It’s time to get kids off the screens and into our forest school holiday program these school holidays! During this school holiday Forest School workshop, the children will learn how to whittle and make their very own bow and arrow to take home!  The group will also go on a bush walk learning about the plants and wildlife, learn to track, play nature connection team building games, do plenty of climbing and best of all, make some awesome new friends!

Our team of highly experienced forest school educators will support your child’s learning so that they become more confident, curious, capable and are taught to learn how to take safe risks in the bush through climbing, building and using real tools. They will also discover and learn about our natural environment and it’s fascinating wildlife.

Our forest school aims to inspire creativity, a natural curiosity and enriching sensory play experience while following your child’s interests at all times. We also ensure that children learn to use their bodies so that they develop strength, good balance and coordination while learning to take safe risks with guidance and support from the educators.

Our program is based on the leading research from world-renowned and leading Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot to give your child optimum opportunity to build their gross motor and physical skills through climbing, balancing, walking and fine motor skills during our craft activities. Research clearly shows that the more time your child spends in nature, the better they are prepared for learning and life skills, both physically and emotionally. As Angela illustrates, “too many of today’s children miss out on the full sensory richness offered beyond the walls of the classroom or home.”

The forest school workshop is led by Penny and Adam.

Penny is a Forest School trained level 3 Leader and qualified Primary School Teacher who has been running our Gresswell Forest bush playgroups for the past 5 years and has a wealth of local knowledge to share with the kids. She has a wonderful ability to gently guide and connect with children to enable them to discover, learn and explore their natural environment.

Adam is the founder of Eco Explorers and has been delivering bush programs to families for over two years. He spent his entire childhood living and camping in the bush; climbing mountains, exploring rivers, learning to fish, track, make fires and to survive. He is also a forest school leader and has a background in Outdoor Education.

Forest school Melbourne is an all-weather outdoor program so you need to make sure you bring appropriate weather protection and clothing. Children must have closed footwear when walking in the bush, sun hats, sunscreen, wet weather gear, plenty of snacks and water and a change of clothes. Our program will only be cancelled in the event of an extreme weather warning; fire, storm, high temperatures and strong wind.

Ages: 6-12 years

*This is a drop off session only.