Our Muddy Camps were created out of our love of camping and wanting to give our tamariki the thrill of campfires and playing after dark. They have also been a way for some of our kids to try out a sleepover camp away from home (and give their parents a night off!!)

There is a different atmosphere at our camps from our day programmes as kids nurture deeper friendships, get the chance to cook around a campfire and the excitement of a sleepover! While parents are reassured that with our low ratios and trained staff nervous first timers (and our veteran campers!) are well looked after.

Like our one day programmes, our children spend the day outside playing as children should. We start with a meeting on the first day to set boundaries, expectations and to give the kids a chance to say how they would like to spend the weekend. We do not run activities or set a schedule other than when meals will be provided (snacks are available at any time). The children determine, by process of voting, what they want to do or explore.

Each camp venue is different and what is available to do varies, but there is always bush and green space to explore. We emphasize the nature and encourage our campers to spend most of their time outside (aside from sleeping).

All camps have an indoor space to sleep. Depending on the venue, you may need to bring a camp cot or airbed.

There are options for a day stay for those still testing the waters and sleepovers and can vary from one, two or even three nights!.

Our camps are all located in the Auckland area and take advantage of all its varied environments.

What they learn with us:

• To respect themselves and others. Not through laying down the law, but through conversations of empathy and perspectives. Children are guided to understand how their actions impact their friends and themselves.
• They grow emotionally while negotiating relationships with friends and those they do not see eye to eye with. Not everyone will always get along. Conflict is to be learned from not shut down. We exercise our problem solving skills when finding solutions that respect everyone’s play.
• Improve mental well being by feeling heard, listened to and respected. Our students all have an equal say in the day’s activities. Our teachers keep a close ear on how the children treat each other and how they resolve any disputes. Being in nature the full impact of using all of our senses in an unstructured environment has been proven by science to reduced stress and improve well-being.
• Build confidence by promoting independence and doing things for themselves. Educators don’t do anything for the kids that they can do themselves. We will encourage, coach, guide and step in when things are overwhelming, but we understand that challenge and frustration are themselves learning tools. Sometimes the best and most profound lessons are learnt by being uncomfortable. The pride that a child has when they are finally able to climb that norfolk pine by themselves for the first time is undeniably powerful.

The responsibility of our educators is to hold a safe space, emotionally and physically, for the children to test their own limits, explore their imaginations and grow.

The benefits of our weekend camps:

• A chance for kids to try out a sleepover away from home in a safe caring environment.
• The full day overnight stay allows for deeper friendships to develop
• Learn how to light and cook over a campfire safely.
• There is a bonding experience shared by our groups unique to an overnight stay and days of freeplay.
• Vetted Youth Leaders join us to help facilitate our play providing older mentors who still play at their level.

Details:

• Teacher to student ratio 1:8
• Ages: 5-12
• Costs vary between locations, overnights and day stays available
• Dates and details of our next camp, can be found on our Facebook page.