Kahikatea Kids - A new creation care programme for children
By Di Johnston, Christchurch Eco Church Coordinator.
It was super exciting to pilot a brand-new day camp during the July school holidays in Ōtautahi Christchurch! Designed for children aged 8–12, this hands-on, nature-based programme invited our young explorers to connect deeply with God’s creation and discover what it means to care for it. The programme ran from 1-4 July, 9am-3pm each day, starting at South West Baptist Church, before heading out to a range of beautiful natural spaces around the city. With plenty of time for fun, friendship, and meaningful discovery, the programme offered a rich way for children to grow in faith and care for the environment.
We’ve had an incredible four days exploring God’s good creation in Ōtautahi Christchurch! From sand dunes to forest tracks, our tamariki fully embraced the adventure.
We kicked off at South Shore Spit, creating sand creatures and discovering estuary life.
At Richmond Community Gardens, we joined in the working bee and helped with planting, fed chickens, and crafted in the fungi garden.
Rainy weather didn’t stop us on Day 3 — we cooked soup at Sign of the Bellbird, listened for korimako, and explored the misty bush.
On Friday, we travelled to Living Springs, making harakeke rope, crafting boats, and checking traps with the conservation team there — including finding a possum!
We’re so grateful to our amazing tamariki and supportive whānau. What a gift to learn, laugh, and grow together as kaitiaki of God’s beautiful world.
