Play, learn, laugh and explore nature with our Kids Go Bush programs, based at Anglesea Discovery Camp.
Kids Go Bush allows children and young people to access a ‘wild’ space where they can connect with the natural world, learn about environmental issues, and gain skills to safely explore the outdoors. The programs provide an amazing opportunity for families and groups to connect, learn and grow together.
Learn more about our Kids Go Bush programs below.
Bush Playgroup (Nature Play)
Bush Playgroup is a nature play program for children aged 0 to 5 years and their parents / carers.
Over the term, your child might build a cubby, go on a bush walk, eat damper, climb trees, jump in puddles or make wonderful music or creations from natural items. Each week we explore a different theme designed by your facilitator.
We haven't forgotten the mums, dads or grandparents either – join in with the kids and have a cuppa with us!
Date and time:
Bush Playgroup runs daily from 9:30am to 11:00am.
Location:
Prices:
$20.00 per child per session, with a 30% discount for siblings ($15 per sibling).
Adults and babies are free, but please register for a free ticket so we know who is part of our group.
Forest Skills (for 4 to 12 year olds)
Forest Skills is an outdoor education program based on forest school philosophies.
The program encourages kids to explore the bush without their parents / carers, which develops independence, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Through various child-led activities, kids grow in confidence and deepen their appreciation for the natural world.
Date and times:
Forest Skills runs weekly during the school term, on various days from 9:30am to 3:00pm.
Location:
YMCA Forest Skills site at Eumeralla Scout Camp, just a five-minute drive from Anglesea Discovery Camp.
What to bring:
Snacks and / or lunch (no shared food items).
Prices:
$70.00 per session, payable per term (part payment available on request).
Mini Forest Skills (for 4 to 6 year olds)
Mini Forest Skills is a half-day outdoor education program designed for younger children.
Like our standard Forest Skills program, Mini Forest Skills is based on forest school philosophies and encourages kids to immerse themselves in nature without parents / carers.
The program helps to build confidence, independence, teamwork and problem-solving skills while encouraging a love of the outdoors.
Date and times:
Mondays during the school term, 12:30pm – 3:00pm.
Location:
Nature play site at Anglesea Discovery Camp.
What to bring:
Snacks and / or lunch (no shared food items).
Prices:
$25.00 per session, payable per term (part payment available on request).
Kids Go Bush learning outcomes
Learn about nature: Children demonstrate an increasing knowledge of and respect for the natural environment.
Connect with community: Children broaden their understanding of the world and community in which they live.
Develop physical skills: Children perform gross / fine motor movement, balance and spatial awareness while moving around their environment confidently and safely.
Gain a range of bush skills: Children develop skills including fire safety, bush walking safety and basic navigation. They also learn about knots, rope work and safe use of tools.
Why join the Y Kids Go Bush programs?
Designated nature play site
Our sites are safe and interesting areas full of indigenous biodiversity, including fire circles and bush walking tracks. There’s so much to explore!
All equipment provided
Kids can extend their learning with a variety of tools. There’s even the opportunity to cook on a fire with our trained staff.
Safe, accredited program
We carry out risk assessments on all activities run by our nature program staff. We also have full accreditation through the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program.
Trained and friendly staff
Our experienced and passionate team includes outdoor recreation specialists, forest school and environmental educators.
The benefits of nature play for children
Gets kids active: At a time when kids have increasingly inactive or indoor lifestyles, nature play encourages kids to explore, learn and investigate the world around us.
Improves wellbeing: Nature play is proven to boost children's physical health while improving their social and mental wellbeing – benefits that last into adulthood.
Prepares kids for school: Outdoor learning helps children develop key skills which can improve their performance in primary school.
Teaches environmental care: Research shows that children who develop a connection with the natural world are more likely to become stewards for our environment in the future.
How to book Kids Go Bush
You can book into our Bush Playgroup, Forest Skills and Mini Forest Skills programs through the link below.
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