Nature Play Sessions – Summer Series 2022/23
Our Nature Playgroups are all about children connecting with nature and being provided with the opportunity for self directed free and risky play. We operate rain or shine and believe in the beauty of following the rhythm of the seasons.
This term we are super excited to be partnering with the lovely guys at Deadly Ed, for a new series of nature playgroups. Darren from Deadly Ed will be on hand to help the children identify native wildlife and bush tucker and share stories relevant to the Bidjigal and Gadigal land on which we gather.
$25 per child per week or $85 for 4 weeks
10% group discount for siblings/friends with code 2ORMORE (adults no charge)
All children aged 0-5 welcome
10.30am-12pm, Tuesday 13th December, Tuesday 20th December, Tuesday 3rd January, Thursday 5th January, Tuesday 10th January, Thursday 12th January, Tuesday 17th January, Thursday 19th January, Tuesday 24th January
As lovers of the park we give 5% of our profits are donated back to support the beautiful Centennial Parklands.
*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!
Hi, I’m Penny Mapp. I am mother to 7yo 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.
From Wiradjuri Country in central NSW, Darren is a descendant of the Yibaay Wagaan kin group around Wellington.
He’s is a member of @boomalli_aboriginal_art and the main man completing @thefirstmapproject
Why nature play?
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.
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, aged 0-5 years old, are welcome! Please note an adult will need to accompany children attending.
Are adults required to accompany their children?
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 2ORMORE.
What happens if its raining?
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 if the dates I'm interested in have sold out?
Interested in playgroups at other times?
Where to meet?
You can find us near Pine Grove in Centennial Park (click on the image above to open in Google Maps).
Parking is usually readily available on Loch Avenue (closest) or Grand Drive (a short walk).
You can also reach us by 339 bus and the lightrail.
There are toilet facilities nearby.