What makes Eco Explorers programs so unique?
Who we are
At Eco Explorers, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play, explore, and thrive in nature. Our mission is to create inclusive, welcoming spaces where children and families can connect with the outdoors, with each other, and with themselves.
Our unique and widely sought out bush programs are thoughtfully designed by a passionate team of professionals — including early childhood educators, primary school teachers, forest school leaders, play workers, yoga teachers, artists, conservationists, and environmental experts. You can read more about our team here.
We’re committed to ongoing learning and professional development. Our staff regularly attend training to stay current with the latest research in child development, play theory, and nature-based learning. All of our forest school facilitators and assistants are fully trained in forest school practices by co-founders, Melinda and Adam, who are both Level 3 Certified Forest School Leaders.
Our programs go beyond nature play — they are grounded in Aboriginal perspectives, support holistic development, and aim to nurture strong community connections. We encourage mindfulness in nature, promote sustainability, and engage children in real-life, age-appropriate experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and care for the world around them.
Cultural and Local Knowledge
At Eco Explorers, we believe that connecting with nature also means connecting with the stories, knowledge, and history of the land we gather on.Each of our programs is thoughtfully designed to include local cultural and ecological knowledge. We share insights about the land’s unique history, native plants and animals, and the traditional practices of the area, helping children and families develop a deeper sense of place and belonging.
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where our programs take place and pay our respects to Elders past and present. By weaving authentic Aboriginal stories, books, songs, and resources into our sessions, we help foster understanding, respect, and care for Country from a young age.
Our facilitators are committed to ongoing cultural learning. They actively engage with local Elders and Aboriginal community members, attend cultural workshops, and learn through hands-on experiences in order to respectfully and accurately share this knowledge with the families we work with.
By embedding cultural perspectives in everything we do, we aim to inspire future generations to care for the land and each other with knowledge, respect, and heart.
Our Logo
Our uniform logo incorporates community and family (large red circle surrounded by small circles) who take care of the future community, the children, their connections to each other, providing support and strength and coming together to learn and grow.
About the Artist: Samantha Roberts is a descendant from the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung tribes through the Terrick family. Samantha established a business “Connecting Two Worlds” to share traditional and modern Indigenous culture through interactive incursions and art.
Well-being and Mindfulness
At Eco Explorers, we are passionate about empowering families with the knowledge and tools to support their children’s health, wellbeing, and development through nature play.
Our programs are designed to highlight the many physical, emotional, and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. Through gentle, sensory-based activities, we guide children and families to slow down, tune into their bodies, and connect deeply with the natural world around them.
Mindfulness in nature is not just something we teach — it’s something we live and practice. Each of our facilitators embodies this approach in their work, creating calm, nurturing environments where families feel safe, grounded, and connected.
This focus on wellbeing is supported by our Director, Melinda, who brings her professional background and qualifications in mental health and community services to everything we do. Her expertise helps ensure our programs are inclusive, responsive, and centred on the needs of both children and their families.
Holistic development
Our programs are thoughtfully designed to support every aspect of a child’s development, nurturing their natural curiosity, creativity, and love of learning. We offer a flexible, child-led environment that adapts to each child’s unique interests, abilities, and pace. With plenty of time and space for unstructured, open-ended play, children are free to explore, imagine, and grow in ways that feel right for them.
Community connections
Our facilitators are deeply passionate about creating a warm, welcoming, and respectful space where families feel a true sense of belonging. At the heart of our programs is a commitment to fostering meaningful connections — between children, parents, caregivers, and nature.
We celebrate diversity and ensure that every family is seen, heard, and valued. Our bush programs are inclusive, safe spaces where people from all backgrounds are embraced with kindness and respect. We honour each family’s unique values, cultures, and stories, and work together to build a supportive community rooted in connection, care, and shared experiences in nature.
Environment and Sustainability
At Eco Explorers, we are deeply committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to help families develop a deep appreciation for the natural world, encouraging a sense of responsibility and care for the land we gather on.
Through meaningful, hands-on experiences, children and families learn how to protect and respect nature, fostering lifelong habits that support the health of our planet. We embed sustainability into everything we do — from the way we plan our sessions to the values we share.
To minimise our impact on the environment, we follow a range of environmental policies, including rotating locations each term to protect natural spaces from overuse, and encouraging children to take an active role in caring for the bush, such as collecting rubbish during our walks. These small but powerful actions help instill a sense of ownership and respect for the land in even our youngest explorers.
Australian Forest School Association
Forest School is world-wide philosophical approach to nature connection and learning for children. Our Director Melinda is a current committee member of the Australian Forest School Association (AFSA). Our programs and professional development are aligned with the AFSA Guiding Principles.
Learn more about the AFSA here and see our current Forest School programs and availability here.
Since 2022, we have also mentored Teacher Candidates completing their community placements in the reaccredited Master of Teaching program at the University of Melbourne.
Want to join us? Visit our Playgroups, Bush Kids or Events booking page to make a booking or join our newsletter to be the first to hear about new events or bush playgroups near you.
Have a question? Visit our frequently asked question page here for more information.