Show the kids how to pitch a tent: Camping for charity initiative at Christchurch holiday park

North South Holiday Park is offering a charitable camping experience for those wanting to try the activity out for the first time. Photo: Supplied

Christchurch families who want to try camping for the first time can now do so while giving back to the community.

Groups can learn how to pitch a tent or see whether they have everything needed for the upcoming camping season for summer at North South Holiday Park, Harewood.

The park will be donating $5 per adult who stay overnight to the Christchurch City Mission. All proceeds from groups only pitching a tent for the day will also be donated to the charity.

They will also match any canned food donated for the mission.

Dan Fraser.

Owner Dan Fraser said camping with kids can sometimes be challenging, so by practising and giving it a go, it ensured the next big trip was stress-free.

“Camping isn’t for everyone, so this gives them a budget-friendly option to try camping before going on a big, two-week-long trip,” he said.

“It’s not just people travelling from outside of Christchurch, it’s actually locals who want to get away for the weekend too.

“It’s also a good incentive to encourage people to come out and give back.”

Staff on-site will also be on hand to give their expert camping tips to those unsure about where to start, including campervan advice.

The Pitch Perfect i nitiative started last year and now comes at a time when New Zealanders have been exploring their backyards following Covid-19 travel restrictions.

The North South Holiday Park. Photo: Supplied

Because of this, he expected a busy season during the upcoming summer but had some concerns about a lack of international visitors in the foreseeable future.

“I’m feeling highly optimistic that it’ll be a busy summer, but the test will be about February or March next year when we usually have international visitors.”

Fraser started the initiative not only to encourage people to try something new, but because he has always had an interest in supporting the local community.

Last year, the park raised more than $500 which was donated to non-profit organisation Sands NZ, which support parents and families who have experienced the death of a baby.

Now more than ever he encouraged others to get amongst an “old Kiwi pastime.”

The City Mission was chosen this year due to the hardships Cantabrians have faced in the wake of Covid-19.

The charity became overwhelmed due to a higher demand for food assistance caused by the pandemic.

Said Fraser: “We see what’s happening around the world with the pandemic, lots of people are out there struggling, whether they’ve lost their jobs or homes.

“We felt like we can do our part and make a difference, even if it’s small.”