Green Educator Camp
3 Day Experiential Learning & Professional Development Programme
Overview
The Green Educators Camp is an immersive, hands-on experience designed for teachers, facilitators, and changemakers seeking to deepen their understanding of holistic, nature-based education. Hosted at the award-winning Green School New Zealand campus beneath the majestic Taranaki Maunga, this 3–5 day retreat invites participants to reconnect with nature, self, and community while exploring the practical tools and philosophies behind Green School’s transformational learning model.
Participants will leave with a Green Educator NZ Certificate, signifying their readiness to integrate principles of sustainability, wellbeing, learner agency, and experiential design into their own learning spaces.
Learning Philosophy
Grounded in Te Whare Tapa Whā, Education for Sustainability, and Design Thinking, the Green Educators Camp weaves together indigenous wisdom, modern innovation, and experiential pedagogies. Participants explore:
- Taha Wairua (Spiritual wellbeing): Purpose, values, and connection to place.
- Taha Hinengaro (Mental wellbeing): Mindfulness, reflection, and resilience.
- Taha Whānau (Social wellbeing): Collaborative learning, culture, and belonging.
- Taha Tinana (Physical wellbeing): Movement, nature immersion, and play.
Example Programme Flow
Day 1 — Arrival & Orientation
Theme: Whanaungatanga — Connection & Belonging
- Pōwhiri / Mihi Whakatau welcome ceremony
- Introduction to Green School NZ philosophy and learning landscapes
- Guided campus tour & regenerative design workshop
- Evening circle: “My Why as an Educator”
Takeaway: Understanding the foundations of Green School philosophy and learner-centred design.
Day 2 — Teaching for Transformation
Theme: Ako — Learning through Relationship
- Workshop: Education for Sustainability & Regenerative Pedagogy
- Interactive Koru Session: Te Whare Tapa Whā in Practice
- Case Study: Project-Based Learning & Real-World Impact
- Reflection walk: Designing from the Heart
Takeaway: Tools for co-creating meaningful, experiential learning journeys.
Day 3 — Nature as Teacher
Theme: Te Taiao — The Natural World as Curriculum
- Morning mindfulness & movement (Rongoā forest connection walk)
- Outdoor learning design challenge: The Living Classroom
- Workshop: Rongoā Māori and Nature Therapy in Education
- Campfire kōrero: Storytelling for Social Change
Takeaway: Methods for integrating wellbeing, rongoā, and nature-based pedagogy into curriculum design.
Day 4 — Innovation & Community (Optional for 5-Day Camp)
Theme: Hapori — Community of Practice
- Visit to local sustainability or arts-based initiative
- Design sprint: Building your own Green Learning Experience
- Peer mentorship session: Turning Ideas into Action
- Celebration dinner featuring local kai
Takeaway: Frameworks for partnership, co-creation, and scaling regenerative education.
Day 5 — Integration & Certification
Theme: Mauriora — Living the Learning
- Closing reflection circle & personal action plan
- Presentation of Green Educator NZ Certificates
- Farewell mihi and poroporoaki
Takeaway: Clear pathway for implementing and sustaining Green Educator practices in diverse educational settings.
- Gain fresh insights into nature-based learning and ecological sustainability.
- Develop innovative teaching approaches aligned with 21st-century skills.
- Collaborate with diverse educators and education leaders from around the world. \
- Experience firsthand how a community-service and entrepreneurial mindset shapes student learning.
- Return inspired with new ideas and connections to enrich your teaching practice.
Join Us and Discover a New Way of Learning!
Book a camp below, or inquire for a personalised longer stay.
Contact us for more information or to plan your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to Green School New Zealand!
Proceeds from these bookings go towards our scholarship program via the Green School Foundation NZ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check for dates above, or fill in the inquiry form below for a bespoke quotation
All camp gear or accomodation is provided based on your requirements. Food is covered by the registration fee.
If you are flying into New Plymouth, a 40 minute drive will get you to the campus. You may wish to hire a car or if you contact us prior to arrival we can provide personalised airport transfers.
If you arrive earlier and would like to stay in the city of New Plymouth for some tourist attractions we recommend the following partnering hotels. You will have access to some of their free amenities and some shuttle services.
There are so many amazing happening in Taranaki check out some of the sites to explore some key spots.
Educator Camp Inquiry
Please fill out the form below so we can tailor an immersive experience that meets your needs.