In December 2024, Whenua Iti hosted an extraordinary programme that brought together 14 young amputees from across New Zealand for a weekend of adventure, connection, and empowerment. The Stump Club camp, a bespoke active recreation programme, was the result of over a year of planning and tireless fundraising by the Amputee Society of Top of the South.
Shane Torrance, President of the Amputee Society of Top of the South said “The community support we’ve had in the last year has been outstanding. These young amputees deserve active recreation opportunities just as much as able-bodied kids, but it does take a little bit more effort and planning to make it happen.”
The camp’s diverse programme included adventure-based games, high ropes activities, and kayaking, offering participants the chance to push their boundaries and discover new strengths. Special guest speakers, Paralympians Holly Robinson and Liam Malone, shared their inspiring journeys, encouraging the young attendees to dream big and pursue their passions.
Activities included the high ropes Trapeze challenge, raft building, kayaking and paddle boarding at Kaiteretere Beach.
William Pike, an amputee and passionate advocate for outdoor adventures, praised the initiative: “Events like this are a great example of organisations working together to provide vital opportunities for young amputees. They get to experience the outdoors in a safe and encouraging way. It’s such a rare opportunity for these young people to do things like high ropes courses and paddling about in kayaks.”
Beyond the physical activities, the camp fostered a strong sense of community and belonging among the participants. Rather than always being the odd one out in their peer group, they were surrounded by people who also had amputations. The hope is that this camp begins to build a national network of supportive families who face similar challenges.
“We’re lucky to have such supportive partnerships in place that help to fund and prioritise these immensely important experiences for the students. It’s a privilege to be able to offer programmes like this,” he said. “We’re happy to hear that the participants returned home with greater confidence, self-belief, and resilience,” Mark Bruce-Miller, CEO Whenua Iti Outdoors.
Fran McEwen, Active Recreation Manager for Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa, highlighted the camp as a model for accessible recreation programming. “We know that 11 percent of tamariki and rangatahi under the age of 15 identify as disabled in Aotearoa New Zealand. We also know that disabled young people are less likely to take part in outdoor physical activities than their peers,” she said. “Opportunities like this camp are fantastic for young people and their whānau to connect, be active, and enjoy te taiao in an inclusive and fun environment.”
The success of the Stump Club Camp is a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the indomitable spirit of these young adventurers. As they return home with newfound confidence and unforgettable memories, the impact of this camp will resonate for many years to come. Plans are already underway for the next Stump Club camp later this year.
This programme was made possible with the generous support from: Lions Foundation, Trillian Trust, NZ Community Trust, Pub Charity, MTF Finance Blenheim, Amputee Federation of NZ, Rotary Richmond, Lions Blenheim, Lions Richmond, Amputee Society of Greater Wellington, Amputee Society of Canterbury /Westland, Amputee Society of Hawkes Bay/East Coast, Peke Waihenga Artificial Limb Service.
If you would like to support the next iteration of this important programme, please click the button below and get in touch.