Holiday retreat provides peace of mind

Amidst a classroom set in a tranquil Totara grove surrounded by native bush, a group of children discovered more than just entertainment to fill in these long hot summer days.

Twenty-two children, from five to 14 years, took part in The Gaya Tree’s first school holiday programme, Summer Yogi Kids Retreat, from January 8.

Children engaged in an assortment of activities including archery, film making, tie-dying, mural painting, whole-foods creation classes, bush ecology and exploration, Maori language, mandala art, interspersed with daily yoga and mindfulness sessions as well as a 25 metre waterslide.

Member and tutor at the Gaya Tree community, Gabrielle Louise, says the tutors were amazed how all the children willingly participated in the activities with such positivity, enthusiasm and creativity.

“The children thrived in the outdoor classroom which provided a natural, grounding atmosphere of inquisitive thinking, alertness and an overall peaceful attitude of mindfulness,” she says. “New friends were made and new perspectives were embraced by both children and parents.”

The children’s yoga retreat was Gaya Tree’s first school holiday programme. It was created after ‘endless enquiries’ from members of the local and wider community interested in alternative activities for their children during the six week holiday period.

Participants can opt to either stay overnight or attend the retreat for daytime sessions, enjoying shared meals and evening activities accompanied by parents and siblings.

The Mangawhai Gaya Tree community is the central organisation of a number of smaller groups of individuals seeking spiritual growth, energetic food, music, lifestyle and wholesome living.

Ongoing activities embrace the healthy lifestyle philosophy, comprising of health inspired retreats, a devotional music group, community gardens, organic food catering and workshops, and community service projects such as organising organic, vegetarian meals for senior citizens.

Gaya Tree’s Sustainable Life and Education Programme has been hosting children’s activities since 2012, including The Music Tree musical school and special events such as Matariki and the Mangawhai Marimba Players workshops. “Programmes are based on the Steiner approach, emphasising the role of imagination in learning and strives to integrate the intellectual, practical and artistic development of a child rather than treat them as separate abilities,” Gabrielle says. “They also integrate yoga philosophy and environmental awareness to help children develop resilience and a capacity for self-motivation.”

As healthy eating is also an important part of the Gaya Tree lifestyle, Gabrielle says she will be tutoring Power Up!, an interactive whole foods cooking course including basic food handling, hygiene and kitchen safety, for teenage girls from February 15.

“Our aim is to inspire and encourage healthy eating habits by providing more natural alternatives to what the food supply is typically offering.”

Further holiday programmes and classes will be introduced throughout 2017.

“Gaya Tree has an ongoing interest in building on the strengths of the education programme and integrating our activities with the wider community,” she says. “We are always seeking ways to stimulate children’s inquisitive natures and capture their imagination which is the basis of all learning.”

An open day is planned for February 28 for interested parents and children alike to experience Gaya Trees programme activities.

“If you’re interested in either a full-time basis or a holiday programme… it will be an opportunity to meet other parents whose children attend the school, observe classroom learning and to talk with tutors and the children... we will share a wholefoods lunch and also invite you to attend a brief mindfulness session,” Gabrielle says. “Come and be inquisitive with us.”

n The Gaya Tree Sustainable Living and Education Facility OPEN DAY, February 28, 9am – 3pm. Want to know more? Please contact samantha@thegayatree.co.nz or check out facebook.com/thegayatree

“We are always seeking ways to stimulate children’s inquisitive natures and capture their imagination which is the basis of all learning.”- Gabrielle Louise, tutor

LEARNING: Having fun in nature’s classroom; children and adults enjoy the peace of the Totara.