Little seeds for a better future  

The Hardy Centre is a hidden wonderland waiting to be explored next to the Hamilton Gardens. It offers opportunities to explore bush tracks and diverse vegetation, and then to build huts and climb trees in a private and secluded bush setting. Wide open spaces for playing tag and soccer, a dedicated fire pit for cooking toast and steep slopes for scrambling are just some of the possibilities this site offers. Opportunities will be offered to learn knot tying and whittling skills or to simply find some trees to hang a hammock in and unwind after a busy term at school.  Children will play like previous generations did, away from screens and schedules, and exploring and appreciating the natural beauty that we are all blessed with.  Keep your annual leave for family holidays and let us care for your children in an unstructured play, natural setting.

 

The foundation of our programmes 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.

 

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.

 

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 clothing including underwear and socks
  (Thermals are highly recommended during Autumn and Winter)

• sun hat

• warm hat ( Autumn and Winter )

• Sunblock

• Swimwear (rash t-shirt is compulsory during Summer and Spring)

• Towel

• Plastic bags for wet clothes

• LOTS of food. They will get far more hungry than they do sitting in a classroom all day

• Large Drink bottle

• Old shoes suitable for bushwalking

• 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 and drink

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. We will use the Hardy Centre Hall In case of the severe weather warning.

 

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 holidays@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!