Who are we?
Our Philosophy
| We believe in trusting children. They are more capable and wiser than we allow them to be. Play is needed to give children a chance to express themselves without direction from adults. Play is not only a fundamental right of children, it is vital for emotional, physical and social growth and development. The autonomy of being able to plan their day, their play, teaches them responsibility and independence. Being out in nature offers unlimited opportunities to provoke curiosity and stoke imagination. |
Jo Luff – Lead Educator, Founder
Kia Ora everyone, I was a trusted roaming child and want to ensure that others get opportunities to be adventurous, roaming and free playing. I am a fully qualified and registered teacher that has specialized in free play for over ten years now while working with Play and Learn’s Nature Kindergarten in Long Bay. In the past I have had the joy of working with Conscious Kids and the privilege to be a part of the remarkable team of people who created Nature Kids Co-op.
Now, it is with excitement that I bring you Muddy Kids!
Muddy Kids believes the stronger the safety parameters, the freer the play.
Lexi Longman- Lead Educator, 2IC
Kia Ora !
I am an experienced play facilitator who absolutely thrived on adventure days growing up exploring the South coast of England with my family. My Dad taught me so many useful skills on our adventures and definitely passed on his passion for nature to me at a young age. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to share this passion with your tamariki at Muddy Kids !
For more than eight years I have been working in a wide range of roles with in the health and wellness sector, helping young people reconnect with nature and sharing the joy that being outside brings. I have worked with children across the spectrum of abilities and development.
I have had the pleasure of working alongside many incredible teachers and mentors within the freeplay movement here in Auckland with Conscious Kids, Nature Kids Co-op and Play and Learn’s Nature Kindy.
At Muddy Kids and my own tween/teen programme, Adventure Kids, I hope to continue to grow this beautiful community and ensure that all tamariki get to enjoy the outdoors at all ages.
Our Team
We couldn’t make things work without the help of lots of amazing people!
Our Staff
With all the energy to keep up with our tamariki, our staff bring skills and experiences to enrich our outdoor play. All staff are police checked and first aid certified.
Eleanore Ward
Educator
I was born in Leicester England, moved to New Zealand when I was six and have lived on the North Shore ever since. I grew up around beautiful Long Bay attending school at both Long Bay Primary and Long Bay College. I have a passion for art, baking and being outdoors. My experience helping and understanding those with differences has helped me as an assistant coach for a Special Olympics Basketball club and I have also previously coached hockey.
James Barnett
Educator
James brings over a decade of experience from the local scouting community to our Muddy Kids team, with a special passion for sailing and outdoor adventures. Having earned his Chief Scout’s Award, James was selected to sail around New Zealand on the Spirit of Adventure, a testament to his dedication to volunteer work and community service.
James initially joined us as a volunteer, and his consistent dedication and enthusiasm have made him an invaluable member of our team. We’re incredibly fortunate to have James with us during our holiday programs and camps, where his leadership and love for the outdoors truly shine.
Our Mums
They have kids in our programmes and experience in outdoor play based learning, these ladies know and love what we do. They also step up to help keep things running smoothly.
Claire
Educator
Alongside being a super mum to three kids she is a relief teacher for Play and Learn , Nature Kindy and Nature’s Den. We are extremely lucky to have her with us . Recently she completed her level 3 forest school qualification.
Laura
Educator, Admin
I have spent the last nine years hands on learning about outdoor freeplay with various organisations, Conscious Kids, Nature Kindy, Nature Kids Co-op and now Muddy Kids. Jack of all trades I fill in when and where I am needed!
Our Junior Staff and Youth Leaders
At Muddy Kids we feel that outdoor freeplay is not only essential for children but is a joy that can be shared by teens and adults alike. Our junior staff are still in training but are an important part of our holiday play days and weekend camps. Along with the youth leaders, they are an invaluable help to the adults but also great role models for our kids. The children enjoy having a big person to relate to who doesn’t fit the mold of a teacher or parent but can still offer guidance in play. Each of our youth leaders has a background in the outdoors and are vetted and supervised by our educators. They get a chance to build their leadership skills and we love having them with us.
Aaron
Junior Staff
Emily
Youth Leader
Would you like to join our team?
We are always looking for enthusiastic outdoor educators! If you are interested in fostering freeplay for youth and love the outdoors please reach out