Kahu Youth are excited and privileged to introduce Sam Strong, our newest Youth Worker! Sam, who hails from Ontario, Canada has been in Wanaka just over two years where she has been teaching preschool at Wanaexcel before making the plunge and joining our growing team! Sam’s departure from teaching was fuelled by a desire to return to her roots of youth programming and an eagerness to create stronger and meaningful connections to the community. Sam is excited for the change in pace with her new role.Sam began working with the Ontario Camp Association in 2006 which was her first role as a Youth Worker and since then has gone onto work in British Columbia as a Youth Programmer. Her move to Wanaka was propelled as a means to continue her globe trotting and cultural exploration. She soon found herself feeling at home as the landscape and societal tendencies mimic the lifestyle often found back home in Canada.Apart from her passion for Youth Development and Social Work, Sam is a snowboarding enthusiast, a keen football player and also currently plays for Upper Clutha Women’s Hockey Team. As passions normally do, Sam’s sporting interests developed into youth coaching roles in British Columbia and Ontario.‘I am excited for the change in pace and to be challenged on a daily basis. It is a different challenge to teaching young children and I hope to influence and inspire the youth in Wanaka to develop and lead their own path. I hope to inspire respectful rebellion, to help them push the social norms, to be the change and to try new things. I want to teach them that failure is part of the journey but importantly, to always keep going.’If you would like to contact Sam regarding her work at Kahu Youth, you can contact her on 034435880 or [email protected] or you can visit our website here

As we begin a new year with new adventures and many new faces, we also look back to those who have supported us through what was a tumultuous but positive year! We would like to express our gratitude to The Lion Foundation for keeping us comfortable with a brand new heat pump, and for keeping us entertained with a new pool table! The Lion Foundation also supports our operational costs so we can continue providing quality youth and community services to the Upper Clutha. Thank you for your partnership and support!Some of the youth attendees enjoying the new heat pump!If you would like any further details or have any questions about our plans for 2021, you can contact Kahu Youth at [email protected] or call us on 03 443 5880. Kia Kaha!