Bush Kura’s Pukeko course offers 8–11-year-olds an unforgettable three-day experience immersed in te taiao (the natural world), helping them disconnect from devices, build resilience, and gain practical life skills.
This unique programme is run by Bush Kura (Bush School), through Te Kura a Wao Charitable Trust, and was supported by a Sunrise Foundation grant to help connect young people with nature through outdoor learning.
Held in Ruatōrea, the course introduced children to the bush and the moana (ocean), teaching basic bush craft skills and the value of teamwork in a supportive, hands-on environment. The programme focused on building confidence and capability in youth who may not otherwise have had access to these kinds of experiences.
“Our Pukeko course is often a young person’s first time away from home and in the bush,” said Keelan Poi, Course Manager and CEO/founder of Bush Kura. “We see them grow in confidence and start seeing their potential. Thanks to Sunrise, we were able to keep the camp fees low and provide transport, which removed barriers for whānau.”
“There’s a real need for these types of experiences—where kids can connect, grow, and just be themselves out in nature, but at this stage we can’t keep up with demand. For our Pukeko course we had 80 sign up, but only 18 could attend due to capacity and adult support.”
Bush Kura’s kaupapa aligns closely with Sunrise’s values—focusing on future generations, community wellbeing, and long-term impact.
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