„YMCA Europe is a working fellowship to strengthen movements where people grow in body, mind and spirit.“

New Zealand visits YMCAs in Europe

7th October 2010

Scott Tunnicliffe

Hello fellow YMCA Members,

My name is Scott Tunnicliffe, I am 24 years old and living and working in New Zealand.

Since moving to Wanganui, New Zealand from England in January 2009 I have been a devoted YMCA employee. I began with a part time position delivering sports and games, within 18 months had created a physical education programme, developed an archery in schools programme and started numerous other recreation classes. I am now the Recreation Development Manager for the Wanganui YMCA a position I love and wouldn't give up for the world (I am just putting it on hold for my adventure J)

I am currently planning a tour of Europe during which it is my intention to visit as many European YMCA's as possible. This trip will give me a chance to explore the diversity of the YMCA as an organisation and the differences between European YMCA programmes, facilities and attitudes from those in New Zealand YMCA's.

I will be keeping a detailed blog of the trip with photos to bring back and share my story with the YMCA's across New Zealand and you could be a part of it.

Although a clear travel itinerary has not yet been drawn up I plan to visit around 18 European countries. In each country I will be spending 1 or 2 days in their capital city and possibly another major city.

I am trying to find out as much information as possible on the Various YMCA's around Europe who would be willing to spend a day or two showing a fellow YMCA's employee/tourist around their city and also their YMCA facilities (you could even offer to accommodate me for the night).

This would also be a perfect opportunity to share ideas on current programme trends and ideas as well as creating links for a future student, volunteer or employee exchange programme.

If you wish to help me with my big adventure then please email me and we can discuss my ideas further.

I look forward to hearing from you

Many Thanks

Scott Tunnicliffe
scott@ymcawanganui.org.nz

Author/Source: Scott Tunnicliffe, Recreation Development Manager, YMCA Wanganui