This session is for families with school aged children.

What is Family Friendly Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy is a contemporary practice that originated in Japan, where it is called Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to immersion in the atmosphere of the forest. This session had been adapted by Carolyn, a trained Forest Therapy guide and teacher with extensive experience working with families and children in the natural environment.

Research shows that adults and children benefit greatly from being in nature and tuning in with all of their senses. This is a great way for you and your child/ren to do a digital detox and some one-on-one-bonding.

This session will be held in Gresswell Forest, one of Metropolitan Melbourne's most intact grassy woodlands and home to many different species of plants and animals, including a mob of eastern grey kangaroos.

What will happen on the day?

During this session adults are encouraged to participate and be guided by their child/ren’s interest. You will be introduced to a series of hands on experiences designed to encourage curiosity and recognition of the amazing things in nature that often go unnoticed.

We will:

Tune our senses to the natural world
Get creative with natural found materials
Explore colours
Look closely at the world of tiny things
Have fun with a seek and find challenge
Walk along gravel paths and animal tracks
Sit a little
Enjoy a taste of lemon myrtle and native river mint tea

Designed for primary school age children. Younger siblings are welcome attend and to join in at their level with parental guidance.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and places are limited to a maximum of 8-10 family groups.

Join Carolyn and other families, on Wurundjeri land.

Details:
Time: Please arrive early so we can start at 10.00am.

Where: Gresswell Forest Nature Reserve, 233 Greenwood Drive, Bundoora, 3083. Meet near the BBQ shelter.
Parking: Limited off-street parking in car park.
Wear: Closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing for the outdoors that are suitable for the forecast weather conditions.

Please bring: In a daypack: water bottle, snacks (in case you get peckish), any medication, warm layers, sunhat, sunscreen & waterproof jacket. We will continue in light rain.

Odourless insect repellant and a sit mat will be available, but please bring your own if you prefer.

Optional picnic afterwards: Feel free to pack a picnic in the car or bring it with you on the walk to enjoy at the end of the session. We will finish inside the park at 12pm, a 5-10min walk from the carpark.

Please contact Carolyn if you have any questions.

Magnifying glass

Colour swatch and leaf

Leaves arranged by colour