much for being responsible for one of the best experiences of my life. I have gained new friends, many new skills and memories that will stay with me forever.
You have done an amazing job and I am so grateful for being given the opportunity to participlate in this Academy. I hope many more young people get the chance to be involved and have as much fun as I did."
Sean and Kiri Randall
The course provided her with a huge range of exposure to different challenges including physical, team activities and community focussed fundraising.
"They had speakers from different sectors of the community including the Mayor, Alcohol and Drug awareness, Financial Planning and could choose a short course to train in.
Madison made some fantastic new friends and enjoyed the weekend camp. The other great advantage for young people attending this course is the opportunity learn under other leaders in our community such as Garth Collings and the team of leaders. They themselves have imparted solid wisdom and life experience for teenagers who attend this course. We would highly recommend anyone from any walk of life attends this Leadership course."
Frequently asked.
What is Summerhill Youth Leadership Academy?
The Summerhill Youth Leadership Academy is a unique leadership and life skills course in an incredible location.
The course will equip you with skills and experiences for life, plus a written reference at the end that will make your CV stand out from everyone else’s.
Who is the course for?
It is most suited to year 12 and 13 students who are motivated and high achieving academically, in sport and/or the arts.
What is covered during the course?
Over the course we cover a huge range of topics presented by various guest speakers, covering topics like:
- Values,
- Smart Choices,
- Budgeting,
- Team-building,
- First aid,
- CV writing and interview skills,
- Business enterprise,
- Strength Finder,
- Life coaching,
- Public speaking and the value of community work,
- Helping underprivileged families overseas.
How much is the course?
Your Academy experience will be transformative, fun & unforgettable.
The overall value of the course is over a $1000 however thanks to the kindness of the Blackleys, if accepted, Summerhill Academy will be offering you an $800 scholarship, making your financial contribution a $200 investment only.
In addition to this, it is a good idea to budget $100 for optional extras like the gliding activity.
How do you register?
Click on the REGISTER tab on the youth academy page and complete the form.
If you have any questions or require help, email Danny on danny@summerhillacademy.co.nz or phone on 021 112 8385
What recognition does this course have within the workfoce?
Since 2010 we have had over 200 graduates. Many have used the skills gained and reference to get their holiday jobs, scholarship and a few have won awards at school using what they have learned at the Academy as part of their CV.
IT IS WELL WORTH THE EFFORT, so get registered and get involved!