A Day with Wild Places Education

Every day at Wild Places is a new adventure! We follow nature’s lead, exploring the beach, bush, and everything in between — but there are a few special routines that help our tamariki feel safe and settled.

Starting the Day

We begin and end each day at the Paroa Playcentre. This is our meeting place where tamariki and whānau can:

• Settle in, catch up, and get ready for the day

• Enjoy some free play in the sandpit, on the bikes, or inside

• Have a snack if they need to before we head off, some love to settle in this way

If the weather looks wet, we get everyone into their wet weather gear (including for younger siblings). Hi-vis vests are part of our safety routine, making sure everyone can be seen and kept safe.

Before leaving, we line up for rollcall, check bags and gear, and share our “magic number” — the number of vested tamariki joining us for the day.

Rainy Days

We embrace the weather, whatever it brings!

• On extra wet days, we might stay longer at Playcentre making fresh juice or bread dough, ready to bake when we return.

• After splashing in puddles, we come back to get warm and dry, enjoy books, music, and fresh bread together.

Beach Adventures

When we walk down to the beach, we travel as a group with adults at the front and back. At the beach:

• We make a base for our bags and set clear safety expectations.

• Tamariki explore, build huts, chase waves (closely watched of course), dig in the sand, or enjoy organised games.

• Sometimes we light a small fire for warmth or cooking (if allowed).

• We meet horses or dogs along the way — great chances to learn how to interact kindly and safely with animals.

Bush Explorations

Our bush site is a magical space, full of opportunities to play and learn. We have:

• Art and clay stations, treasure hunts, books, hammocks and rope courses

• Bug hotels and plenty of critters to discover

• A fire brazier for cooking (pancakes are a favourite!)

• Water play and plenty of shade in summer

We love when whānau share their skills too — hot drink making, storytelling, or joining in the fun.

Community Connections

We also welcome students from Grey High who support activities and learn alongside our tamariki. Over time, we’re growing this partnership with native planting and trap setting projects.

Ending the Day

We head back around 2 pm to beat the after-school rush. Tamariki often finish the day back at Playcentre — playing, climbing, and creating.

What to Bring

• A packed lunch and a water bottle

• Changes of clothes

• Gumboots or shoes that can get wet

• Sunscreen applied at home in Term 1 & 4 (we’ll top up at midday)

• Any medications or health plans need to be discussed with kaiako, and we have some paperwork to complete, making sure we meet the needs of your child

We provide wet weather gear year round and sun hats in the summer months