FAQ’s

Engaging in nature-based learning offers a wide range of benefits for children.

Cognitive & Academic Growth

• Hands-on, experiential learning boosts understanding and retention

• Encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity

• Supports literacy and numeracy through real-world applications

• Builds focus, concentration, and executive functioning skills

• Fosters a love for learning by following children's natural curiosity

Physical Health & Development

• Increases physical activity, improving fitness, balance, and coordination

• Reduces sedentary behaviour and screen time

• Promotes gross and fine motor development through varied terrain and materials

• Strengthens immune systems through regular exposure to natural environments

Emotional Wellbeing

• Reduces stress and anxiety; nature has calming, restorative effects

• Boosts confidence and resilience by overcoming outdoor challenges

• Encourages self-regulation and emotional awareness

• Builds a strong sense of independence and capability

Social & Behavioural Skills

• Enhances teamwork, communication, and cooperation

• Encourages positive peer relationships in open-ended, inclusive settings

• Provides natural opportunities for leadership and empathy

• Supports respectful behaviour through shared responsibility and freedom

Connection to Nature & Environment

• Fosters a deep connection to the natural world

• Teaches kaitiakitanga – guardianship and care for the land

• Builds awareness of sustainability and environmental responsibility

• Encourages a sense of place and community belonging

Developmentally Appropriate Learning

• Respects each child’s individual learning pace and style

• Allows for choice, freedom, and self-directed exploration

Supports whole-child development: physical, emotional, cognitive, and social

Grow Wild Education has a comprehensive Safety Management System to reduce risk, and maintain a safe environment. This includes regularly reviewed Safety Operating Procedures (SOPs) and site hazard assessments.

We actively involve children in risk assessment, helping them build awareness, make informed decisions, and gain confidence in managing challenges safely.

Key Safety Measures:

• Minimum of 2 adults per session; all staff and volunteers are police vetted.

• Low adult-to-child ratios: 1:6 for preschoolers, 1:8 for 5–10 year olds.

• At least one first aid certified staff member per session; first aid kit on site.

• Staff carry a charged cellphone and whistle at all times; children are taught emergency whistle signals.

• A Safety Pack is on site with spare clothing, food, water, sunscreen, and sanitiser.

• Weather is checked daily, and we operate within defined weather limits.

• Each staff member carries an Operations Guide with child medical details, emergency contacts, and SOPs.

• Families are given a gear list, with required items such as warm layers, wet weather gear, and spares—primarily for safety.

Our One-Day and School Holiday Programmes follow a consistent structure each day:

• Group Huddle – We begin with a welcome, outline the day’s plan, and cover safety.

• Games – Fun child-led and staff-led games get us moving and set a positive tone.

• Skill Session – We learn hands-on outdoor skills like fire lighting, tent pitching, navigation, first aid, foraging, and more.

• Morning Tea – BYO morning tea, enjoyed together.

• Applying Skills – Children put their new skills into practice, followed by group reflection to deepen learning.

• Loose Parts Play – Unstructured play with open-ended materials encourages creativity, problem-solving, and exploration.

• Story Time – We gather to share a story or book before lunch.

• Lunch – BYO lunch, eaten as a group.

• Excursion/Explore – We explore either the local area or the property, fostering curiosity and connection with nature.

• Loose Parts Play (again) – More time for imaginative and self-directed play.

• Shared Afternoon Tea & Campfire – Children help prepare and share an afternoon tea around the campfire, with a daily “fire team” managing the fire.

• Debrief – We reflect on the day’s experiences, reinforcing learning and growth.

While we have a plan, we also embrace spontaneous adventures sparked by children’s curiosity—because that’s where the magic often happens!

We use the Makarau Scout Camp for our Programme’s. This site is just 9mins North of the Kaukapakapa Village, yet when there, you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere!

There are a few buildings onsite which we don’t use for our programme, but one of them does provide us with a covered outdoor area. We have composting toilets to use and plenty of great bush space to explore.

For our School Holiday Programme, we may occasionally base ourselves at an alternative local site. This will be communicated to families closer to the time.

We offer a One-Day Programme for preschoolers aged 3-4yrs and a One-Day Programme for children aged 5-10yrs.

Our School Holiday Programme is also offered for 3-4yr olds and 5-10yr olds.

Yes, we run our sessions all 4 terms of the year!

Our programme will celebrate the seasons. For example, in the summer, we will do activities that involve water play and in the winter we will do activities where staying dry and warm is front of mind. As long as children bring all the appropriate gear, we will be prepared for all weather conditions.

It is unlikely that a session would need to be cancelled due to weather but we do have operational limits that we adhere to.

We provide all families with a comprehensive gear list and it is expected that children bring all gear on the list each day.

The majority of the items on the list are included for safety purposes such as warm clothing, wet weather gear, spare clothing, etc.

Afternoon tea will be provided each day. This will be prepared, (sometimes cooked on the fire) and eaten together as a group. There is nothing more that brings a group together than sharing a good feed!

We ask that you pack your child/ren a decent morning tea and lunch as learning in an outdoor environment can make for hungry learners!

Grow Wild Education is designed to complement traditional schooling by offering alternative learning environments that focus on outdoor exploration, self-directed play, and personal development. They are particularly beneficial for children who may not thrive in conventional classroom settings.

Under Section 53 of the Education Act 2020, New Zealand schools have the discretion to release students for external educational activities, such as one-day nature programme’s. This requires prior approval from the school's principal or Board of Trustees. Parents must seek permission from the school, and the principal will determine how to record the child's attendance during the absence.

We are happy to get in touch with your child’s teacher or principal to give them further information about Grow Wild Education and how our programme can support your child’s schooling.

While a one-off visit to nature can be fun and refreshing, regular attendance at a nature-based programme offers deeper, more meaningful, and lasting benefits for a child’s development.

Children need repetition and consistency to fully absorb and build on new skills.

Regular sessions build trust and connection with staff, peers, and the environment.

Mental and emotional health benefits (like reduced stress and improved mood) are strengthened over time.

Just like any other meaningful learning or relationship, nature-based learning thrives on consistency. Regular participation gives children the time and space to explore, reflect, and truly grow.

We ask that when registering your child/ren, you are committing to a full term.

We aim to offer overnight camps twice a year. Each camp will be different, but they will always be somewhat local.

To find out more information about any upcoming camps, chat to one of our staff or email us at learn@growwildeducation.co.nz.

To find out more information about what we offer, or to register your child, please email learn@growwildeducation.co.nz or get in touch via out Contact Us page on the website.

One-Day Programme - 8.30am-2.30pm (drop off from 8am) $80/day, to be paid prior to each term.

School Holiday Programme - 8.30am-2.30pm (drop off from 8am) $80/day to be paid prior the day your child will be attending.

10% discount applies for siblings of an enrolled child.

• Afternoon tea is provided for each one-day programme and school holiday programme session.

• Once registered, each child can choose either a bucket hat or beanie with our logo

If our fees are a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to discuss options and explore ways we can accommodate your needs.