CK Holiday Programmes
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Nature's Den Holiday Programmes

Spring Holiday Programme 2025

Week 1 / 22nd-26th September
Week 2 / 29th September - 3rd October

From 9 am - 3 pm / 4 to 12 years old

$85 child/day

Our stunnng locations:

Churchill Park / Western Springs / Little Shoal Bay / Pukekohe / Brookby

Programme Information

Nature's Den programs are designed as an antidote to the fast-paced, technology-filled world many children now inhabit. Our children’s lives are so filled with structure that this program aims to give them a break from instruction and allow them to play as they like, for as long, within a framework of respect for those around them and the environment.

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The foundation of our programmes is free-play in a natural setting with as little assistance as possible from equipment and technology. 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, compasses, magnifying glasses, knives (to be used with supervision), and some art equipment. Any personal devices (phones, iPods, etc) must be left at home.

 

Playing in the outdoors inevitably means getting dirty, and often getting a few scrapes and bruises, too. If you or your child is not happy with this concept, then this is not the programme for you.

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.

In case of a severe weather warning, we always have an indoor venue booked and ready to move the group in.

 

Some benefits of regular free play in nature:

 

  • Increased physical activity and a lower risk of childhood obesity

  • Children learn to interact with and better understand the natural world

  • Helps improve children’s cognitive function, personality development, and attention in school

  • Improves childhood mental health and ability to handle stress

  • ‘Dangerous’ free play gives children a chance to develop the physical and emotional skills to deal with emergencies

  • Children learn to assess and manage risks

  • Learn to regulate emotion and practice negotiation skills

  • Develop and practice motor skills

  • Supports creativity and problem-solving

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 / Sunhat 

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

  • Water shoes are highly recommended to the Little Shoal Bay and Blockhouse Bay locations.

  • 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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Drop off @ 9 am - Pick up @ 3 pm

Ratio 1 adult: 8 children

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* 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!

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