Join us in Term 2 2023 for our Gresswell Forest School program, situated on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People. Gresswell Forest Wildlife Reserve  is situated in Melbourne’s north-east suburb of Macleod and provides children ample opportunity to immerse themselves in nature as they spot kangaroo’s and other wildlife along the tracks, explore the creeks, learn about bush foods and use their bodies to climb and balance on the many fallen logs.

Our unique and one of a kind Forest School program aims to engage children through child-led hands-on activities and learning, inspiring curiosity, creativity, teaching real-life skills, empowering children to develop confidence, build resilience and social skills.

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.

This Forest School program is run by Penny and Emma.

• • • Penny is a Forest School trained level 3 Leader and qualified Primary School Teacher who has been running our Gresswell Forest bush programs for over 7 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.
    • Emma has completed a Bachelors of Marine Biology, and Master of Environment, specialising in ‘conservation and restoration’. She grew up in the Blue Mountains, amongst the gum trees, in the heart of a national park. She believes these early childhood years of bushwalking and camping inspired her ongoing love for all things natural and native.

All facilitators are skilled and trained to work with children in the bush and hold a level 2 advanced first aid and carry first aid kits with them at all times.

Forest school Melbourne is an all-weather outdoor program and the environment is diverse, challenging and forever changing. There are many new and exciting risks that the children have to navigate. We have rules and policies in place that every child needs to be able to follow to keep themselves and everyone safe. If we assess that your child needs extra support to keep them safe, then we will work with you to provide that extra assistance and we may on occasions ask that you (or another family member) stay during the sessions. 

 Ages: 4-8 years (drop off only session)

Runs for 9 weeks in term 2.

Our Forest School is open to kinder aged, primary school and homeschool children.