Teens camp tackles mental health

A camp for teenagers focusing on mental health and suicide prevention was held in New Zealand last month.

The Fields Teen Camp 2025 was the first of its kind in Aotearoa, bringing together 72 teens aged 13 to 19, supported by a staff of 30 volunteers.

Across the weekend, participants explored topics such as recognising signs of emotional distress in themselves and others, what steps to take when feeling low, and how to walk alongside someone who may be struggling.

The urgency of these conversations is clear. According to the 2025 UNICEF Innocenti Report, Aotearoa has the highest child suicide rate among 38 OECD and EU countries—nearly three times higher than average—and ranks last in overall youth mental health (UNICEF Report Card 18, 2025).

“I feel like this camp has just been able to put light on what we can do to help people that are hurt but you can’t see it,” shared Sachi Siope-Taniue. Fellow camper Freya Tipoa’i added, “After this camp I feel more confident to ask for help . . . it made me feel comfortable having those conversations with other people if they needed help.”

The camp was a collaborative effort of several Adventist churches, the Adventist Development Relief Agency, Sanitarium Health Food Company and other partners.

Planning is already underway for Teen Camp 2026, set for April 7-10.