Let Kids Be Kids These School Holidays
With Kidzone no longer operating, many Southland parents are wondering what there is for children to do these school holidays.
For Gareth and Katie, founders of True in Nature, the answer is simple: Get Children Back Outside and Back to Basics.
Their nature-based holiday programmes have been growing in popularity since launching in 2022, offering children aged 5-16 the chance to swap screens for adventure, learn practical life skills and make genuine friendships.
"Our mission has always been to reconnect children with nature," says Katie. "We wanted to create something different from large, busy holiday programmes - to a place where children could slow down, explore, build confidence and discover what they're capable of."
Each programme is led by experienced educators with a passion for the outdoors. There are no screens in sight - unless it's to capture a special moment of discovery.
Instead, children spend their days exploring Southland's beaches, bush, estuaries and forests while learning skills and making memories that they will remember for life.
Activities include bushcraft and survival skills, shelter building, cooking over fires and camp stoves, whittling, natural crafts, first aid, foraging, herbal medicine, problem-solving challenges and wildlife exploration.
These winter holidays, children will also discover simple natural remedies they can make themselves using common pantry ingredients and plants found in the wild. They'll learn about the healing properties of plants such as plantain, pine needles and bush lawyer, while gaining practical knowledge about natural first aid.
Parents say it's unlike any other holiday programme they've experienced.
"I just want to say a massive thank you for the days you run during the school holidays. We've tried holiday programmes all around town, but after spending the day with you the children come home full of stories about what they've learnt and are eager to learn more. We love the outdoors and for them to build these skills is absolutely magic. We'll definitely be back."
Another parent shared:
"I have one very tired boy who has LOVED every day! He's addicted to time with you guys! Thank you for providing this for our kids!"
Katie says hearing comments like these confirms they're achieving what they set out to do.
"Some children have told us they spend 50 or 60 hours on screens during the holidays. We understand every family is doing their best and sometimes screens are simply what gets parents through. Our goal isn't to make parents feel guilty - it's to give children an experience that reminds them how exciting the real world can be."
Children regularly rate their days between eight and ten out of ten.
True in Nature offers programmes for children aged 5-16, including one-day Bush Kids adventures and the three-day Child vs Wild survival challenge, where participants put everything they've learnt to the test.
Programmes are held throughout Invercargill and Gore, making use of Southland's incredible natural spaces - from forests and estuaries to beaches and bush.
During school terms, True in Nature also runs a weekly Bush School and Bush Playgroup for children and families wanting to continue their outdoor learning journey and help their child to unlock their potential.
Winter holiday programmes are now taking bookings.
For programme dates and bookings, visit trueinnature.com