CONFERENCES & STUDY TOURS
2020
COVID19
Due to the pandemic we have had to cancel/reschedule planned conferences and study tours until it is safe to plan them again. Please take care and keep safe.
Due to the pandemic we have had to cancel/reschedule planned conferences and study tours until it is safe to plan them again. Please take care and keep safe.
Why go on a Study Tour? "I too experienced the joy of being at one with nature. To fully play and to be deeply involved in the environment. The week was filled with both joy and magic." Wendy Lee.
A great friend and colleague, Wendy attended a study tour organised by Niki to Norway in 2011. Wendy's Blog
A great friend and colleague, Wendy attended a study tour organised by Niki to Norway in 2011. Wendy's Blog
Nature Retreat - Human Connection
Wainui, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand
15th - 17th May 2020 TO BE RESCHEDULED
Nature Retreat: Human Connection is an educational 2 Day nature immersion giving you the opportunity to get deep into nature pedagogy, rejuvenate and get inspired, all at the same time!
Do you love the health benefits nature provides both you and the children you work with?
Are you wanting to increase your knowledge on how a nature pedagogy can support and improve behaviours and mental health?
Do you need time to reflect on your education practice while developing a deeper understanding of how nature can be woven into your current practice?
Then come and join us for this rejuvenating and inspiring 2 day, 2 night educational nature retreat that will have you asking why have I not given myself this time before!
Niki Buchan and Celia Hogan are super excited to be collaborating for this amazing Nature Retreat that they first started talking about in November 2018.
Your retreat will be facilitated with heart and soul and plenty of nurturing and nourishment along the way.
You will leave the weekend with a deeper appreciation and connection with nature, reflections on nature practice, strategies to support child and adult mental health and trauma through nature, practical skills to support nature based practice for children up to 10 years old, ideas for your toolbox to inspire children to learn naturally, having explored your natural creativity, and you will feel nourished and nurtured through our time together in nature.
We would love you to come and join us on the Banks Peninsula for this amazing weekend away in nature.
Niki and Celia
What’s Included:
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Workshops
Here are the themes of the workshops over the two days. More details to come soon!
Here are the themes of the workshops over the two days. More details to come soon!
How much does it cost?
Your investment for this Nature Retreat is $560 per person for the earlybird rate and $610 for standard registration. Earlybird registration will finish on 31st March. We anticipate this to be a very popular retreat so we encourage you to get in quick so you don’t miss out!
Is there a payment plan?
We are happy to come up with a payment plan to help you to come along. In the past we have done 3 payments over 3 months with full payment due on the 30th April 2020. Email us so we can help you out.
Who is it aimed at?
This is aimed at teachers, educators, parents and anyone who is advocating for the mental health and well-being of tamariki (children).
What meals are included?
Dinners for Friday and Saturday nights and breakfast and Lunch for Saturday and Sunday as well as morning and afternoon tea. If you have a herbal tea preference – make sure you bring some with you.
Can I come for only one night?
This is a weekend retreat and has been priced to include 2 nights accommodation. You will get the most out of the weekend being able to attend the whole weekend.
I am really keen but I am not sure if I can afford it.
We are happy to come up with a payment plan to help you to come along. In the past we have done 3 payments over 3 months. Email us so we can help you out.
How long is it? What time does it start and finish?
Retreatees will arrive from between 3-4pm on Friday 15th May for a 4pm Mihi / welcome. We will aim to leave about 3pm on Sunday. If you are flying into Christchurch for the retreat this will mean you can get to the airport by 4.30pm on Sunday.
Will there be any transport from Christchurch?
This is possible depending on the interest. In the registration form there is a question about transport from Christchurch. Alternatively we will help to coordinate car pooling, so if you are coming from out of town, we will make sure you can get from Christchurch to the retreat.
What are the sleeping arrangements? Do I have to share a room?
Yes rooms are shared and some great friendships will be formed. All the rooms are 4 bed rooms.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 60 days in advance, there is a 85% refund. If you cancel at least 30 days in advance, there is a 60% refund. If you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance there is a 30% refund. Any cancellations received in the 2 weeks prior won’t receive a refund but someone else can attend in your place at no extra cost.
Do I need to bring a laptop?
We encourage you to be screen free during the weekend as much as possible. We will be outside for many aspects of the weekend so a laptop isn’t practical. You will receive a guidebook to use for the weekend where you can write anything you need too.
Your investment for this Nature Retreat is $560 per person for the earlybird rate and $610 for standard registration. Earlybird registration will finish on 31st March. We anticipate this to be a very popular retreat so we encourage you to get in quick so you don’t miss out!
Is there a payment plan?
We are happy to come up with a payment plan to help you to come along. In the past we have done 3 payments over 3 months with full payment due on the 30th April 2020. Email us so we can help you out.
Who is it aimed at?
This is aimed at teachers, educators, parents and anyone who is advocating for the mental health and well-being of tamariki (children).
What meals are included?
Dinners for Friday and Saturday nights and breakfast and Lunch for Saturday and Sunday as well as morning and afternoon tea. If you have a herbal tea preference – make sure you bring some with you.
Can I come for only one night?
This is a weekend retreat and has been priced to include 2 nights accommodation. You will get the most out of the weekend being able to attend the whole weekend.
I am really keen but I am not sure if I can afford it.
We are happy to come up with a payment plan to help you to come along. In the past we have done 3 payments over 3 months. Email us so we can help you out.
How long is it? What time does it start and finish?
Retreatees will arrive from between 3-4pm on Friday 15th May for a 4pm Mihi / welcome. We will aim to leave about 3pm on Sunday. If you are flying into Christchurch for the retreat this will mean you can get to the airport by 4.30pm on Sunday.
Will there be any transport from Christchurch?
This is possible depending on the interest. In the registration form there is a question about transport from Christchurch. Alternatively we will help to coordinate car pooling, so if you are coming from out of town, we will make sure you can get from Christchurch to the retreat.
What are the sleeping arrangements? Do I have to share a room?
Yes rooms are shared and some great friendships will be formed. All the rooms are 4 bed rooms.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 60 days in advance, there is a 85% refund. If you cancel at least 30 days in advance, there is a 60% refund. If you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance there is a 30% refund. Any cancellations received in the 2 weeks prior won’t receive a refund but someone else can attend in your place at no extra cost.
Do I need to bring a laptop?
We encourage you to be screen free during the weekend as much as possible. We will be outside for many aspects of the weekend so a laptop isn’t practical. You will receive a guidebook to use for the weekend where you can write anything you need too.
Bespoke STUDY TOUR to SCOTLAND and ENGLAND
with highly experienced facilitator, Niki Buchan
23rd September - 1st October 2020 TO BE RESCHEDULED
Explore award winning Forest Schools and Nature Kindergartens in the UK
This is an opportunity to really experience nature-based pedagogy with our highly experienced Educational Consultant and international study tour facilitator, Niki Buchan.
Explore award winning Forest Schools and Nature Kindergartens in the UK
This is an opportunity to really experience nature-based pedagogy with our highly experienced Educational Consultant and international study tour facilitator, Niki Buchan.
We always plan an exciting itinerary, using Niki’s expertise and personal contacts, visiting a selection of award winning high quality early childhood settings. Numbers are limited to maintain a personalised experience and to show respect for the children and settings we visit. The focus will be on the respectful relationships in nature-based practice both indoors and outdoors, visiting spaces where children are trusted as self risk assessors and are supported by sensitive adults in challenging themselves appropriately. You will be able to immerse yourself in the environments, to spend unhurried time with the children and educators and really explore what respectful relationships between all stakeholders looks and feels like.
Niki lived and worked in the UK for many years where she helped to set up and act as Head of Nature Kindergartens. She currently lives in Australia and has extensive knowledge of curricula and regulations in both countries. She is the author of “Children in Wild Nature” a practical Australian book on how to work with children in nature and the award winning UK version "A Practical Approach to Nature-based Practice". Niki will offer professional development sessions during the tour to support delegates wanting to implement or develop Nature-based practice into their settings.
We have a draft itinerary with flexibility to cater for individual requests, this tour is a collaboration between Niki and the delegates to create a bespoke event.
The Study Tour starts in Glasgow on the morning of the 23rd September 2020
Finishes in Central England after breakfast on the 1st October 2020
We have also made the prices inclusive of all meals and single occupancy rooms as I believe we need time to reflect and have some time on our own.
The sites we will visit are all very different offering a variety of perspectives on working with children and adults in very naturalistic spaces indoors and outdoors as well as ‘wild’ nature. We have planned this study tour to allow you the time to really BE in the different centres, to spend the days with the children and educators, experiencing, reflecting, photographing, discussing and asking questions. Delegates will be kept fully informed with a detailed itinerary. There will be plenty of time to immerse yourself in the ‘Scottishness’ of Scotland with most evenings free as well as a free weekend in Dunblane to go off exploring.
COST
UK STUDY TOUR 2020 Dates 23 September – 1 October 2020
$5450 (includes GST)
Includes all meals, single occupancy accommodation, site visits, travel during the tour. Excludes travel to Glasgow, Scotland and Central England, alcohol and personal purchases.
Payment Plan
Travel/Flights to our meeting point in Glasgow are the responsibility of the delegate and are not included in the pricing. Taking advantage of some of the early booking options often means a considerable savings on the flights.
We offer the opportunity to ‘save forwards’ through a payment plan. A $1500 non refundable deposit to confirm your space on the tour will be required on booking. You may then choose to pay the remainder off weekly, fortnightly or monthly so that the full payment is received by the 1st August 2020.
Interested? Please contact Niki with your expressions of interest at [email protected]
Numbers are strictly limited to allow us to spend quality time in settings with minimal disruption to the children.
Niki lived and worked in the UK for many years where she helped to set up and act as Head of Nature Kindergartens. She currently lives in Australia and has extensive knowledge of curricula and regulations in both countries. She is the author of “Children in Wild Nature” a practical Australian book on how to work with children in nature and the award winning UK version "A Practical Approach to Nature-based Practice". Niki will offer professional development sessions during the tour to support delegates wanting to implement or develop Nature-based practice into their settings.
We have a draft itinerary with flexibility to cater for individual requests, this tour is a collaboration between Niki and the delegates to create a bespoke event.
The Study Tour starts in Glasgow on the morning of the 23rd September 2020
Finishes in Central England after breakfast on the 1st October 2020
We have also made the prices inclusive of all meals and single occupancy rooms as I believe we need time to reflect and have some time on our own.
The sites we will visit are all very different offering a variety of perspectives on working with children and adults in very naturalistic spaces indoors and outdoors as well as ‘wild’ nature. We have planned this study tour to allow you the time to really BE in the different centres, to spend the days with the children and educators, experiencing, reflecting, photographing, discussing and asking questions. Delegates will be kept fully informed with a detailed itinerary. There will be plenty of time to immerse yourself in the ‘Scottishness’ of Scotland with most evenings free as well as a free weekend in Dunblane to go off exploring.
COST
UK STUDY TOUR 2020 Dates 23 September – 1 October 2020
$5450 (includes GST)
Includes all meals, single occupancy accommodation, site visits, travel during the tour. Excludes travel to Glasgow, Scotland and Central England, alcohol and personal purchases.
Payment Plan
Travel/Flights to our meeting point in Glasgow are the responsibility of the delegate and are not included in the pricing. Taking advantage of some of the early booking options often means a considerable savings on the flights.
We offer the opportunity to ‘save forwards’ through a payment plan. A $1500 non refundable deposit to confirm your space on the tour will be required on booking. You may then choose to pay the remainder off weekly, fortnightly or monthly so that the full payment is received by the 1st August 2020.
Interested? Please contact Niki with your expressions of interest at [email protected]
Numbers are strictly limited to allow us to spend quality time in settings with minimal disruption to the children.
International PLAY ICELAND 2020 TO BE RESCHEDULED
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BRING YOU INTERNATIONAL PLAY ICELAND 2020 FOR THE SAME PRICE AS 2019.
Departing London Luton Airport Sunday 4th October - Friday 9th Oct 2020We are extremely proud to announce our 8th visit to Iceland that will depart the UK on Sunday 4th October 2020 and fly home on Friday 9th October. For guests that book from overseas you can arrange to meet us in Iceland or alternatively you can head to the UK first and travel with the group from the UK on Sunday 4th. Flights depart from London Luton Airport at 06:00am on the 4th October and once we arrive in Reykjavik we hop on our coach and head to the famous Blue Lagoon.
As with all our organised trips, you can expect a comfortable level of accommodation, transport, food, excursions and communication.
Visiting Local Nurseries – New schools coming onboard this year.
UK PRICE
PRICE – £3625.00 UK prices are subject to VAT at the normal rate of 20%
£3625 + VAT = £4350.00 - Deposit £1000 + VAT leaving a balance of £3150.00
EARLY BOOKINGS MADE BEFORE MARCH 31st RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT OFF THE FULL PRICE.
£3625 less 10% = £3262.50 + Vat = £3915 ( £435 saving )
INTERNATIONAL GUEST PRICE
PRICE – £3625.00
Deposit £1000 leaving a balance of £2625.00
EARLY BOOKINGS MADE BEFORE MARCH 31st RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT OFF THE FULL PRICE.
£3625 less 10% = £3262.50 ( £362.50 saving
We include flights only from the UK to Iceland. If you make your own way to Iceland we will deduct a further £250 off your full participant ticket cost.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
We now have 7 years of experience when it comes to organising educational trips. Please visit our reviews page to read participant reviews and trip experiences.
What’s included?
All flights from the UK to Iceland ( Reykjavik )
As with all our organised trips, you can expect a comfortable level of accommodation, transport, food, excursions and communication.
Visiting Local Nurseries – New schools coming onboard this year.
- Exploration Days
- Conference Gatherings
- Blue Lagoon Visit
- Free Time
- And much more…
UK PRICE
PRICE – £3625.00 UK prices are subject to VAT at the normal rate of 20%
£3625 + VAT = £4350.00 - Deposit £1000 + VAT leaving a balance of £3150.00
EARLY BOOKINGS MADE BEFORE MARCH 31st RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT OFF THE FULL PRICE.
£3625 less 10% = £3262.50 + Vat = £3915 ( £435 saving )
INTERNATIONAL GUEST PRICE
PRICE – £3625.00
Deposit £1000 leaving a balance of £2625.00
EARLY BOOKINGS MADE BEFORE MARCH 31st RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT OFF THE FULL PRICE.
£3625 less 10% = £3262.50 ( £362.50 saving
We include flights only from the UK to Iceland. If you make your own way to Iceland we will deduct a further £250 off your full participant ticket cost.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
We now have 7 years of experience when it comes to organising educational trips. Please visit our reviews page to read participant reviews and trip experiences.
What’s included?
All flights from the UK to Iceland ( Reykjavik )
- 4 Star hotel accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- All transport during your trip
- Excursions and ticket entry fee's
- Conferences
- Tour support
