Canterbury: Redcliffs, Cashmere, Riccarton, Marshlands, Rolleston & Prebbleton
All registrations are completed through https://elements.aimyplus.com
Bookings are then confirmed by Elements and an invoice generated.
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’when setting up a profile on Aimy.plus 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 & Canterbury
Elements has had a presence around southern Christchurch since February 2017. In fact our launch week in Cracroft was the same week as the firest fires! We have used a variety of locations around Cashmere, 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 Rolleston, Lincoln, Riccarton, Redcliffs, Pines Beach, Prebbleton and Halswell.
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
A reminder/ info email with what to bring and where to park comes out 10 days 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.
SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Week 1, Monday 28 Sept - Friday 2nd Oct
🌿Mon 28 Sept - Thurs 1st Oct: ‘Heroes in the Wild’ (Farm)
Calling all heroes… your adventure awaits! Four action-packed days, children will create their own unique superhero identity and head outdoors to discover that real superpowers come in many forms - creativity, courage, teamwork, kindness, problem-solving and imagination.
Each child will:
✨ Invent their own superhero character and special powers
🎭 Design and create a costume and superhero accessories
🌿 Take part in outdoor missions, challenges and imaginative games
🏕️ Build, create and explore in nature
🤝 Join forces with other heroes to complete team quests and adventures
From secret hero training to problem-solving challenges and wild outdoor play, children will have opportunities to lead, collaborate and stretch their imaginations in a supportive and fun environment. This programme blends creative making, active play, storytelling and nature connection which encourages children to build confidence while discovering that every hero looks different. Expect capes, quests, laughter, muddy adventures and unforgettable memories.
· Mon 28 Sept/ Tues 29th Sept/ Wed 30th Sept/ Thurs 1st Oct: ‘Heroes in the Wild (Farm), 5yrs - 13yrs, 9.00am - 3.00pm, Bushland Park Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd
🌿Tues 29th Sept: ‘Wild Adventures Marshland’
From building and creating to exploring, imagining and making new friends - endless opportunities.
Children will enjoy:
🌳 Child-led nature play in inspiring outdoor locations
🪵 Loose parts and natural materials to create and invent
🐾 Exploration, games and open-ended adventures
🔥 Opportunities to build confidence, resilience and curiosity
🌿 Time and space to wonder, move, imagine and playThis site has some wonderful spaces from native trees and bushes, wet lands, creek and even a small hill.
· 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, 303 Radcliff Rd, Marshland, $75 incl. afternoon tea
🌿Wed 30th Sept: ‘Wild Adventures Rolleston’
From building and creating to exploring, imagining and making new friends - endless opportunities.
Children will enjoy:
🌳 Child-led nature play in inspiring outdoor locations
🪵 Loose parts and natural materials to create and invent
🐾 Exploration, games and open-ended adventures
🔥 Opportunities to build confidence, resilience and curiosity
🌿 Time and space to wonder, move, imagine and playThis site has some wonderful spaces from native trees and bushes, and undulating land
· 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Reid Quarry Park, Cnr Weedons & Selwyn Rds, $75 incl. afternoon tea
🌿Thurs 1st Sept: ‘Wild Adventures Lincoln’
From building and creating to exploring, imagining and making new friends - endless opportunities.
Children will enjoy:
🌳 Child-led nature play in inspiring outdoor locations
🪵 Loose parts and natural materials to create and invent
🐾 Exploration, games and open-ended adventures
🔥 Opportunities to build confidence, resilience and curiosity
🌿 Time and space to wonder, move, imagine and playThis site has some wonderful spaces from native trees and bushes, a stream and undulating land
· 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Jimmy Adams Reserve, Lincoln, $75 incl. afternoon tea
🌿Fri 2nd Sept ‘Survival Day’(Farm)
Give your child a day of real adventure in the great outdoors! Our Survival Skills Day invites children to step into the world of nature-based exploration, where they’ll learn practical bush skills, build confidence, and work together as a team, all while having a whole lot of fun!
Throughout the day, children will:
🔥 Learn how to safely build and manage a campfire
🌿 Construct shelters
🧭 Explore simple survival techniques and problem-solving skills
🌳 Enjoy plenty of time for free play in a rich natural environment with loose parts and open-ended resourcesThis is a hands-on, child-led experience where imagination and curiosity are just as important as practical skills. Whether your child is a budding adventurer or simply loves being outdoors, they’ll be supported to take safe risks, try new things, and connect with nature.
Our experienced facilitators create a warm, inclusive environment where children of all ages can participate at their own level.
What to expect:
A full day outdoors on the farm
A balance of guided activities and free exploration
Opportunities to build resilience, creativity, and friendships
Let them get muddy, light fires (safely!), build, create, and discover what they’re capable of.
· 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm ‘Surivival Day’ 9am-3pm, $75 incl afternoon tea, Bushland Farm, 600 Cashmere Rd
Week 2: Monday 5th October - Friday 9th October
🌿Monday 5th - Thurs 8th ‘Wild Wonders’ (Farm)
Let your child’s imagination and curiosity run wild with our signature spring programme: Wild Wonders , unforgettable days immersed in nature, exploring the elements that shape our world.Each day brings a new focus, blending outdoor play, hands-on learning, and real-life skills in a magical farm setting. Whether your child join us for one day or the series, your child will come home energised, confident, and connected to themselves, their peers, and the natural world around them.
🪨 Monday – Earth
Dig, sculpt, and get gloriously muddy! From clay creations to soil exploration and worm hunts, we’ll connect with the ground beneath our feet.
🌬️ Tuesday – Air
Feel the breeze in your hair as we explore wind and movement through kite-making, flying leaf spirals, and wind-inspired games.
🔥 Wednesday – Fire
A favourite with many! Learn to safely build and tend a campfire, then cook something delicious while learning about fire safety and storytelling around the flames.
💧 Thursday – Water
Splash, pour, pump and experiment! Water play takes centre stage today as we create nature-based water inventions and explore the flow and magic of this vital element.
· Mon 5th Oct– Thurs 8th Oct ‘Wild Wonders, 9am-3pm, 5-12yrs, Mon-Earth/ Tues Air/ Wed Fire/ Thurs Water/ Friday Adventure Day, Bushland Farm, 600 Cashmere Road, $75 incl. afternoon tea
🌿Tues 6th Oct: ‘Wild Adventures Riccarton’
From building and creating to exploring, imagining and making new friends - endless opportunities.
Children will enjoy:
🌳 Child-led nature play in inspiring outdoor locations
🪵 Loose parts and natural materials to create and invent
🐾 Exploration, games and open-ended adventures
🔥 Opportunities to build confidence, resilience and curiosity
🌿 Time and space to wonder, move, imagine and playThis site has some wonderful spaces from native trees and bushes, Avon River & beautiful garden areas.
· 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Riccarton House Grounds, $75 incl. afternoon tea
🌿Wed 7th Oct: ‘Wild Adventures Rolleston’
From building and creating to exploring, imagining and making new friends - endless opportunities.
Children will enjoy:
🌳 Child-led nature play in inspiring outdoor locations
🪵 Loose parts and natural materials to create and invent
🐾 Exploration, games and open-ended adventures
🔥 Opportunities to build confidence, resilience and curiosity
🌿 Time and space to wonder, move, imagine and playThis site has some wonderful spaces from native trees and bushes, and undulating land
· 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Reid Quarry Park, Cnr Weedons & Selwyn Rds, $75 incl. afternoon tea
🌿Thurs 1st Sept: ‘Wild Adventures Redcliffs’
From building and creating to exploring, imagining and making new friends - endless opportunities.
Children will enjoy:
🌳 Child-led nature play in inspiring outdoor locations
🪵 Loose parts and natural materials to create and invent
🐾 Exploration, games and open-ended adventures
🔥 Opportunities to build confidence, resilience and curiosity
🌿 Time and space to wonder, move, imagine and playThis site has some wonderful spaces from native trees and bushes, a stream and undulating land
· 5-13yrs, 9am-3pm, Barnett Park, Main Rd, Redcliffs, $75 incl. afternoon tea
🌿Friday 2nd Oct: ‘Battle Day on the Farm’
Prepare for our ultimate day of outdoor action, imagination and adventure! Children will join forces to create their own team identity before heading into an epic day of challenges, missions and playful outdoor battles.
First, teams will:
🎨 Brainstorm their team name and colours
🛡️ Design accessories and team identity
🏕️ Build and defend their own home base
🤝 Develop strategies and work together
Then… the games begin.
Our feature game is inspired by the classic“rob the nest” style of play - with movement, teamwork, tactics and plenty of laughs. Along the way, teams will face surprise side missions, bonus challenges and opportunities to earn advantages, solve problems and adapt their plans.
Expect:
🏃 Running games and active outdoor play
🌿 Nature-based challenges
🎭 Creativity and imaginative play
🧠 Teamwork, communication and strategy
😂 Lots of fun and memorable moments
This isn’t about winning. It’s about creating, collaborating, adapting and enjoying the adventure together. Will your team become fearless defenders, sneaky collectors, clever planners… or legendary side-mission champions?
Choose your colours. Build your base. Let Battle Day begin
Fri 2nd Oct ‘Battle Day on the Farm’, 9am-3pm, 5-12yrs, Battle Day, Bushland Farm, 600 Cashmere Road, $75 incl. afternoon tea
ON HOLD 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
This term time programme is currently on hold. Email elementsprogrammes@gmail.com to join the waitlist for information and priority when it begins again
Note -Ako Elements,aka ‘1 Day School’, on Thursdays term time in Christchurch, is currently on hold until Term 1 2027