Photos taken at our December 2021 Playgroups
Harrison who is usually a million miles an hour and rarely stays in one place for more than a minute settled into the nature playgroup and especially loved collecting specimens, balancing and walking on huge tree trunks and climbing and swinging from ropes in the trees.
Loved seeing my little one point up at the trees and bats, engaging with nature.
My son loved being outside and learning about nature, interacting with other kids.
2022 Nature Playgroups – Term 1
Returning after our highly successful playgroups last year, we’ll be rolling out the welcome mat again in Centennial Parklands.
Our first nature playgroups for 2022 will be run as a four-week term. This is because building connections with nature and their fellow nature-curious buddies can take time. We don’t want to rush our little nature explorers, our playgroups are all about slowing down and allowing them the space to explore and just be.
Meeting in a regular spot over a period of time will give them the chance to build a familiarity with the area and to potentially notice how it might change subtly from week to week.
So if you are looking for the chance for your little one to spend some time connecting with nature and exploring their capabilities then we’d love you to join us!
Suitable for 3 to 5-year-olds
Running Wednesdays and Mondays this term Each Monday 10am – 12pm from 14 March to 4 April 2022 Each Wednesday 10am – 12pm from 16 February to 9 March 2022 $85 per child per 4-week term (10% sibling discount/adults no charge*)
* Please note that an adult will be required to accompany all children attending so always seek to make the session fun for our big people as well!
Find out more info in the FAQs below.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Why nature play?
We believe in the importance of children being outdoors in nature, experiencing all weathers, and following the rhythm of the seasons.
Why is this? Apart from play outside being endlessly fun, a great number of studies have shown that children who are able to regularly play in nature have:
- Increased levels of happiness
- A stronger immune system
- Improved physical health
- Increased physical and literacy skills
- Improved focus and attention
- Greater emotional intelligence
- Increases community connection
- Reduced levels of stress, anxiety and depression
(click on the above image to enlarge it)
We also believe that a connection to nature helps children better understand their place in the world and fostering a love of the natural world from a young age is an environmental necessity.
What to expect?
On welcoming you and your little people, we will form our yarning circle to acknowledge our traditional owners, the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation, learn a bit about the land we are gathered on and listen to a story about the area.
This will provide the children with the opportunity to feel a sense of place for where we are gathered and to get to know each other. Our little nature explorers will then be invited to perform a risk assessment of the area and set our boundaries for today’s play before they set out to explore.
There will then be an opportunity to create some Xmas-themed craft items using found objects* and plenty of time for open-ended self-directed play.
Please be mindful that this is an all weather activity and we will proceed regardless except in the case of extreme weather conditions eg high winds, severe storms. So come dressed accordingly!
Who’s this for?
All children are welcome! Please note an adult will need to accompany children attending.
Are adults required to accompany their children?
Yes an adult is required to accompany all children attending but you are allowed to bring your friends’s kids as long as you have their permission.
We also encourage all our lovely big people attending to get involved and engage with what your little people are doing so that you can both get the most out of this session. We will do our best to make this fun for you as well!
We would also appreciate your assistance with guiding and helping them, we aren’t likely to be doing anything too strenuous and will be on hand to assist.
Is there a discount for siblings?
Yes, you deserve one! Please enjoy 10% off the full price when you book for 2 or more children by using the code SIBLINGS.
What happens if its raining?
We put on our raincoats and gumboots and go hunting for puddles!
Of course, if it gets too hairy and unsafe, we shall of course cancel the playgroups and offer a credit or refund.
What to bring?
- Water bottle and any snacks you require (no nuts please).
- Layers in case of a change of weather and potentially a change of clothes.
- Gumboots and raincoat if it is raining.
What is the current Covid-19 protocol?
Anyone can participate in sport, exercise, and outdoor gatherings.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at gyms).
- Face masks are not required.
What if the dates I'm interested in have sold out?
Please signup for our emails and we shall let you know if there are any cancellations.
Interested in playgroups at other times?
We will definitely looking to add more playgroup times so we invite you to signup for our emails to receive updates as we announce them.
Where to meet?
You can find us near the Labyrinth on Dickens Drive in Centennial Park (click on the image below to open in Google Maps).
Parking is usually readily available on Dickens Drive (closest) or Grand Drive (a short walk).
You can also reach us by 339 bus and the lightrail.
There are toilet facilities nearby.
* It is important to note that we are always very mindful about what we will and won’t collect and potentially remove from a natural setting. Even fallen leaves and twigs can play an important role by providing shelter or bedding for animals. We will discuss the importance of being mindful about what we remove and what we leave in situ with the children on the day and would love it if our wonderful adult companions would help reinforce this message.
Hi, I’m Penny Mapp. I am mother to 6yo twin girls and a large woolly hound. I am not an educator but have become a passionate advocate for nature play. I believe that children are amazing, they are far more capable than we give them credit, they are citizens who should be valued and listened to and that childhood is a gift that should be celebrated before it is gone. Children are born ready to explore and we should do all we can to encourage their natural curiosity. Nature provides the perfect environment for this and the connection to the natural world around them and an understanding of the seasons and native flora and fauna that can follow is the best way for our little people to feel their sense of place in the world.
Hi, I am Liesel Murphy, currently studying a Bachelor in Early Childhood and Primary Education. I am an advocate for the importance of nature play in the early years and have done nature training with Early Years Bush Connections, Claire Warden (Scottish Forest School), Anthony Seaman (Outdoor Play Spaces). I have been a part of sharing our local Bush Kindy experiences with an International study group and have presented at a National ECA Conference about Beach Kindy. I hope to inspire a love of nature and help children develop ecological identities that have a lasting impact on their lives as advocates for the environment and communities.
2022 Nature Playgroups – Term 1
Photos taken at our December 2021 Playgroups
My son loved being outside and learning about nature, interacting with other kids.
Loved seeing my little one point up at the trees and bats, engaging with nature.
Reviews
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Why nature play?
We believe in the importance of children being outdoors in nature, experiencing all weathers, and following the rhythm of the seasons.
Why is this? Apart from play outside being endlessly fun, a great number of studies have shown that children who are able to regularly play in nature have:
- Increased levels of happiness
- A stronger immune system
- Improved physical health
- Increased physical and literacy skills
- Improved focus and attention
- Greater emotional intelligence
- Increases community connection
- Reduced levels of stress, anxiety and depression
(click on the above image to enlarge it)
We also believe that a connection to nature helps children better understand their place in the world and fostering a love of the natural world from a young age is an environmental necessity.
What to expect?
On welcoming you and your little people, we will form our yarning circle to acknowledge our traditional owners, the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation, learn a bit about the land we are gathered on and listen to a story about the area.
This will provide the children with the opportunity to feel a sense of place for where we are gathered and to get to know each other. Our little nature explorers will then be invited to perform a risk assessment of the area and set our boundaries for today’s play before they set out to explore.
There will then be an opportunity to create some Xmas-themed craft items using found objects* and plenty of time for open-ended self-directed play.
Please be mindful that this is an all weather activity and we will proceed regardless except in the case of extreme weather conditions eg high winds, severe storms. So come dressed accordingly!
Who’s this for?
All children are welcome! Please note an adult will need to accompany children attending.
Are adults required to accompany their children?
Yes an adult is required to accompany all children attending but you are allowed to bring your friends’s kids as long as you have their permission.
We also encourage all our lovely big people attending to get involved and engage with what your little people are doing so that you can both get the most out of this session. We will do our best to make this fun for you as well!
We would also appreciate your assistance with guiding and helping them, we aren’t likely to be doing anything too strenuous and will be on hand to assist.
Is there a discount for siblings?
Yes, you deserve one! Please enjoy 10% off the full price when you book for 2 or more children by using the code SIBLINGS.
What happens if its raining?
We put on our raincoats and gum boots and go hunting for puddles!
What to bring?
- Water bottle and any snacks you require (no nuts please).
- Layers in case of a change of weather and potentially a change of clothes.
- Gumboots and raincoat if it is raining.
What is the Covid-19 protocol?
Please note that as per the current government regulations, all adults attending are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a written medical exemption.
What if the date I'm interested in has sold out?
Please signup for our emails and we shall let you know if there are any cancellations.
Interested in playgroups at other times?
We will definitely looking to add more playgroup times so we invite you to signup for our emails to receive updates as we announce them.
Where to meet?
You can find us near the Labyrinth on Dickens Drive in Centennial Park (click on the image below to open in Google Maps).
Parking is usually readily available on Dickens Drive (closest) or Grand Drive (a short walk).
You can also reach us by 339 bus and the lightrail.
There are toilet facilities nearby.
Hi, I’m Penny Mapp. I am mother to 6yo twin girls and a large woolly hound. I am not an educator but have become a passionate advocate for nature play. I believe that children are amazing, they are far more capable than we give them credit, they are citizens who should be valued and listened to and that childhood is a gift that should be celebrated before it is gone. Children are born ready to explore and we should do all we can to encourage their natural curiosity. Nature provides the perfect environment for this and the connection to the natural world around them and an understanding of the seasons and native flora and fauna that can follow is the best way for our little people to feel their sense of place in the world.
Hi, I am Liesel Murphy, currently studying a Bachelor in Early Childhood and Primary Education. I am an advocate for the importance of nature play in the early years and have done nature training with Early Years Bush Connections, Claire Warden (Scottish Forest School), Anthony Seaman (Outdoor Play Spaces). I have been a part of sharing our local Bush Kindy experiences with an International study group and have presented at a National ECA Conference about Beach Kindy. I hope to inspire a love of nature and help children develop ecological identities that have a lasting impact on their lives as advocates for the environment and communities.
* It is important to note that we are always very mindful about what we will and won’t collect and potentially remove from a natural setting. Even fallen leaves and twigs can play an important role by providing shelter or bedding for animals. We will discuss the importance of being mindful about what we remove and what we leave in situ with the children on the day and would love it if our wonderful adult companions would help reinforce this message.
Reviews