- Clubdays
- Library
- Weekend Escapes - Residental weekends for families
- Young Explorers (6 and under) activities
- Older Explorers (11 and over) activities
- Parent Activities
- Holiday Activities
- Newsletter
- Preschool Information Kit
- Membership of NZAGC, the national body
Clubdays
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Topics such as these are covered at our clubdays. They are organised by the committee and parents, and held approximately every second Saturday afternoon during the school term. Tutors and guest speakers run many of these sessions.
Clubdays usually cost $7 per one child family and $10 for families of 2 or more children, to pay for speakers, room hire, materials and afternoon tea. Ideas for clubdays come from members, sometimes catering for a child's particular interest. Most clubdays are held at Mt. Albert Presbyterian Church Hall, 14 Mt Albert Rd. Activities start at 2.30pm, with speakers on a wide range of subjects. There are hands-on activities associated with these talks when appropriate.
There may be a preschool session at the same time, with related activities. Board games may be played, and it is a good opportunity to socialise.
A responsible adult must remain with the children at all clubdays.
Clubdays and trips are family occasions, and the parents are expected to remain with their children. These activities are normally for member families and their children only. However open sessions are frequently held during the year where non-members can join in. Costs for non-members are $14 per one child family and $20 for families of 2 or more children
Click here for details of coming Clubdays.
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Library
A library of games, puzzles, videos, CD ROMs, DVDs, audiotapes and books is available on clubdays. It is a free service. However borrowers are expected to make reimbursement for damage or loss of items.
NZAGC National also has an extensive library for parents and educators. See our library page for more information.
Weekend Escapes (Camps)
Twice a year, in the first and third terms, Explorers run residential family weekends. The summer camp is a social
one and a great chance for members to get to know each other. The winter camp has a theme and incorporates workshops,
crafts, debates, entertainment, etc. Themes have included Egyptology, Space, Medieval, Mystery and Detection, and
Technology. Most parents find these weekends an ideal time to swap stories and ideas on coping mechanisms. There is no pressure on the
children to join any activity but they can do those things that interest them.
Camps vary in cost, depending on the venue and the age of the children. For a family of two adults and two children,
the cost is usually about $400, including all meals and activities for the weekend.
Non-members are invited to attend.
Click this link for reports/photos of past camps.
TOPYoung Explorers (YEX)
Young Explorers is for gifted children up to age 6 and their families.
- provides a comfortable environment to make friends with others of their own age and ability.
- allows families to meet, share experiences and enjoy the support of other like-minded individuals.
Also welcome are homeschoolers with older children and families just wondering about giftedness in their young children
Clubdays provide exciting activities for YEX members and includes sessions specifically for the 6 and under children when the main session is inappropriate for the younger children.
The ages that the speakers are aiming their talks towards are indicated. Younger Explorers (YEX) are welcome to attend at the main session under certain circumstances, such as they may have a passion for a particular subject and will be involved during the activity and not get restless. Contact
Older Explorers
Philosophy-This is in two groups Philosophy 101 and Philosophy 201.
Philosophy 101 is for 11-14 year olds and is facilitated with a maximum of 13 people.
Philosophy 201 is for 15 years plus, no facilitator and 6-8 people. Non-members are welcome. Sessions are held twice a term on Saturdays from 5pm-7pm in Mt Albert and include pizza. Contact
Construction (COP)-11+ years old. This is held on the same day as Philosophy. One of Explorers’ construction sets is made available.
- Mobilo
- Chaos
- Spacerails
- Mindstorm
- Capsela
- Electric chain drives and gears
- Morphun Blocks
- Marble Maze
- K’nex
13+ Group-This is a much less structured group-mainly social but with the occasional more organised event such as film appreciation, i.e. watching a movie and discussing it afterwards over food.
Venues and costs would vary depending on activity.
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Information Evenings
These are for parents, teachers and anyone else who is interested. Examples of past evenings are :- Gifted Education in Auckland (Gladstone Primary School, Senior College, Remuera Primary School)
- Education Review Office
- Homeschooling
- How to choose the right early child education and primary school service
- ADD and the gifted child
- 2E (Twice Exceptional)
TOP Holiday Activities
Trips are arranged in the school holidays to places of interest such as factories, service organisations, museums, etc - many of which are free. Some examples of past holiday visits are:- Ellerslie Printers (NZ Herald)
- Auckland Mail Centre
- Tip Top Ice Cream Factory
- Glass Blowing
- Police Launch & Helicopter
- Temptations Chocolate Factory
TOP Newsletter
The newsletter "Explore" is published once a term, with details of branch activities and items of interest. This sent electronically but can be provided in hard copy on request.
Preschool Information Kits
These are available free to members or $5 for non-members, with information of value to parents of very young gifted
children.
Membership of NZAGC
Explorers members have automatic membership to the New Zealand Association for Gifted Children. This includes a subscription to their magazine "Tall Poppies". See the NZAGC website for further details on this national body.
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Explorers' Club, the Auckland branch of the NZ Assoc'n. for Gifted Children Part(s) of this website last updated: 13/08/2012
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