
Canterbury - Cashmere/Halswell
July school holidays and Kidsfest - OPEN FOR REGISTRATIONS
All registrations are completed through https://elements.aimyplus.com or email elementsprogrammes@gmail.com for more info
Our standard programmes are - 9am-3pm for children aged 5yrs-13 yrs (unless otherwise stated), at $75/day including afternoon tea
Or when booking a full multi-day programme (ie 3 or 5 day) a 10% discount is applied by admin.
Our half day junior programmes are - 9.30am-12pm for children aged 2yrs-7yrs, at $30/morning, second child 50% discount (admin to adjust). Younger siblings are free. Older siblings by request. At least 1 caregiver remains on session with child/ren. These sessions are usually held in July.
All registrations are completed through https://elements.aimyplus.com
Bookings are then confirmed by Elements and an invoice generated.
Admin applies discounts for attending 3+ days of a programme if applicable and for multiple sibling discounts
A reminder/ info email with what to bring and where to park comes out 2 weeks prior to each programme.
Note: Please sure you do not tick ‘unsubscribe to communication’ as it means you will not receive information about the programme ie leader contacts, meeting point or any changes. We only send out this email, then nightly summary with photos and then an invitation to join the following holidays. There isn’t additional regular ‘spam’ type emails.
Term 2, 2024 - currently full with small waitlist operating:
AKO ELEMENTS - (ie ‘1 day nature school - independent session)
This programme is 9am-3pm for children aged 5yrs-12 yrs at $75/day, Email elementsprogrammes@gmail.com to request a prospectus.
*Thursdays - Ako Elements South at 600 Cashmere Road, Westmorland farm
There is a small waitlist for places on this programme. If you think it may be of interest to your child, get in touch to organise a visit - visiting dates are 29 May and 26 June.
Term 3, 2024 - OPEN FOR WAITLIST:
AKO ELEMENTS - (ie ‘1 day nature school - independent session)
This programme is 9am-3pm for children aged 5yrs-12 yrs at $75/day, Email elementsprogrammes@gmail.com to request a prospectus.
*Thursdays - Ako Elements South at 600 Cashmere Road, Westmorland farm
There is a small waitlist for places on this programme. If you think it may be of interest to your child, get in touch to organise a visit visiting dates are 29 May and 26 June.
JULY HOLIDAYS/ KIDSFEST
WEEK 1: MONDAY 30 JUNE - FRIDAY 4TH JULY
Monday 30th June - Elements Farm: Work & Play, 2yrs - 7yrs, 9.30am-12.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
A new twist on our successful ‘stay n play’ session with Elements down on the farm! This session has some ‘real work’ opportunities – raking leaves, peeling apples, moving firewood, digging in dirt, and using carpentry tools. All on a local farm. Finish with marshmallows over the fire! Elements programmes ignite discovery, active movement & FUN! Mums more than welcome but we do enjoy seeing many dads and grandparents having a big messy wholesome day outdoors with our youngest community members on our ‘stay n play’ sessions.
· Mon 30th June: ‘Elements Farm: Work Play’, 2yrs-7yrs with caregiver, 9.30am-12.30pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $30 first child, 50% subsequent child, under 2 free, over 7’s by request.
Tuesday 1 July - Elements: Huts n Hide outs - make your own winter wonderland, 5yrs - 13yrs, 9.00am-3.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
Calling all budding architects and outdoor adventurers! During our "Huts and Hideouts" session, children will have the opportunity to explore the art of shelter-building and create their very own cozy winter retreat.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the great outdoors, young explorer will dive into the world of primitive and sustainable shelter construction. Using a variety of natural materials, such as branches, leaves or use the ‘loose parts’ Elements resources, they'll learn innovative techniques to build sturdy, weatherproof structures that provide warmth and protection from the elements.
As they work together in teams, your child will develop problem-solving skills, practice effective communication, and unleash their creativity. From designing the layout and structure to decorating their unique hideaway, every step of the process will foster a deep appreciation for the resources and engineering principles that go into creating a functional shelter.
But the fun doesn't stop there! Once their cozy cabins are complete, your child will have the opportunity to test their creations, spending time inside their self-made winter wonderlands. They'll engage in imaginative play, storytelling, and even enjoy a warm snack prepared over a campfire – all while immersed in the beauty of the winter landscape.
Ignite your child's sense of adventure and inspire their love for the great outdoors. Sign up for our "Huts and Hideouts" at Elements today!
· Tuesday 1st July : 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $75 incl. afternoon tea, 3rd whanau member 50% discount (sibling or cousin)
Wednesday 2nd July - Woodland Wonders - Explore the secrets of the forest, 5yrs - 13yrs, 9.00am-3.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
Embark on an enchanting adventure through our enchanted forest during our "Woodland Wonders" session. Your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich, diverse ecosystem of the ngahere, discovering the hidden secrets and fascinating inhabitants that call these lush environments home.
From identifying animal bones to spotting different tree species, your young explorer will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the intricate web of life that thrives in the forest. They'll engage in hands-on activities, such as creating natural habitats for small creatures and learning about the importance of biodiversity.
Our experienced educators will guide your child on a journey of discovery, sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to observe, investigate, and connect with the natural world around them. Through guided explorations, your child will gain a newfound respect for the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Ignite your child's sense of wonder and appreciation for the great outdoors. Also plenty of time for play and exploration on our wonderful farm homebase. Sign up for our "Woodland Wonders" session today!
· Wednesday 2nd July: ‘Woodland Wonders’: 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $75 incl. afternoon tea, 3rd whanau member 50% discount (sibling or cousin)
Thursday 3rd July - Campfire Capers - Ignite Imagination , 5yrs - 13yrs, 9.00am-3.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
Gather round the crackling campfire for a day of outdoor adventure and discovery! During our "Campfire Capers" session, your child will embark on an exciting journey, learning the art of fire-making, campfire cooking, and the timeless traditions of storytelling and song.
Your young adventurer will start by mastering the safe and responsible techniques of building a campfire, guided by our experienced educators. They'll then put their culinary skills to the test, preparing delicious, over the open flame.
As the fire dances they’ll also learn about the science behind fire and its role in the natural world, sparking a deeper appreciation for this essential element.
There is also plenty of time for play and exploration on our wonderful farm homebase. Don't miss this opportunity to ignite your child's imagination and embark on a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure. Sign up for our "Campfire Capers" day today!
Thurs 3rd July: ‘Campfire Capers’: 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $75 incl. afternoon tea, 3rd whanau member 50% discount (sibling or cousin)
Friday 4th July - Elements ‘Farm n Fire’, 2yrs-7yrs, 9.00am-3.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
Elements down on the farm! Explore, dig in dirt, make huts, go 'fishing' & other nature play on a local farm. Finish with marshmallows over the fire! Elements programmes ignite discovery, active movement & FUN! This has become a firm favourite within the Elements community and it is great to see so many dads and grandparents having a big messy wholesome day outdoors with our youngest community members.
· Fri 4th July: ‘Stay n Play: Farm n Fire’, 2yrs-7yrs with caregiver to stay n play, 9am-3pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $30 first child, 50% subsequent children, under 2 free, over 7’s by request.
JULY HOLIDAYS/ KIDSFEST
WEEK 2: MONDAY 7th JULY - FRIDAY 11th JULY
Monday 7th July- Elements Farm: Work & Play, 2yrs - 7yrs, 9.30am-12.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
A new twist on our successful ‘stay n play’ session with Elements down on the farm! This session has some ‘real work’ opportunities – raking leaves, peeling apples, moving firewood, digging in dirt, and using carpentry tools. All on a local farm. Finish with marshmallows over the fire! Elements programmes ignite discovery, active movement & FUN! Mums more than welcome but we do enjoy seeing many dads and grandparents having a big messy wholesome day outdoors with our youngest community members on our ‘stay n play’ sessions.
· Mon 30th June: ‘Elements Farm: Work Play’, 2yrs-7yrs with caregiver, 9.30am-12.30pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $30 first child, 50% subsequent child, under 2 free, over 7’s by request.
Tuesday 8th July - Sensory Scavenger Hunt: Awaken the Senses in Nature, 5yrs - 13yrs, 9.00am-3.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
Get ready to embark on a captivating sensory adventure during our "Sensory Scavenger Hunt" day! Your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural world, using all of their senses to explore and discover the wonders that surround them.
Equipped with a keen eye and a curious mind, your young explorer will venture into the great outdoors, searching for a diverse array of natural materials that appeal to their sense of touch, sight, smell, and sound. From the crunch of leaves to birdsong, each discovery will ignite their senses and deepen their connection to the natural environment.
Through guided activities and interactive games, our experienced instructors will encourage your child to observe, analyse, and share their findings, fostering a greater appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the natural world. This hands-on experience will not only spark their curiosity but also help develop their problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively.
Embark on a sensory odyssey and awaken your child's connection to nature. Also plenty of time for play and exploration on our wonderful farm homebase and neighbouring wetland reserve. Sign up for our "Sensory Scavenger Hunt" day today!
· Tues 8th July : ‘Scavenger Hunt’, 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $75 incl. afternoon tea, 3rd whanau member 50% discount (sibling or cousin)
Wednesday 9th July - Tinkering and Transformation - Unleash the Inventor Within!, 5yrs - 13yrs, 9.00am-3.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
Calling all curious minds! During our "Tinkering & Transformations" day, your child will have the chance to explore, disassemble, and reimagine the world around them. Armed with a toolkit, old appliances, donated ‘grandads stash’, tools, and materials, they'll embark on a hands-on journey of discovery and innovation.
Your young inventor will dive into the inner workings of everyday objects, learning how things are made and how they function. They'll then use their creativity and problem-solving skills to transform these components into entirely new creations - from whimsical gadgets to one-of-a-kind works of art.
This immersive experience encourages children to think outside the box, embrace their natural curiosity, and develop a deeper understanding of the technology that shapes our world. By the end of the day, your child will proudly showcase their unique inventions, leaving with a sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for the art of tinkering.
Ignite your child's passion for exploration and invention. Also plenty of time for play and exploration on our wonderful farm homebase. Sign up for our "Tinkering & Transformations" day camp today!
· Wed 9th July: ‘Tinkering & Transformations’ : 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $75 incl. afternoon tea, 3rd whanau member 50% discount (sibling or cousin)
Thursday 10th July -Nature's Art Studio: Masterpieces from the Great Outdoors, 5yrs - 13yrs, 9.00am-3.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
Unleash your child's creative side at our "Nature's Art Studio" day, where the natural world becomes the canvas for their creative expression. Surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, your young artist will discover a wealth of inspiration, from vibrant leaves and intricate patterns to the textures of bark and stone.
Using a variety of natural materials, your child will experiment with diverse art forms, such as leaf printing, clay sculpting, nature weaving, and more. They'll learn techniques to capture the essence of the natural world, developing a deeper appreciation for the beauty that surrounds them.
Throughout the day, our experienced educators will guide your child's artistic journey, encouraging them to explore their imagination and find innovative ways to translate the wonders of nature into stunning works of art. Whether it's a delicate nature mobile or a vibrant mixed-media masterpiece, your child's creations will be a true reflection of their unique perspective and connection to the great outdoors.
Nurture your child's artistic talents and their love for nature. Also there is plenty of time for play and exploration on our wonderful farm homebase. Sign up for our "Nature's Art Studio" session today!
· Thurs 10th April: ‘Nature’s Art Studio’: 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $75 incl. afternoon tea, 3rd whanau member 50% discount (sibling or cousin)
Thursday 10th July - Elements Stay n Play – Farm n Fire, 2yrs - 7yrs, 9.30am-12.00pm, Bushland Park Farm
Elements down on the farm! Explore, dig in dirt, make huts, go 'fishing' & other nature play on a local farm. Finish with marshmallows over the fire! Elements programmes ignite discovery, active movement & FUN! This has become a firm favourite within the Elements community and it is great to see so many dads and grandparents having a big messy wholesome day outdoors with our youngest community members.
· Fri 11th July: ‘Stay n Play: Farm n Fire’, 2yrs-7yrs with caregiver to stay n play, 9am-3pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd, $30 first child, 50% subsequent children, under 2 free, over 7’s by request.
TERM TIME: Term 3, 2025 - OPEN FOR REGISTRATIONS/ WAITLIST:
AKO ELEMENTS (ie ‘1 day nature school - independent session)
This programme is 9am-3pm for children aged 5yrs-13yrs , Email elementsprogrammes@gmail.com to request a prospectus.
*Thursdays - Ako Elements South at 564 Cashmere Road, Westmorland farm
There is a small waitlist for places on this programme. If you think it may be of interest to your child, get in touch to organise a visit.
All registrations are completed through https://elements.aimyplus.com
Bookings are then confirmed by Elements and an invoice generated.
Admin applies discounts for attending 3+ days of a programme if applicable and for multiple sibling discounts
A reminder/ info email with what to bring and where to park comes out 2 weeks prior to each programme.
Note: Please sure you do not tick ‘unsubscribe to communication’ as it means you will not receive information about the programme ie leader contacts, meeting point or any changes. We only send out this email, then nightly summary with photos and then an invitation to join the following holidays. There isn’t additional regular ‘spam’ type emails.
Christchurch
Elements has had a presence around southern Christchurch since February 2017. In fact our launch week in Cracroft was the same week as the fires! We have used a variety of locations around Cashmere, Waltham, South Brighton, and Halswell.
We have largely settled into our home base of a Westmorland farm. This is an amazing space with grassed farm paddocks , treed areas including native trees. Especially enjoyed is the creek and an artesian spring which creates a special mini lake for us to use.
In conjunction with the Christchurch City Council, Elements has identified and using a fantastic reserve in Marshlands. This is easily accessible from both Marshlands Road and the motorway. This site has numerous walkways, streams and lakes. It has a great hill for rolling down and 3 glorious old barns for shelter. Other spaces we use include Brighton beach & estuary and Pines Beach by Kaiapoi.
Ashburton
In Ashburton we are fortunate to host Elements on the site of an aged care facility. Here we have a diverse range of areas - from scraggley old ‘river trees’, to beautifully maintained grass, garden areas and mature trees. What is also special about this site was the foresight of a previous owner planting native trees 40years ago - a fantastic area for hut building. The staff and residents of the facility are keen to develop some intergenerational learning across both of our groups.
Selwyn & Rolleston
Elements and Selwyn have a history of collaboration. We have been fortunate to be invited to participate in many Selwyn events including ‘Project Wild One’ and even the Teddy Bears Picnic. Selwyn has such a range of spaces that Elements would love to use. Recently we have been offering programmes based at Weedons Domain and opposite Jimmy Adams Tce in Lincoln.
