Little seeds for a better future  

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Kawai Purapura is a hidden gem of a retreat centre nestled in 19 acres of native bush, perfect for our nature and Junk play programme. The days will be filled exploring the amazingly beautiful native bush, and all the wonders it has to offer. Additional activities will include campfire cooking, art projects, permaculture, flax weaving, and knot tying, and of course JUNK PLAY! 
Children may attend one day or three, getting advance of our super offer.

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Our children's lives are so filled with structure, this program aims to give them a break from instruction and allow them to play as they like, for as long as they like, within a framework of respect for those around them and the environment. Extension opportunities will be available but only if the children genuinely want to participate. Playing in the outdoors inevitably means getting dirty, and often getting a few scrapes and bruises too. If you or your child are not happy with this concept then this is not the program for you.

 

The foundation of our programs is free-play in a natural setting with as little assistance as possible from equipment and technology. We offer a chance for children to play as they like, for as long as they like, within a framework of respect for those around them and the environment. Extension opportunities will be available but only if the children genuinely want to participate. We provide basic equipment suitable for exploring the outdoors: ropes, tarpaulins, bungees, compass, magnifying glasses, knives (to be used with supervision), and some art equipment.

Our programs are designed as an antidote to the fast-paced technology-filled world many children now inhabit. Any personal devices (phones, iPods, etc) must be left at home.

The program will go ahead in all weather. Rain brings exciting opportunities for play and exploration and of course shelter building! Good quality wet weather gear is very important. We wholeheartedly believe the famous quote "there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing". Waterproof gear (jacket and pants) is compulsory for rainy days. We offer waterproof pants for sale in our online shop. In case of severe weather warnings, a closed venue inside Kawai Purapura has been booked. 

 

What you MUST pack: 

The children need to be well prepared to get the most enjoyment out of the day. Cold, wet, or hungry children can't play happily.
 

• Minimum 3 full sets of warm clothing, including underwear and socks. Thermals are essential.

• Sunblock

• Warm Beanie

• Warm gloves

• Swimwear - Wet suit (Compulsory if swimming is available)

• Towel

• Plastic bags for wet clothes

• LOTS of food. They will get far more hungry than they do sitting in a classroom all day.
  For Winter Season, please consider warm and healthy high-energy food. No disposable plastic, please!

• Large Drink bottle

• 1 x pair of shoes suitable for bushwalking.

• 1 x pair of Gum Boots

• GOOD QUALITY RAINCOAT AND WATERPROOF PANTS
  Waterproof pants are compulsory for wet days.

• They need 2 bags, 1 for clothing and a backpack for lunch, drink, and trips.

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Important: Our children’s lives are so filled with structure, this program aims to give them a break from instruction and allow them to play as they like, for as long as they like, within a framework of respect for those around them and the environment. Extension opportunities will be available but only if the children genuinely want to participate. Playing in the outdoors inevitably means getting dirty, and often getting a few scrapes and bruises too. If you or your child are not happy with this concept then this is not the programme for you.
 

Parent Helpers - A unique part of the Conscious Kids Programme philosophy is that passionate parents make the very best supervisors. They have a vested interest in making sure the day is amazing for the children and they have the most experience caring for and managing children. If you are enthusiastic and positive about being in the outdoors in all weather conditions and genuinely enjoy being around children supporting independent play, then this could be the role for you.
Please click here for more information or email info@consciouskids.co.nz .

 

 

 

* To ensure our children get the best of our free play spaces and enjoy the Conscious Kids way of play, we require at least 12 children to attend per day, so please invite your friends for the days of pure fun during the holidays!