One-Day Programme

Our One-Day Programme offers a nurturing environment where children are free to learn and grow at their own pace, supported by a sense of safety, trust, and belonging.

Dates Open for Registration

Term 4 - Mon 6th Oct - Friday 12th Dec 2025 (10 weeks)

  • Tuesday’s during term 4 - 8.30am-2.30pm (drop off from 8am) - Ages 3-4yrs

  • Thursday’s during term 4 - 8.30am-2.30pm (drop off from 8am) - Ages 5-10yrs

Limited spaces available - a Wednesday will be added for 5-10yrs, if there is enough demand.

Please note, we require children to attend a full school term of sessions, we do not offer a casual attendance.

More dates will be added for the 2026 school terms.

Cost

$80/day ($800 for term 4) - to be paid prior to the start of each term.

10% discount applies for siblings of an enrolled child.

Afternoon tea is provided each day.

How to Register

To book one of our One Day Programme, please either email us at learn@growwildeducation.co.nz or get in touch via the Contact Us page on our website.

“Nature is a tool to get children to experience not just the wider world, but themselves.” - Stephen Moss

Daily Structure

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!

Benefits for my child

Nature-based learning offers rich, well-rounded development for children across all areas:

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 and concentration

  • 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

  • Deepens environmental awareness and care (kaitiakitanga)

  • 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

Safety Overview

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.