It’s time to get kids off the screens and into our forest school these school holidays! During this session, we’ll be bushwalking around the reserve, crossing the lake and learning all about the water birds and creatures that live at Newport lakes, as well as learning how to read maps, use a compass and even create their own map of Newport Lakes! 

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. Each Forest School session is different as we explore new locations and learn new things about the natural environmnet.

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 will be run by Adam and Penny.

Adam is an experienced bush playgroup facilitator and forest school leader with a background in Outdoor Education.

Penny is a certified forest school leader, bush playgroup facilitator and kids yoga teacher.

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