Forest School

Join us for our Forest School sessions.

Life skills through nature, challenge, and child-led adventure

Born Wild Community Bush School is a nature-based learning program grounded in Forest School Pedagogy for children aged 7–12 (including home-schooled and flexi-school learners), designed to build real-world life skills through extended time in the natural environment.

Led by a qualified educator and ecologist and supported by experienced outdoor facilitators with experience in Forest School pedagogy, inclusive education, trauma-informed practice, and ecology, children are trusted to explore, problem-solve, collaborate, and grow through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

This is not a structured classroom delivered outdoors. It is child-led learning in nature, where the environment, relationships, and curiosity guide the experience.

Life skills at the heart of Forest School

Through ongoing participation, children naturally develop:

• resilience and confidence through managed risk-taking

• problem-solving and creative thinking

• teamwork, leadership, and empathy

• emotional regulation and self-awareness

• independence and responsibility

• practical bushcraft and nature skills

• connection to land, place, and community

Literacy and numeracy are embedded through real-world problem solving, storytelling, measurement, building, tracking, and inquiry—driven by each child’s interests.

Wild Passport Badge Program (optional)

We offer an optional Wild Passport badge pathway where children can choose to build and demonstrate skills over the term and earn a badge at the end.

Skill areas may include bushcraft, navigation, fire skills, tool use, teamwork, nature knowledge, and environmental care.

This program is entirely optional - many children thrive most in the freedom of unstructured, child-led play. The badge system simply provides a gentle framework for those who enjoy goal-setting and progression.

Drop-off

This is a supported drop-off program focused on nature connection, exploration, and independence.

Families may choose:

• Drop-off participation (independent children)

• Stay-and-observe sessions where parents remain onsite

• Transition support for children new to Forest School

Siblings under 3 may attend free with a supervising adult. Younger children under 7 are welcome to attend our Bush Kinder program, which also offers a parent-stay option. Families are welcome to choose what best suits their child.

Community contribution (optional for staying parents)

If parents remain onsite beyond an initial settling period (up to 3 weeks), we invite them to contribute to the shared space by assisting with base camp tasks such as:

• fire tending

• water refilling

• mud kitchen care

• tool supervision support

• art and nature play areas

• fort building and rope work

This reflects our ethos of shared responsibility, community participation, and children learning through lived modelling.

Mixed-age learning community

Forest School operates alongside our Bush Kinder (3-6) and Bush Playgroup (0-5), creating a wider learning ecosystem where:

• younger children observe and learn from older peers

• older children develop leadership and mentoring skills

• children engage across shared spaces in different ways

Each program runs concurrently with its own dedicated facilitator to ensure appropriate supervision, safety, and quality learning experiences.

Trial sessions

We do not offer traditional trial sessions. Instead, families are encouraged to join our Casual Stay and Play sessions, which provide a gentle introduction to our environment and approach.

Occasionally, limited casual drop-off places become available depending on capacity and ratios.

Term enrolment (preferred model)

Term enrolment is our preferred commitment, as consistent participation supports deeper learning, stronger relationships, and greater developmental outcomes.

We understand family life can be complex and offer flexibility where possible:

• payment plans available on request

• part-term arrangements considered in some circumstances

Attendance & flexibility

We recognise illness, travel, and family needs may impact attendance. Missed sessions can generally be made up within the term or in holiday sessions, subject to availability and ratio requirements.

Discounts

• 10% discount for multiple program days per week

• 10% sibling discount for families enrolling more than one child

Support needs

To attend drop-off Forest School, children must be able to manage personal needs including toileting, eating, hydration, clothing, and following facilitator guidance.

We support inclusion and will work with families to determine whether additional supports are required for a child to participate safely and confidently.

Not-for-profit social enterprise

Born Wild Community is a registered not-for-profit social enterprise. All income is reinvested directly into programs, resources, and improving access for families.

Programs must meet minimum enrolment numbers to operate. If a program cannot proceed, families will be offered alternative days or a full refund of registration fees.