Family-Friendly Nature Immersion

Event description

These school holidays, why not try a family-friendly nature immersion in Braeside Park. Activities exploring and being with nature are designed for adults and children of all ages to awaken senses, ignite curiosity and be more mindful.

What happens during our session?

Over two hours, we will spend time engaging senses and igniting curiosity, including a nature treasure/scavenger hunt and creating nature-inspired art. We also spend some time sitting on the ground (mat provided) and the session includes light refreshments (allergies to be advised).

We walk on various, uneven surfaces and spend some time sitting on the ground. Usually, we will be in the shade, but occasionally we may walk or sit in an open space. Sessions do continue in light rain, so please bring appropriate clothing and footwear to enjoy the magic of nature changing as the rain drops arrive. Phones and cameras are turned off and put away.

Who is this session for?

This session is for families - adults and children of all ages. Activities are mainly for 5 year olds plus, with younger children more than welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration. Sessions are for those who want to get away from screens, spend some time in a beautiful natural setting and explore the different elements of nature around us in different ways.

These are small group sessions, with a maximum of 8 children. During the session, children will be encouraged to take the lead in activities, with their adult’s support if needed. While participants may learn new information, this is predominantly a sensory and creative activity, rather than a formal science and education activity.

What are the benefits of Nature Immersions?

Both children and adults can experience benefits of spending time in nature. You may have already felt some benefits like feeling more relaxed, calmer or happier. Or noticed some differences in children’s behaviour during and after time in nature. Benefits are well-established in the international, scientific literature.

Benefits for adults include

• reducing stress hormone (cortisol) levels
• reducing blood pressure, pulse and heart rate
• improving immunity
• improving mood and emotions such as feeling happy or calm
• improved attention, working memory, mental flexibility, creativity
• reducing feelings of stress, worries and sadness.

Benefits for children include

• physical development like strength and flexibility
• improved capacity to pay attention and problem solving
• activating imagination and more creative types of play
• sharing and interacting with others

What to wear and bring

• Wear comfortable clothing, appropriate for the weather and for being outdoors in nature. We walk slowly so an extra layer to stay warm may be needed. Layers, sunhats, maybe a rainproof outer layer, as we continue in light rain.
  
• Participants should be able to walk at a slow pace over various terrain and sit on the ground for short periods. We recommend wearing closed, sturdy shoes.
• Carry a small day pack and bring water, snacks and personal medications. Also carry a clean face mask and hand sanitiser, just in case they are needed.
• Bring your curiosity, open mind and heart.

About your guide

Dr Kathleen Bagot is the founder of Nothing Like Nature. With a PhD in Environmental Psychology, Kathleen understands how our environments affect the way we think, feel and behave. She specialises in the benefits of time in nature, for adults and children. Kathleen is also a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (trained with the Institute of Forest Therapy, certified by the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance; INFTA) and a Parks Victoria Licenced Tour Operator. She can guide you on a forest therapy walk or nature immersion, where you will experience the benefits of spending time in nature mindfully.

Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Exact meeting point will be provided shortly after booking.

For our full Terms and Conditions, or for more details, see our Useful Information and FAQs on our website or get in touch with Kathleen (email - nothinglikenature@pm.me)