Sean Reilly teaching skateboarding balance skills at Tairua Skate Park. He is offering school holiday programmes for budding skateboarders in Tairua and Whitianga.
Over the past few years, many local families may have seen Whitianga Skate School delivering skateboarding programmes in schools and communities across the Coromandel. What some may not know is that the skate school has recently transitioned into a community-focused charitable initiative under the newly established Guided Journey Charitable Trust.
This change means that future growth, sponsorship, and community support can be directed back into creating opportunities for local young people and their families – focusing less on profit and more on purpose.
The purpose of The Guided Journey Charitable Trust is to support the wellbeing and development of young people through positive experiences, mentoring, outdoor activity, and meaningful community connections.
While skateboarding is currently our primary programme, it is simply one way we help young people grow, connect, and thrive.
In a world where many young people are spending increasing amounts of time indoors and behind screens, we see real value in getting outside, being active, connecting with others, and experiencing the wellbeing that comes from movement, friendship, and community.
By operating under The Guided Journey Charitable Trust, our focus is not simply on running lessons but on creating opportunities that are accessible to as many young people as possible. Through community support, sponsorship and fundraising, we currently provide free skateboarding programmes in local schools, free lessons during school holidays, and keep our after-school lesson costs as low as possible.
We also sponsor six local children to participate in regular lessons and regularly provide skateboards, helmets, and safety equipment to families who need support.
School Holidays
We are running a free skate lesson at Whitianga skatepark on the Saturday 18 July from 9.30am till 12.30pm with all gear available for use. Come and enjoy a free morning of skateboarding.
The response from local families has been incredibly encouraging, with more than 90 children currently participating in our weekly programmes. We are also seeing growing interest from families in Tairua and other parts of the Coromandel, highlighting the demand for positive, accessible activities that get young people active, outdoors, and connected with their communities. None of this would be possible without the support of our community.
Thank you to the Mercury Bay Lions Club for their ongoing fundraising efforts, St Andrew’s Church for sponsoring a child’s participation fees, and Woolworths for their generous food support.
Thank you to our valued sponsors. Their support plays a vital role in helping us continue creating opportunities for young people throughout the Coromandel.
- PJ Builders
- The Lost Spring
- Coastline Excavation
- Cathedral Cove Water Taxi
- Gardenscapes
- Chops Landscaping
- FBC Ltd for Accounting
Thank you to our Board of Trustees for their dedication and commitment to the trust’s vision and to the many volunteers who generously give their time and energy to support our programmes. Without their support, much of what we do would not be possible.
As our programmes continue to grow, we will be looking for additional instructors and mentors to join our team. If you enjoy working with young people, have a positive attitude, and like the idea of helping children build confidence while staying active and keeping fit yourself, we would love to hear from you.
This is only the beginning of the journey. Our vision is to continue creating opportunities that help young people lead active, healthy, and connected lives while strengthening the communities we all call home.
If you would like to learn more about the trust, register your child for lessons, enquire about sponsorship support or volunteer, we would love to hear from you.
◾️Sean works with The Guided Journey Charitable Trust 0221640015
