OUR WORK
POET Programmes
Our work spans six connected areas, each one designed to meet young people, teachers, and communities where they are.
Whether we’re supporting a primary school to embed outdoor learning into everyday life, helping rangatahi build leadership skills, or partnering with a community organisation to reach young people who need it most, everything we do comes back to one goal: turning learning inside out and helping young people thrive through outdoor experiences.
Kids’ Starter Programme >
Student Leadership Programme >
Community Programme >
Primary Programme >
Secondary Programme >
Teacher Support Programme >
Kids’ Starter Programme
Outdoor learning for younger students
Our Kids Starter sessions give younger students their first real taste of outdoor learning in a way that feels fun, simple, and accessible. These short sessions usually take place on school grounds or nearby green spaces and are designed as an easy starting point for schools exploring outdoor learning for the first time.
There are no big logistics or complicated planning — just a practical and enjoyable introduction that helps students build confidence and curiosity outdoors.
What This Looks Like in Practice
- Short outdoor sessions held on school grounds or nearby green spaces
- Nature-based activities that build curiosity, confidence, and teamwork
- Simple outdoor learning experiences that are easy for schools to get started with
Why It Matters
Early outdoor experiences help children build curiosity, resilience, and teamwork while developing a positive connection with nature. These early moments often spark a lifelong relationship with the outdoors.
Interested in running a Kids Starter session at your school? Let’s make it happen – contact us.
Secondary School Outdoor Programmes
Challenging experiences that help rangatahi discover what they’re capable of
Our secondary school programmes support schools to deliver outdoor experiences that genuinely challenge and inspire students.
Through activities like supping, biking, and tramping, rangatahi develop resilience, teamwork, leadership, and a deeper connection with te taiao. We work alongside schools to make these opportunities accessible, bringing equipment, expertise, and experienced outdoor educators to the table.
What This Looks Like
- Supporting school camps and outdoor journeys
- Activities such as kayaking, biking, and tramping that build teamwork and resilience
- Providing equipment, guidance, and experienced outdoor educators
Why It Matters
Outdoor challenges help young people grow in confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and build relationships that extend well beyond the trip.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your school’s outdoor programme — we’d love to get something started.
Primary School Outdoor Learning
Making outdoor learning a natural part of every school week
Our Primary School Programme builds on that first introduction by working alongside schools over time. We partner with teachers to plan, deliver, and grow outdoor learning so it becomes a regular and meaningful part of school life.
Whether it’s using school grounds or heading to a local reserve, we help schools build the confidence and capability to keep outdoor learning going well into the future.
What This Looks Like in Practice
- Working alongside teachers to plan and deliver outdoor learning
- Practical activities in school grounds or local parks and reserves
- Supporting schools to build confidence and capability in outdoor learning
Why It Matters
Outdoor learning supports wellbeing, engagement, and curiosity and helps students develop important life skills that don’t always show up in a classroom.
Talk to us about how we can support outdoor learning at your school — we’d love to hear from you.
Student Leadership Programme
Growing confident young leaders through real outdoor challenge
Our Student Leadership Programme gives rangatahi the chance to step up, take responsibility, and lead in real situations that matter.
Through practical outdoor experiences and our flagship multi-school Leadership Journey Camp, students build the communication, decision-making, and teamwork skills that define great leaders. The camp brings together students from different schools, creating a powerful shared experience unlike anything in the classroom.
What This Looks Like
- Multi-school Leadership Journey Camps that bring students together from across the region
- Opportunities for students to take on leadership roles during camps and outdoor activities
- Developing communication, responsibility, and decision-making through real experiences
Why It Matters
Leadership experiences in the outdoors help young people develop confidence, resilience, and the ability to positively influence those around them, now and in the future.
Talk to us about leadership opportunities for your students — we’d love to get them on the journey.
Teacher Professional Learning (PLD)
Building teacher confidence so outdoor learning can thrive in every school
For many teachers, outdoor learning can feel daunting — particularly around planning, safety, and fitting it into a busy curriculum. Our professional learning workshops are practical, supportive, and focused on building real confidence.
We work alongside teachers so they feel genuinely equipped to take learning outside and keep doing it long after we’ve gone.
What This Looks Like
- Practical workshops that build confidence in outdoor learning
- Guidance on planning outdoor programmes and managing safety
- Supporting teachers to integrate outdoor learning into their teaching
Why It Matters
When teachers feel confident outdoors, outdoor learning becomes part of the school’s culture. That’s how it reaches more students, more often, and has a lasting impact.
Interested in outdoor learning PLD for your staff? Get in touch to find out about upcoming workshops.
Community Partnerships
Making outdoor experiences accessible to more young people
We believe every young person deserves access to the outdoors regardless of their background or circumstances. That’s why we partner with community organisations, youth groups, and alternative education providers to create outdoor experiences for young people who might not otherwise get them.
From community houses to organisations like Halberg, we show up wherever we’re needed.
What This Looks Like
- Outdoor experiences delivered with community houses and youth organisations
- Inclusive programmes with groups such as Halberg and alternative education providers
- Working alongside community partners to reach young people who might otherwise miss out
Why It Matters
For some young people, a single outdoor experience can be the thing that shifts their confidence, builds a new connection, or opens a door they didn’t know was there.
If your organisation would like to partner with us, we’d love to start a conversation – contact us.