12 Days of Christmas: Rural holiday campsite a haven for kids

Rhiannon Osborne and Harry Ward try out special bikes at a Living Springs camp in Christchurch. Photo / Supplied

This Christmas, the Herald is again featuring charities which have been selected to receive a $10,000 donation from Auckland Airport. The $120,000 that is being distributed came from change donated by travellers this year.

Simply hanging out with mates at a cool place far from the stresses at home can do wonders for a young person's spirit.

Staff at the Living Springs campsite in Christchurch say that is exactly what they are about.

The charitable trust has been putting on educational, recreational, adventure-based programmes and school holiday camps for more than 30 years.

It is one of 12 recipients of a $10,000 grant provided by Auckland Airport's 12 Days of Christmas charity giveaway this year.

Chief executive Denis Aldridge said the trust was thrilled to get the grant as it would go towards helping young people. He said the camp was a popular getaway for youngsters.

"You just see the kids lifted in their spirits. When they get here, it's a completely different environment. It's rural and it's away from everything they know. The lift it gives them to be here is amazing."

Mr Aldridge said the money would be used to allow 40 children from earthquake-affected areas in Christchurch to attend a camp during the holidays free of charge.

He said it would let youngsters who had gone through the same sad and sometimes traumatic experiences come together in one place and reflect.

"We're targeting children from families who are in the red zone now, children from families who have been forced to move. There will be kids whose parents have lost jobs.

"Coming together will help them reach out to each other," Mr Aldridge said.

The camps are designed specifically to suit a particular group.

There are a number of activities on hand, including living the rural life - shearing sheep and milking cows - kayaking, biking, abseiling and trampolining.

Auckland Airport general manager corporate affairs Charles Spillane said the trust was worthy of a grant.

"What attracted us about the Living Springs application was that the donation will provide children from quake-affected areas with a carefree and educational experience that they otherwise would not have access to."