Wild Ground

23/02/2026

This magic chair was created above the creek today at Bush School Adventures. It was the perfect child-led STEM activity. The activity captured everything - physics, science, technology, risky play, team work, cooperation, consent, inclusion, perspective taking, emotional regulation, problem solving, maths and literacy….

I’m positive us adults would have missed crucial aspects of the learning journey had we tried to “explicitly teach” these skills and concepts to the group.

Children had started to gather by the edge of the creek watching one child perched in a tree above the water tying knots and attempting to make a net around his bag.

One child suddenly spoke up. “oh! Could I have some string? I know how to make a seat. I saw it on YouTube once. Would you like me to show you how? Can I add it to the tree?”

Child perched in tree: “sure! Can I help?”

More children gathered. Some helped to wrap the string as they listened to instructions from the YouTube inspired child while other gave their thoughts and ideas about the physics of the chair.

Others sat quietly absorbed in their own activity yet actively engaged in listening to the conversation and activity the was unfolding.

How will we make it strong enough?

How big does it need to be?

Who will test it?

Not Dan! She’s a bit too heavy for the size of the string. It has to be a kid

A few brave kids stepped forwards keen to be the guiniea pig. Others watched intrigued and inspired.

The conversation flowed as they pondered and developed their ideas during the very serious business of play without even realising the depth of their learning and discoveries.

Once completed the group immediately agreed on who the lucky chosen one should be to test it out. They chose the kid who seemed to need that sense of belonging the most. The one who needed a bit of a boost. They all just seemed to know.

He beamed as he sat there. Excited to be the chosen first.

Kids do it best. We can learn a whole lot from them.

We’ve got just two spots left for our weekly bush school adventures. Every Monday 9:30-2:30pm upper blue Mountains.

Get in touch if you’re keen to learn more.

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27/01/2026

And that’s a wrap for holiday programs this summer. We’ve had so much fun standing under waterfalls, exploring the bush, journaling, creating, play games and spending time with old and new friends!

11/01/2026

This cool change is a welcome relief after the heatwave. Perfect timing to plan ahead for the rest of summer.

We still have limited spots left for our Wild Ground January Holiday Adventures in the Blue Mtns NSW.

Mon 19 Jan and Tues 20Jan

A full day of nature play, creative exploration, and outdoor adventure - designed to suit kids who thrive with space, movement and connection.

book here: https://wildground.com.au/schoolholidays/nature-play-bush-survival-and-connection-jjb6b-gsakh-gheel

19/09/2025

🌿 Bush School is moving! 🌿

This Term 4 we’re excited to bring Bush School to the Mid Mountains — just in time for long summer days outdoors.

Each Monday, children will have the chance to spend a full day (10am-3pm) immersed in play, bushcraft, creativity, and connection with nature and each other.

Bush School is all about building confidence, resilience, and joy through child-led exploration and supported risk-taking. We’ve loved seeing kids grow season after season, and can’t wait to welcome new and returning families into this next chapter.

✨ Limited places available — bookings now open!

Wildground.com.au/bushschooladventure

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17/09/2025

🌿 From toddlers to teens, some of our Wild Ground families have been with us from the very beginning. 🌿

Over the years, we’ve loved watching these kids grow — exploring the bush, testing their limits, sparking curiosity, and creating memories together as a family. The feedback we hear most? That Wild Ground isn’t just an activity, it’s an experience that stays with them long after the day ends.

👉 The cart is open for our Teen Artful Adventure — a chance for 12–15 year olds to connect, create, and play in nature.

https://wildground.com.au/schoolholidays/nature-play-bush-survival-and-connection-jjb6b-gsakh-e5mf2-mrhhz-7hdad

16/09/2025

Wild Ground has always been more than just me — it’s been shaped by an incredible team of women over the years, each bringing their own skills, creativity and heart. 🌿✨

This season, I’m so excited to share who’s alongside me. From artists and educators to ecologists and performers, our team is here to hold space, spark curiosity, and create those unforgettable Wild Ground adventures.

I feel so lucky to be working with them — and you’ll get to meet them in the programs coming up soon. Spots are filling quickly, and it’s always our facilitators who make the magic happen. 💚

16/09/2025

For years, parents have been asking: “When will you run something for the teens?”

And now, here it is. We’re excited!

🌿 Teens Artful Adventure
📅 Thursday 9th October
👥 Ages 12–15
⛰️ A short bushwalk, watercolours, nature journaling, whittling, and fire striking

Some of these young people have been with us since they were two. Others we haven’t seen in years — but they might be ready to step back into the bush with fresh eyes. This is their chance.

This new session is designed to be inclusive, creative, and adventurous.

A low demand space for teens to:

✨ Slow down in nature
🎨 Explore watercolours and journaling techniques
🔥 Learn bushcraft skills (like whittling and fire striking)
🌸 And reconnect with themselves, each other, and the wild

For more info check out our website:

https://wildground.com.au/schoolholidays/nature-play-bush-survival-and-connection-jjb6b-gsakh-e5mf2-mrhhz-7hdad

15/09/2025

Today some of the bush school crew decided they were up for a challenge — a longer hike, all the way down to the BIG waterfall. It involved a fair few steps that aren’t really designed for five year old legs!

One of them turned to me and said:
👉 “Hey Dan, it’s not bush school today. It’s tricky bush school. Because we’re doing so much tricky hiking. But I won’t give up or stop because I’m having too much fun.”

That’s what we love to see at Wild Ground — kids choosing their own adventure, testing themselves, and discovering that resilience can be joyful. Sometimes that’s about the actual hiking, sometimes it’s about the bravery needed to say goodbye to a parent at the beginning of the session. Other times, the challenge is more about a social thing - initiating a new friendship or advocating for your needs in the group. It’s all part of it.

The waterfall at the end was the reward, but really, the magic was in the journey.

If your kids are keen to explore, play, and challenge themselves too, we’ve still got a few spots left in our October holiday programs. Check out our website for more details…

30/08/2025

🌿 Early bird bookings are OPEN! 🌿

Our October school holiday adventures are coming up fast! Waterfall Adventure on 3rd Oct and Artful Adventure on 10th Oct – bush play, nature art, and plenty of wild fun for kids aged 6–13.

Spots are limited, so jump on our mailing list to grab your place!

10/08/2025

🌿🔍 The Hidden Language of Plants & Pollinators – A Free Talk For All Ages.
🗓 Thursday 14 August | 🕠 5:30pm–6:30pm | 📍Bates Hall, Blackheath

Ever wondered how bees and plants communicate?
Join Dr Amelie Vanderstock (Amelie Ecology) as she unpacks the secret language shared between flowers and their pollinators for Science Week!

🍰 Includes tea, coffee and cake, yum 🙂
🧠 All ages welcome – a great night out for curious minds.
📞 Bookings: https://forms.office.com/r/7GvAyjBjDB or ring Hamish on 02 4787 7770

07/08/2025

One of our favourite bee-ings Amelie Ecology has three workshops coming up 14-16 August to celebrate Science Week in our local town, Blackheath. These exciting and fun events are hosted by our friends at Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre. Bookings are essential: use the QR code or call 02 47877770 for more info

See you there! 🐝🐝🐝🐝

🌼🐝 Free Kids Bee Workshop – Explore the World of Native Bees!
🗓 Saturday 16 August | 🕙 10am–11am | 📍Blackheath Gardens & Bates Hall

Buzz into Science Week with a playful and hands-on kids' workshop all about native bees!
Through songs, games, art and nature exploration, kids will discover how incredible our tiny pollinators really are.

🌿 Perfect for little nature lovers!
📞 Bookings: https://forms.office.com/r/76aHKyGsdB or call Hamish on 02 4787 7770