Queenstown
Igniting Passionate Educators
Saturday 31st January - Saturday 7th February 2026
What's Included:
7 x nights' accommodation in 4* Hotel
7 x breakfasts
6 x lunches
7 x dinners (one-courses - includes a glass of wine/beer/soft drink each evening)
Transfers to hotel
7 x mornings of yoga
Hiking
1 x day of visits to Early Learning Centres
2 x days of conference
Additional Extras:
Flights to Queenstown
Any Additional Drinks
7-Night "Igniting Passionate Early Childhood Educators" Retreat in Queenstown
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Afternoon: Arrive in Queenstown, check into accommodations (consider a beautiful lodge or eco-friendly retreat center with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables).
Evening:
Welcome Dinner: A relaxed, informal dinner to meet fellow educators, get to know the retreat facilitators, and set intentions for the week.
Icebreaker Activities: Fun group activities to introduce the theme of the retreat, like a "passion wall" where attendees post what inspires them about early childhood education.
Day 2: Day of Learning - Keynotes & Workshops
Morning:
Opening Keynote: "Reigniting the Spark: How to Nurture the Passion for Teaching in Early Childhood Educators" – A talk that motivates and inspires educators to return to the core reasons they entered the field.
Workshop 1: Building Emotional Intelligence in Children: Practical tips on fostering emotional resilience in young learners.
Workshop 2: Play-Based Learning: The Heart of Early Childhood Education: A deep dive into the critical role of play in child development, offering tools and strategies to create play-rich environments.
Lunch: Light, healthy, and nourishing lunch with time for informal networking.
Afternoon:
Workshop 3: Designing Culturally Responsive Classrooms: Strategies for educators to create inclusive, respectful, and responsive learning environments for diverse children and families.
Group Reflection: Reflect on the day's learning, and group discussion on how to integrate the sessions into practice.
Evening: Relax and unwind with a scenic evening boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu or a quiet dinner at the retreat center.
Day 3: Day of Hiking & Outdoor Learning
Morning:
Guided Hike: Head out for a day of hiking in the breathtaking landscape surrounding Queenstown, Lake Hayes
Reflection in Nature: During the hike, educators can reflect on how nature impacts child development and share thoughts about outdoor learning and its importance in early childhood education.
Afternoon:
Outdoor Learning Activities: A facilitator-led session in peaceful and beautiful Bob's Cove Track (we will have our picic luch here)
outdoor setting, discussing how to incorporate nature-based play and learning into everyday practice.
Team Building: Fun group activities like a “nature scavenger hunt” that incorporate early learning principles.
Evening: Casual group dinner around a campfire or BBQ, followed by group discussion on the challenges of integrating nature into urban settings.
Day 4: Day of Hiking & Wellness
Morning:
Sunrise Yoga or Meditation: Start the day with an energizing yoga or meditation session to ground the body and mind.
Hike to a Scenic Lookout: Another day of exploration and adventure, perhaps a shorter, scenic hike to a viewpoint with panoramic views.
Afternoon:
Self-Care for Educators: A reflective workshop focused on mindfulness, stress reduction, and strategies for preventing burnout in the profession.
Group Reflection: Time for educators to share how they integrate wellness practices into their classrooms and personal lives.
Evening: Dinner & Free Time – Evening for relaxation, socializing, or optional spa treatments.
Day 5: Early Learning Classroom Visits
Morning & Afternoon:
Classroom Visits: Spend the day visiting a variety of early childhood education centers around Queenstown and its surrounding areas (urban and rural). These could include:
A Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired center.
A nature-based or outdoor-focused learning environment.
A traditional play-based preschool or kindergarten.
Interactive Tours: Observe different teaching methods, interact with local educators, and see how they incorporate cultural elements, community values, and innovative approaches to early learning.
Lunch: A picnic or group lunch at one of the centers or a scenic spot.
Late Afternoon: Return to retreat center, group reflection, and a debrief on insights gained from the visits.
Day 6: Day of Learning - Practical Strategies & Creative Workshops
Morning:
Workshop 4: Creating Engaging, Inclusive Learning Spaces: Hands-on activities and brainstorming sessions on how to design classrooms that cater to diverse needs and learning styles.
Workshop 5: Storytelling and Arts in Early Childhood Education: Creative approaches to using art, drama, and storytelling to engage young learners.
Afternoon:
Collaborative Action Plan: Educators work in small groups to develop an action plan based on the week’s learning, incorporating ideas from classroom visits, workshops, and hiking reflections.
Peer Sharing: Each group shares their action plan, receives feedback from peers, and discusses next steps for implementation.
Evening: Dinner & Closing Celebration – Celebrate the week’s experiences with a festive dinner, music, and awards for “Passionate Educators” who have inspired others during the retreat.
Day 7: Reflection, Farewell & Departure
Morning:
Closing Circle: A final group circle to reflect on the journey, share personal takeaways, and create a plan for continued growth after the retreat.
Final Reflections: A heartfelt sharing session where educators can reflect on their key learning moments from the retreat.
Departure: Depart for home, feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to implement new ideas in the classroom!
Creating a memorable and impactful conference for passionate early childhood educators requires a combination of relevant topics, engaging activities, and meaningful experiences. Here are some ideas for your conference:
1. Keynote Speakers and Workshops:
Igniting Passionate Educators
Saturday 31st January - Saturday 7th February 2026
What's Included:
7 x nights' accommodation in 4* Hotel
7 x breakfasts
6 x lunches
7 x dinners (one-courses - includes a glass of wine/beer/soft drink each evening)
Transfers to hotel
7 x mornings of yoga
Hiking
1 x day of visits to Early Learning Centres
2 x days of conference
Additional Extras:
Flights to Queenstown
Any Additional Drinks
7-Night "Igniting Passionate Early Childhood Educators" Retreat in Queenstown
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Afternoon: Arrive in Queenstown, check into accommodations (consider a beautiful lodge or eco-friendly retreat center with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables).
Evening:
Welcome Dinner: A relaxed, informal dinner to meet fellow educators, get to know the retreat facilitators, and set intentions for the week.
Icebreaker Activities: Fun group activities to introduce the theme of the retreat, like a "passion wall" where attendees post what inspires them about early childhood education.
Day 2: Day of Learning - Keynotes & Workshops
Morning:
Opening Keynote: "Reigniting the Spark: How to Nurture the Passion for Teaching in Early Childhood Educators" – A talk that motivates and inspires educators to return to the core reasons they entered the field.
Workshop 1: Building Emotional Intelligence in Children: Practical tips on fostering emotional resilience in young learners.
Workshop 2: Play-Based Learning: The Heart of Early Childhood Education: A deep dive into the critical role of play in child development, offering tools and strategies to create play-rich environments.
Lunch: Light, healthy, and nourishing lunch with time for informal networking.
Afternoon:
Workshop 3: Designing Culturally Responsive Classrooms: Strategies for educators to create inclusive, respectful, and responsive learning environments for diverse children and families.
Group Reflection: Reflect on the day's learning, and group discussion on how to integrate the sessions into practice.
Evening: Relax and unwind with a scenic evening boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu or a quiet dinner at the retreat center.
Day 3: Day of Hiking & Outdoor Learning
Morning:
Guided Hike: Head out for a day of hiking in the breathtaking landscape surrounding Queenstown, Lake Hayes
Reflection in Nature: During the hike, educators can reflect on how nature impacts child development and share thoughts about outdoor learning and its importance in early childhood education.
Afternoon:
Outdoor Learning Activities: A facilitator-led session in peaceful and beautiful Bob's Cove Track (we will have our picic luch here)
outdoor setting, discussing how to incorporate nature-based play and learning into everyday practice.
Team Building: Fun group activities like a “nature scavenger hunt” that incorporate early learning principles.
Evening: Casual group dinner around a campfire or BBQ, followed by group discussion on the challenges of integrating nature into urban settings.
Day 4: Day of Hiking & Wellness
Morning:
Sunrise Yoga or Meditation: Start the day with an energizing yoga or meditation session to ground the body and mind.
Hike to a Scenic Lookout: Another day of exploration and adventure, perhaps a shorter, scenic hike to a viewpoint with panoramic views.
Afternoon:
Self-Care for Educators: A reflective workshop focused on mindfulness, stress reduction, and strategies for preventing burnout in the profession.
Group Reflection: Time for educators to share how they integrate wellness practices into their classrooms and personal lives.
Evening: Dinner & Free Time – Evening for relaxation, socializing, or optional spa treatments.
Day 5: Early Learning Classroom Visits
Morning & Afternoon:
Classroom Visits: Spend the day visiting a variety of early childhood education centers around Queenstown and its surrounding areas (urban and rural). These could include:
A Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired center.
A nature-based or outdoor-focused learning environment.
A traditional play-based preschool or kindergarten.
Interactive Tours: Observe different teaching methods, interact with local educators, and see how they incorporate cultural elements, community values, and innovative approaches to early learning.
Lunch: A picnic or group lunch at one of the centers or a scenic spot.
Late Afternoon: Return to retreat center, group reflection, and a debrief on insights gained from the visits.
Day 6: Day of Learning - Practical Strategies & Creative Workshops
Morning:
Workshop 4: Creating Engaging, Inclusive Learning Spaces: Hands-on activities and brainstorming sessions on how to design classrooms that cater to diverse needs and learning styles.
Workshop 5: Storytelling and Arts in Early Childhood Education: Creative approaches to using art, drama, and storytelling to engage young learners.
Afternoon:
Collaborative Action Plan: Educators work in small groups to develop an action plan based on the week’s learning, incorporating ideas from classroom visits, workshops, and hiking reflections.
Peer Sharing: Each group shares their action plan, receives feedback from peers, and discusses next steps for implementation.
Evening: Dinner & Closing Celebration – Celebrate the week’s experiences with a festive dinner, music, and awards for “Passionate Educators” who have inspired others during the retreat.
Day 7: Reflection, Farewell & Departure
Morning:
Closing Circle: A final group circle to reflect on the journey, share personal takeaways, and create a plan for continued growth after the retreat.
Final Reflections: A heartfelt sharing session where educators can reflect on their key learning moments from the retreat.
Departure: Depart for home, feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to implement new ideas in the classroom!
Creating a memorable and impactful conference for passionate early childhood educators requires a combination of relevant topics, engaging activities, and meaningful experiences. Here are some ideas for your conference:
1. Keynote Speakers and Workshops:
- Building Emotional Intelligence in Young Learners: A session focusing on how educators can foster emotional regulation and empathy in children.
- The Power of Play: A deep dive into the importance of unstructured play for cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education: Addressing diverse learning needs and creating inclusive classroom environments for all children.
- Technology in Early Education: How to incorporate tech tools mindfully in the classroom while ensuring they support learning and not detract from it.
- Brain-Based Learning Strategies: Techniques based on how young children’s brains develop, and how to apply that knowledge in the classroom.
- Outdoor Learning: Harnessing the natural environment for learning, including nature-based play, gardening projects, and environmental stewardship.
- Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms: Embracing diversity and teaching children about various cultures, histories, and traditions.
- Mindfulness and Self-Care for Educators: Exploring how educators can practice mindfulness and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and stay inspired.
- The Role of Families in Early Childhood Education: Engaging families and communities as active partners in a child's development.
- Supporting Special Needs in Early Childhood: Conversations around recognizing and addressing early developmental delays and disabilities.
- Innovative Early Childhood Models Around the World: Learning from different global approaches to early education, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf.
- DIY Sensory Activities: Hands-on session where participants can create and experiment with sensory-rich experiences for children.
- Classroom Organization and Design: Practical tips on how to create functional, engaging, and safe classroom environments.
- Music and Movement: Creative sessions to explore the link between music, dance, and early childhood development, with ideas on incorporating these into everyday learning.
- Educator Meet-and-Greet: A casual event for networking, where educators can share ideas, challenges, and successes.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving Sessions: Small group discussions around common challenges in the field, brainstorming solutions together.
- Resource Exchange: A space where educators can swap lesson plans, books, toys, and teaching resources.
- Storytelling from Experienced Educators: Teachers and administrators sharing stories about what has inspired them and lessons learned along the way.
- "Teach Like a Child" Session: A creative session where educators take on the role of children and explore their experiences and learning needs from that perspective.
- Morning Yoga or Meditation: A calm and peaceful start to the day to set the tone for a positive and focused conference.
- Art Therapy for Educators: Providing an opportunity for attendees to create art and engage in creative activities as a form of stress relief.
- Closing Celebration: A fun event to celebrate the passion of early childhood educators, with music, recognition awards, and dancing.
- Play-Based Learning Lounge: An area where participants can engage in play activities designed for young children while also discussing how they can use them in their classrooms.
- Tech for Toddlers Hub: A space where educators can explore and try out new educational technologies or apps that support early childhood learning.
- Implementable Action Plans: Allow each attendee time to create a specific action plan with goals they can immediately apply in their classrooms.
- Resource Guides: Providing comprehensive handouts or online resources related to the sessions they attended, so they can dive deeper post-conference.