Circle of Friends (Western Springs) | ckids
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Welcome to Western Springs / Circle of Friends

WESTERN SPRINGS PARK - CIRCLE OF FRIENDS location is an extra area/group added to the Western Springs Programmes during Summer and April Holidays. It is located just behind the Quarry, facing a pond with lots of eels and creatures to be observed, and surrounded by a lovely bush area providing cool shade play areas in the hot months. Because it is a smaller area than the Quarry we highly recommend it to our younger tamariki, as they can build their sense of belonging to it and take ownership of their play quicker. 

 

The pickup and drop-off point will be the  Circle of Friends area. The access is from Motions Rd, just before you get to the zoo carpark (coming from Great North Rd end). Parking is usually good on Motions rd at that time of day. Please arrive on time as we will have a morning meeting and need everyone to be there before we start. Click here to get the directions.
Please look for our flag and follow the chalk signage upon arrival to find us

9 am – 3 pm for children aged 5 yrs – 12 yrs
$80/day per child 
99 Motions Rd, Western Springs, Auckland 1022

GENERAL INFORMATION
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, compasses, 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 shopIn case of severe weather warnings, the  Moa Rd  Scout Hall 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 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

 

IMPORTANT!
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 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!

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