Is your child ready for their first Wai Camp?

Held at Wainui Park, Wai Camp gives young people aged 9 to 16 the chance to meet new friends, enjoy outdoor activities and experience greater independence. Campers are placed into activities and cabins according to age, allowing them to share the experience with others at a similar stage.

Signs your child may be ready

Every child develops at their own pace. Some start asking about camp as soon as a friend mentions it. Others need more time and reassurance before the idea feels comfortable.
 
Consider whether your child:

✓ has managed a night away with relatives or friends
✓ can take care of basic personal needs with age-appropriate support
✓ can tell a trusted adult when they need help
✓ shows interest in unfamiliar activities and places
✓ can participate in a group and follow instructions
✓ talks about camp with some excitement, even if they are also nervous

 
Nerves do not necessarily mean your child is not ready. Feeling unsure before a new experience is normal. Try asking, “What sounds most exciting?” or “What would you like to know before you go?” Listening without dismissing their concerns shows them that mixed feelings are okay.

What happens at Wai Camp?

Wai Camp is The Kind Foundation’s longest school holiday camp at Wainui Park, with campers staying for six days and five nights. The programme has a strong focus on social interaction, with leadership development and goal setting incorporated as children grow into their teenage years.

Days are filled with traditional camp and adventure activities. Depending on the programme, these may include archery, kayaking, flying fox, games, arts and crafts. Evening activities may include campfires, trivia, a camp concert or camping out.

A key part of the Wai Camp approach is “Challenge by Choice”. Campers are encouraged to try each activity, but they are not forced to continue with something that causes strong unease. Activities are facilitated for the ages and abilities of the campers, recognising that everyone has a different comfort zone.

Drop-off and pick-up take place in Christchurch, with transport to and from Wainui Park included. Check the Holiday Camps page for the arrangements applying to the current camp.

Not quite ready to stay away?

If your child is interested in Wai Camp but is not ready for an overnight experience, a daily holiday programme may be a helpful first step.

The Kind Foundation’s school holiday programmes are a “perfect stepping stone” to overnight camps. They give children opportunities to build connections, trust, resilience and self-confidence while trying new activities and returning home at the end of the day.

There is no need to rush. The goal is to help your child arrive at Wai Camp ready to enjoy the experience.

Preparing for Wai Camp

Good preparation turns unknowns into things your child can picture and understand. Start by reading the Wai Camp Parent Handbook together. Talk about how long they will be away, where they may sleep and the activities they might try. Use the accompanying gear list when packing so your child has what they need for the programme and conditions.

Cabins sleep up to nine campers, and children of similar ages bunk together. Separate toilet and shower blocks are provided. Families need to pack a pillow and sleeping bag, along with the other items listed in the handbook.

A few simple steps can help:

✓ Pack together. Your child will find it easier to manage their belongings if they know what they have and where it is.
✓ Follow the gear list. It has been prepared for the location, activities and conditions at camp.
✓ Label everything. Clearly marked clothing and equipment are easier to recognise.
✓ Practise using the sleeping bag. A familiar bedtime setup can make the first night feel less daunting.
✓ Talk about asking for help. Remind your child that approaching a leader is a sensible thing to do.
✓ Share relevant information. Let the camp team know about medical, personal or wellbeing needs before camp.

 
Preparation will not remove every nervous feeling, but it will help your child understand what to expect and where to turn for support.

What if they miss home?

Even an excited camper may miss home. These feelings can emerge during a quiet moment or at the end of a busy day.

Missing home does not mean your child has failed or that camp was the wrong choice. It can simply be part of adjusting to a different place, group and routine. Trusting your child to someone else’s care is a significant decision, contact the team with questions about the programme or its suitability for your child. Child protection is at the forefront of the programme. Wainui Park follows its Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable People Policy and operates a safety management system for its outdoor and environmental activities.

Before camp, agree on a simple plan. If your child feels unsettled, needs help or is unsure about an activity, they can speak to a leader.

Growing in confidence

Confidence at camp often begins with small moments: joining a new group, trying something unfamiliar or discovering you can do more than you expected. One Wai Camp parent said the experience created wonderful memories and new friendships, adding that it “did wonders for my child’s confidence”.

Liv first attended a Wainui camp in 2021. When she became too old to attend as a camper, she returned as a volunteer leader so she could help others experience the same opportunities and sense of belonging. “Watching a shy camper grow in confidence and come out of their shell is what keeps me coming back,” says Liv. Her journey from camper to leader shows how a few days at camp can become the beginning of something much bigger.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What age is Wai Camp for?

Wai Camp is for children and young people aged 9 to 16. Activities and cabins are arranged in age groups.

What if my child is nervous?

Some nervousness is natural. Talk openly about their concerns and read the Parent Handbook together. Contact the camp team if you are unsure whether Wai Camp is suitable for your child.

Can friends share a cabin?

While we can’t guarantee friend placements, campers of similar ages bunk together, and families can make placement requests before booking.

What should my child bring?

Follow the Wai Camp Parent Handbook and gear list. Families need to provide a pillow and sleeping bag, along with suitable clothing and the other listed items.

Who are Wai Camp staff?

Wai Camp is led by Camp Manager Anna Shanks and a team of local and international instructors who make Wainui Park their home for the season. Alongside leading Wai Camp, they deliver outdoor education experiences for school and community groups, helping young people try new things, enjoy the outdoors and make the most of their time at camp.

Who are the leaders?

Our volunteer leaders are young people in Years 12 and 13 who give their time while developing their own leadership skills. Throughout the year, they can attend various training sessions, which means campers are supported by young leaders who are learning how to encourage others, contribute to a team and create a positive camp experience.

Is transport included?

Yes. Drop-off and pick-up are in Christchurch, with transport to and from Wainui Park included.

Where can I find current dates and booking details?

Visit the Holiday Camps page for current Wai Camp dates, availability and booking information.