Empowering through sport
Using Sport to Build Better People.
Ethos is a three-day holiday camp that develops character, confidence, leadership and life skills through sport — for children aged 8–13.
“Sport is the vehicle, not the outcome.”
Built by teachers, from the field up.
Ethos is a three-day sports camp for kids aged 8–13, created by Jamie Williamson, and supported by James McLauchlan. The idea came from something Jamie noticed through years of teaching: sport has an incredible ability to teach young people important life lessons, but many school holiday programmes don't intentionally tap into that potential.
Jamie saw a gap in New Zealand's holiday programme landscape. There are plenty of programmes that keep kids entertained, and plenty that offer sport — but very few that deliberately use sport as a vehicle to develop character, values and life skills. That's where Ethos comes in.
At its core, Ethos is built around the belief that sport is about much more than winning and losing, or skill. Every game, challenge and activity presents an opportunity to learn qualities that transfer far beyond the playing field and into everyday life.
Across the camp, children take part in a wide variety of sports, games, team challenges and activities. Every experience is connected back to what we call the Ethos Temple — the values and pillars that underpin everything we do, and that give young people a framework for becoming better teammates, friends, leaders and people.
We use sport to build better people.
Helping young people thrive.
To help young people develop the values, habits, and character strengths needed to thrive in sport, school, relationships and life.
Kiwis of character.
Our vision is to develop young Kiwis of character, by utilising sport as a guided pathway — and to become New Zealand's leading youth development programme built around sport.
Using sport to build better people.
Sport is the vehicle through which children learn lessons that will serve them long after the game is over.
Rather than just coaching skills and drills…
…we create opportunities for children to practise qualities that carry far beyond the playing field.
Built for kids who are eager to have fun, learn new skills, and grow in confidence.
The children who get the most from Ethos are those who are willing to give things a go, step outside their comfort zone, and embrace opportunities to learn and grow. Whether they arrive as keen sportspeople or simply curious learners, every child can develop confidence, resilience, character, and a sense of belonging through the Ethos experience.
Most holiday programmes offer activities. Ethos offers development.
Every activity is designed with a purpose — teaching leadership, accountability, resilience, communication, respect and courage, and connecting what happens on the field to real life.
Multiple sports
A genuine variety of sports and self-designed games, not one sport played on repeat.
Character development
Every session is designed around a value or trait, not just physical activity.
Leadership opportunities
Kids are given real chances to lead their house, their team, and their peers.
Positive role models
Sessions are led by qualified PE teachers and supported by senior student leaders who serve as positive role models in the community.
Life skills learning
Reflection is built into every day, so lessons on the field transfer off it.
The Ethos Temple
Four pillars hold up everything we do at Ethos. Tap each one to see what it means, and how we teach it through sport.
PILLAR IIntegrityTap to explore
Doing the right thing, especially when no one is watching — calling your own foot-fault, being honest about the score.
How we teach itThrough self-officiated games and challenges where kids are trusted to be honest about the rules.
Beyond the fieldKids who practise integrity in sport carry that same honesty into school and friendships.
PILLAR IIRespectTap to explore
Valuing teammates, opponents, coaches and the game itself — win or lose.
How we teach itThrough mixed-house games, gracious wins, and structured moments to acknowledge the other team's effort.
Beyond the fieldRespect learned in competition shapes how kids treat classmates, family and authority.
PILLAR IIILoyaltyTap to explore
Showing up for your team, your house, and your teammates — especially when things get hard.
How we teach itThrough house-based competition, where individual effort adds to a shared, team result.
Beyond the fieldKids learn what it looks like to be a dependable friend and teammate for life.
PILLAR IVFortitudeTap to explore
Pushing through discomfort, setbacks and difficult moments without giving up.
How we teach itThrough challenges deliberately built to be hard, with coaches guiding kids through the struggle rather than removing it.
Beyond the fieldResilience built in sport becomes resilience for exams, setbacks, and hard conversations.
A day built around sport, on purpose.
Every day blends traditional sport, original games, challenges, and reflection — guided by experienced educators and positive role models.
Active learning experiences
Children take part in a range of sports, games, and challenges that develop confidence, teamwork, resilience, and a willingness to give things a go.
Games we've designed ourselves
Original games built in-house to be more fun and more inclusive than the sports they're based on.
Challenges & team activities
Individual and team challenges that ask kids to push through difficulty, problem-solve under pressure, and lead their house.
Reflection sessions
Structured time to connect what happened on the field to real-life lessons kids can take home.
Sorted into a house on day one.
Every child is placed into one of six houses and competes for house points across every game, challenge and session.
Each house wears its own colour on camp days, so kids can spot their team — and their competition — from across the field.
Skills that outlast the holidays.
Ethos Testimonials
Annie-Rose came home just bubbling with excitement. She only attended one day as she went to accompany a friend and was devastated not to be booked in for all 3 sessions. She talked about the values she'd discussed, integrity and respect, and said her favourite part was cheering on the other teams and getting to compete against them. Just a thoroughly enjoyable day by the sounds of it and desperate to go back.
Amber ConnollyEthos ParentMy son always has a wonderful time at Ethos. It's not just the physical activities he enjoys, but he also comes away learning about values — one that he keeps talking about is integrity. Great holiday programme, well organised and a passionate team that really care about what they do.
Monique WattelEthos ParentAnother great time had at the April school holidays Hobsonville programme. Ethos Academy is the best! The Ethos team are amazing, their holiday programmes are engaging, super fun and challenging. My boys have attended over 6 of their programmes at various locations and they can't get enough of the fun that they have. We will keep going back without a doubt. Thanks to the Ethos team for bringing this programme back each holiday!
Jennifer MeinEthos ParentTwo PE teachers who decided to build something better.
FAQ
What ages is Ethos for?
Is Ethos for boys and girls?
Does my child need to be good at sport already?
What should my child bring?
Who runs the sessions?
What facilities do you use?
What activities will my child take part in?
How do I register and pay?
How are children grouped?
Can my child attend if they don't play organised sport?
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
Will food be provided?
Ready to help your child build skills that last a lifetime?
Register today and we'll be in touch with everything you need for the next Ethos camp.
Register TodayWhere to find us.
More locations will be added here as they're confirmed.
Westlake Boys High School
Confirmed location
Still have questions?
Reach out to either director directly.