Join us at Newport Lakes Reserve for our Bush Kids school holiday program where your child will learn essential bush survival and navigation skills as we explore the reserve, crossing the lake and learning all about the fascinating creatures, big and small that live at Newport lakes. Along the way, we’ll be doing some tracking and learning bush survival skills such as how to read a map, use the sun to navigate and also how to use a compass.

Our program is for children aged 4 – 10 years and is specifically aimed at supporting children to develop important social, physical and emotional skills through hands-on learning and teaching them real-life bush survival and bushcraft skills.

This workshop is run by Penny who is a certified level 3 Forest School Leader and Primary School Teacher.

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.”

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: 4-12 years

*Parents are responsible for their children at all times.