Te Puna Whaiora’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gets to go?
Children between 5 -12, who do not live with their biological or adoptive parents, and who have been cared for by foster/kin/whănau carers for at least 12 months. We also accept applications for 13-14 yrs olds if they are part of a younger sibling group attending.
When do the programmes run?
Usually Monday - Friday (not Statutory Holidays) during School Holidays. They start on the Monday at 10am and finish on the Friday by 3pm.
When and how do I apply?
Applications are open for the next available camp and close off dates are advised. You can find the Next Programme Dates on our web page. Those who we can not place on the programme applied for will be held on our waitlist for the next programme available..
You can contact us on kidzacool@healthcamps.org.nz or at any of our regional offices (contacts listed in the camp dates section on our website) to have a form sent out to you.
My child / children have already attended a programme - can they attend again?
The programme is designed to offer a break for as many caregivers in the year as apply. Those who have previously attended a KidzaCool Adventures programme may apply to attend again, however in order to ensure all caregivers have the opportunity for a break, first time applicants will always receive priority for placements. Any remaining places may be offered for a second stay opportunity.
Is there any cost to attend the programme?
This programme is a free service for caregivers that is being funded as part of the Government's Fresh Start package announced in August 2009.
What is the role of the supporting agencies?
As part of the process for this programme, we encourage you to have support from an agency. If you are not able to get a place on our programme, the agency may be able to assist with other options for respite care. For those who attend the programme we can provide you and the supporting agency with some feedback on how the programme has been for your child if required and this may assist in identifying further support pathways for you and your child.
What happens at drop off/collection?
Caregivers are expected to bring children to camp as this helps children settle into the new environment. You will be met by a staff member and your child will be introduced to their camp buddy. You will be invited to share in a formal welcome for everyone and morning tea. You will have a chance to see around the camp and where your child will be sleeping. At the end of camp we will have a formal farewell and a chance to hear the children's stories of their achievements and successes.
What if I need assistance to get my children to and from the programme?
If you need support with travel, you can talk with a Work and Income case manager about possible assistance (you don't have to be receiving a benefit with them). Alternatively, contact your referring agency or Te Puna Whaiora to discuss options.
How will my child be grouped?
Usually the children will be placed in a 5 to 8 year old age group, a 9-10 year old age group or an 11-12 year old age group. Occasionally we need to combine age groups to meet ratio requirements or ensure the best experience for the children in camp. If your child would like to be grouped with a friend or a sibling, we are happy to try and accommodate this. Please advise us at the time of applying - we are not able to accommodate grouping requests on the day, as the groups have already been arranged by then. The children will sleep in girls and boys groupings.
What if my child has special dietary needs or takes medication?
You will be asked at the time of applying whether your child has any special dietary needs or takes regular medication and we will ensure that these need are catered for and taken care of. Our staff are trained in managing special health needs and we cater for many different cultural and religious requirements.
What does my child need to bring?
Sporty, comfortable clothes are ideal to wear (tracksuit bottoms/shorts, T-shirt, trainers): not their best outfit, please, as we plan to keep them busy and active! An old shirt or t shirt for creative activities is handy.
Children will be both indoors and outdoors, so please provide appropriate clothing - a sun hat for the sun, a jacket for cooler weather, two pairs of shoes
if it is wet. We do have some clothes for the children to choose from if this is difficult. Personal toiletries need to be provided and they will need their swimming kit as most sites offer access to swimming and/or other water based activities. The camp will provide all bedding and towels.
What about sun cream?
We will supply sun cream and staff are trained in reminding and assisting children in applying it during their stay unless you advise us otherwise (or you provide a specific cream if your child has a medical condition).
What should my child NOT bring?
Money (we do not operate a tuck shop), mobile phones (if it is essential for your child to have a mobile phone we require this to be handed in for safe keeping), any other valuables or precious possessions - we cannot be held responsible if items go missing, nor compensate for them, and we hate to see children upset or disappointed, examples of items includes cameras, electronic game consoles or
i-pods. No pocket knives, matches, cigarette lighters, candles, or other dangerous goods.
What if my child loses something?
We will do our best to locate items but cannot guarantee the return of lost property. We ask that all clothing and kit is clearly named with the child's name to help us to return on request any lost items.
How many staff will supervise the children?
The normal group size is 6-8 children; Sessions will have one or two members of staff, depending on the activity. Across the programme we aim for an overall staff ratio of 1:7.
What experience do KidzaCool Adventures staff have?
At Te Puna Whaiora we know that the key to running a successful programme is to employ great staff! We select our staff from a wide range of backgrounds to ensure a great balance of skills, experience and qualifications on camp. A majority of the staff we select will be qualified in - or studying towards a career in - social work, youth work, education, or child health. Additionally the Regional Manager, who takes overall responsibility for the service, is usually a qualified social worker or nurse or has significant camp experience. All our staff are fully trained through our thorough national training scheme and are reference checked and police checked.
Do you have qualified first aiders on camp?
All staff are required to have current first aid certificates at all of our sites.
What is the timetable?
The day will usually begin at around 7.00am with showers and morning routines followed by breakfast. The day will be divided into different activity sessions plus an hour for lunch and two 20 minute morning and afternoon breaks (all breaks are fully supervised). Dinner will be around 6.00pm and supper just before the children go to sleep. The timetable will be sent out in a pre-camp pack and will be on display from Monday for the week ahead. Please note that sometimes activity programmes have to change due to unsuitable weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
Will my child choose the activities?
The programme will offer a mix of structured group activities or outings and "Options" sessions. These "guided free choice" sessions will allow the children to choose from a shortlist of activities offered by their camp buddy - giving plenty of opportunity for expressing their preferences! Children will be encouraged to participate in all activities, but will not be made to take part in something they do not want to. Children will receive a letter and info pack prior to coming to the camp in which they will be asked about the things they like to do or are good at and we will collect these when they come to comp.
What happens if there is bad weather?
Te Puna Whaiora KidzaCool Adventures have access to a variety of indoor and outdoor space at each site. We always try to make the most of the good weather by using the outdoor areas, however when this is not possible, we will make greater use of the indoor space or other resources in our communities.
My child has special needs - can they come to the programme?
It is our policy not to exclude any child due to special needs, wherever possible. The needs of each child vary, so decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the level of support each individual child requires to enable them to fully participate in and enjoy activities at KidzaCool Adventures. We request that foster/kin/whănau carers of children with special needs contact us at the time of application to discuss how Te Puna Whaiora can best accommodate their child, and consider whether any special arrangements need to be made.
My child has challenging behaviours - can they come to programme?
The application form requests information about your child's behaviour to assist us in determining the level of support required.
However, children who have a signinficant level or history of fire lighting, sexualised behaviour, cruelty to other people or animals, absconding, dangerous use of weapons or who require secure care are generally not able to attend the KidzaCool Adventures. If these behaviours have been noted in the form, we will contact you to discuss further to determine if the programme would be appropriate for your child.
Where a child is not able to attend the programme for any reason, we will advise you and your supporting agency of the reasons. The supporting agency may be able to assist in establishing alternative options for respite care.
I have several children in my care who would like to come to the programme - can they come?
One of the aims for the programme is to give carers a break, so sibling groups are welcome. There is an application form specifically for 'multiple children' requests, just let us know how many children when requesting an application form. Where a sibling may be between 13-14 yrs old, we will consider these on a case by case basis and where possible accommodate them.
English is not my child's first language - is that okay?
We welcome children for whom English is not their first language. We do ask that your child is able to communicate in basic English to be able to attend KidzaCool Adventures. This is in their best interests to ensure their enjoyment and safety. For example, your child will need to be able understand the instructors, let a member of staff know if something is wrong, understand emergency procedures, and be able to interact with other children on the programme. We would be happy to discuss this with you by phone if you are unsure.
What if my child is ill and unable to come to the programme?
This is not a problem although early notification is asked for so that we can offer the place to a child on the waiting list. Hopefully, we can always enrol your child on another KidzaCool Adventures programme.
What will happen if my child falls ill while on the programme?
If your child is ill at the start of camp, we regret that we are not able to take them into camp that day. If they fall ill during the course of the week, depending on how ill the child is, we may contact you and ask you to come and collect them, and we will make them as comfortable as possible in the meantime. In any event of a child falling ill or in an emergency, you will be advised and medical advice or emergency treatment will be sought unless you advise us that you do not want this to happen.
Can I change my preferred programme booking?
If you give us 14 days (or more) notice before the start of the programme your child in enrolled for, we may be able to change dates for you subject to availability.