Conscious Kids April Holiday Programmes 2018

Conscious Kids is proud to be safeguarding children's right to free play in nature.

Our Holiday Programmes are designed for kids from 5 - 12 years old as an antidote to the fast paced technology filled world our children now inhabit. A chance to unwind and play as their parents did, climbing trees, building huts, exploring and of course playing bullrush!

The foundation of our program is free play in a natural setting with as little assistance as possible from equipment and technology. We will provide basic equipment suitable to exploring the outdoors: ropes, tarpaulins, bungees, compass, magnifying glasses, knives (to be used with supervision) and some art equipment. Any personal devices (phones, ipods etc) must be preferably left at home or in bags.

Some benefits of regular free play in nature:
- Increased physical activity, and less 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
- Improves the performance of children with ADHD.

​Our children’s lives are so filled with structure, this program aims to gives 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 program for you. Good quality wet weather gear is very important. The program will go ahead in all weather.

The only thing that will stop us is a severe weather warning from the Metservice. Rain brings exciting opportunities for play and exploration and of course shelter building! We wholeheartedly believe the famous quote “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.

For bookings, further info and different locations visit: www.consciouskids.co.nz