Education outside the classroom (EOTC), Birkenhead
Video: Some of our awesome activities in action (2 min 33 sec)
Our team
We are qualified outdoor professionals who are passionate about delivering educational, fun programmes and outdoor adventure activities for schools and community groups in a safe environment.
Contact us
Phone: 09 484 7108
Email: eotc@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Our onsite programmes
Onsite activities at our Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre base can include kayaking or rafting in our heated outdoor pool, our high ropes course and our indoor climbing gym.
Our neighbouring park and bush areas add to the range of activities we can run for your students or members of your community group, onsite.
We always keep the fun factor high!
Our mobile programmes
We are fully mobile and can travel to schools, parks, lakes, islands, forests and the ocean to deliver EOTC and outdoor adventure programmes.
Working with schools
EOTC packages for schools can range from a single activity on school grounds to a week of camping at a special Auckland location.
Your students will gain confidence and learn new practical skills, while challenging themselves mentally and physically in a safe environment.
We will design and price a custom programme for you according to your requirements and interests, taking into account:
- your objectives for the group
- your students' age range and ability
- the budget
- your transport needs.
We encourage you to email or call us to tell us what you need and to discuss your schools' objectives.
We can then design and price a custom programme for your approval. You might be surprised by what we can achieve!
School package pricing
The majority of activities cost between $9 and $14 per student and run for 1 to 2 hours, but it's possible to have a whole day of activity for as little as $25 per student!
Ministry of Education alignment
When creating programmes we incorporate 'five key competencies' as identified by the Ministry of Education:
- thinking
- relating to others
- using language
- managing self
- participating and contributing.
Our outdoor education helps students develop all of these competencies by teaching problem solving, communication, trust-building and team-based skills.
Each activity teaches new skills and we provide the space and encouragement for students to gain practical experience.
Keeping your students safe
We put safety first and have systems in place to ensure safe and effective operating conditions.
We provide schools with checklists and forms in advance to make preparation easy and can even give suggestions towards lesson plans for pre- and post-event classes.
Our sister service
Visit our sister service Outdoor Experience, a mobile-only service based in Ōtara.
Examples of EOTC activities
Rock climbing
Climbing is a problem-solving activity that can push participants to their mental and physical limits while safely attempting to ascend to the top of rock climbing walls. We have a range of indoor climbing walls to suit all abilities and also special climbing locations around Auckland.
High ropes course
Experience high ropes at Birkenhead. Can your students conquer the sky winds, the high balance beam or take a leap across the platforms? There are many elements for instructors to choose from to fit with the competence and growing confidence of the group.
Archery
Concentration, accuracy and problem-solving. Learn about and judge trajectory, wind strength and direction. Regular Robin Hood archery and using distance limiting variation arrow, the fluflu, landing them on top of a series of targets. One of our most popular activities!
Bush survival
Learn to prepare and walk in the New Zealand bush. A practical guide on how to pack, read a map, deliver basic First Aid and build an emergency shelter known as a bivouac. Core skills for any bush adventurer and an excellent activity to pair with camp cooking or to run as part of a school camp.
Chariot building
Learn how to tie knots and get the wheels moving in the construction of a chariot. Carry a teammate to the finish line in a chariot race. An exercise in trust. Throw in a bit of history and you have a very interesting, action-packed activity.
Devonport adventure race
Schools spend the day navigating around Devonport, participating in outdoor activities including archery, rafting, rogaine (a form of orienteering) and team initiatives. Students learn to read a map and work together to draw out and use each other’s strengths and compete against other teams.
Kayaking
Learn how to paddle, turn and stop your kayak. Water safety and canoe polo are taught as well. Find your adventure in the pool, lake (we often use nearby Lake Pupuke) or ocean. Great paired with any activity at Birkenhead, or make it an adventure offsite and add some navigation.
Low ropes course
Balance, team building and communication are the key here. This activity encourages students to work together to solve problems in getting from A to B and back again.
Orienteering
Learn to read a map and compass. This activity helps students with skills important in negotiating the bush. It is a great activity to get students active, making their own decisions. A great choice for your local park, on a camp or prior to a bushwalk.
Raft building
Learn a variety of knots and lashing before rafters are challenged to build a structure from materials provided, capable of transporting the participants across the heated outdoor pool or on the lakeside. This activity is excellent for developing teamwork.
Team initiatives
Throw students into scenarios where they have to work together if they want to be successful. Develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills to achieve goals set during problem-solving based situations. Race other teams. Great for breaking down barriers.
