| In 1972 , Graeme Dingle had a vision to establish an outdoor center. His vision was to create a center where young New Zealanders would have the opportunity to learn more about themselves while adventuring in the outdoors. With the help of several other people, OPC was established during 1972, with the first program for school students being run in early 1973. The old buildings from the hydropower scheme tunneler s’ camp at Tawhitikuri were to provide the base for this vision to become reality. OPC has developed over the past 32 years into New Zealand's largest outdoor education provider running courses for school students from throughout the North Island . While school programs have remained at the heart of OPC , the center has broadened its focus and now runs a range of skill, leadership, and experiential training programs. OPC is recognized by SPARC as The National Training Center for training outdoor professionals. While OPC has developed and increased the range of programs that it offers, the original vision and philosophy behind the programs has changed very little, as expressed by the Mission Statement: Developing people's potential through: - challenging outdoor adventures
- environmental awareness
- fun and support
GLOBALINKS LEARNING ABROAD'S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM You'll enhance your leadership skills and self-confidence while exploring New Zealand's North Island in a hands-on, intensive experience. Offered in July and January of each year, the Leadership Development Program is available as a stand-alone program or can be added on to a full semester abroad experience at any university in Australia or New Zealand. You can push your own limits at the highly regarded OPC through GlobaLinks Learning Abroad's unique Leadership Development Program. This 2-week program challenges students to develop both professionally and personally in an international environment. Five days of the program are held at OPC, where you'll be instructed by leadership and experiential education professionals. The rest of the program includes a variety of workshops, seminars, field trips, and community service that will all contribute to your success as a global leader in any field or career. |