YOUTH CAMPS
LaunchPad 3-Day Startup Camp
Duration
3 days 2 nights
Arrival time: 10 AM
Departure: 3 PM
Open to
Years 10–11 (15–16 years old)
Upcoming Startup Camps...
What is LaunchPad?
LaunchPad is a hands-on, real-world business bootcamp where students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship — they build a real startup from scratch.
Over 3 intense and inspiring days, students use the same AI tools professionals rely on (ChatGPT, Claude, design platforms) to turn an idea into a real solution, tested by real users, and pitched to a real audience.
This is not theory.
Not worksheets.
Not pretend business.
This is the real thing.
What your teen will do
Day 1 — Discover & Define
✔ Form teams
✔ Identify a real problem worth solving
✔ Use AI tools to research, ideate, and validate
✔ Build their first prototype by afternoon
Day 2 — Build, Test, Improve
✔ Use AI to create branding, messaging, and user journeys
✔ Test their idea with real potential users
✔ Refine based on feedback
✔ Build a working MVP using simple no-code + AI tools
Day 3 — Pitch & Launch
✔ Final improvements based on testing
✔ Prepare a professional startup pitch
✔ Present to a panel of guests, teachers & peers
✔ Celebrate their launch moment
Skills they'll master
These are the future-proof skills every career now demands:
Problem Solving
Breaking complex challenges into clear, actionable steps.
Teamwork
Collaborating under real time pressure with diverse strengths.
Decision-Making
Learning how to choose well with incomplete information — just like the real world.
Communication
Telling their story clearly, pitching with confidence.
AI Fluency
Understanding and using tools that professionals use every day.
This is the new literacy.
The new superpower.
Why it matters
AI is becoming as essential as reading and writing.
Startup thinking is valuable in every career — from medicine to design to engineering to social impact.
Your teenager walks away with:
• A real startup prototype
• A pitch deck
• A new level of confidence
• Skills they can use in school projects, future jobs, and life
• A sense of “I can do hard things” — because they actually did
No theory.
Just real skills, real tools, and real results.
Who's this for?
LaunchPad is perfect for teens who are:
• Curious about business, creativity or solving problems
• Interested in tech, AI, design or innovation
• Looking for a challenge that pushes them to grow
• Wanting practical skills they can use immediately
• Excited to explore entrepreneurship and learn how real startups are built
• Keen to work with others and build something real
Zero experience required.
Just enthusiasm and a willingness to try.
Common Questions
“My child isn’t into business — is this still for them?”
Yes. LaunchPad is about problem-solving and creativity, not becoming an entrepreneur.
“They’re not technical — will they cope?”
Absolutely. We teach every tool step-by-step.
AI makes the hard stuff easier.
“What if they fail?”
We celebrate it.
Failure is data.
Iteration is the point.
“Is 3 days really enough?”
For a full company? No.
For the skills that matter? Absolutely.
Students learn more by doing in 3 days than in months of classroom theory.
Hosted at Green School — Built for Real-World Learning
LaunchPad is delivered on the inspiring Green School campus, designed for creativity, teamwork, and learning by doing.
Safe.
Supportive.
High-energy.
And unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Register for the event by choosing a date and ticket above. We accept all major credit and debit cards.
All camp gear is provided but you are also welcome to bring your own camp gear. Food is covered by the registration fee. You may want to bring additional snacks.
If you are flying into New Plymouth, a 40 minute drive will get you to the campus. You may wish to hire a car or if you contact us prior to arrival we can provide personalised airport transfers.
If you arrive earlier and would like to stay in the city of New Plymouth for some tourist attractions we recommend the following partnering hotels. You will have access to some of their free amenities and some shuttle services.
There are so many amazing happening in Taranaki check out some of the sites to explore some key spots.
