Designed for children 2-5 years old accompanied by a guardian. Join our experienced Early Years Outdoor Educator, at Joe's Market Garden in Coburg North, to discover our local, abundant ecology through child-led nature play!

Activities vary with the seasons, and what is relevant to the Merri Creek and CERES. We plant seeds, help farmer Emily with harvests, make art with natural objects, investigate local insects and the Merri Creek, climb trees and have a good time! Every week the children are rewarded with more confidence, resilience, creativity, and gratitude for the land and people we live with.

"Being outdoors in nature offers unplanned, unknown, unpredictable encounters; these are significant provocations for learning." (Adapted from Waters, 2012)

Dates

Every Tuesday 10 am - 12 pm,

Term 1: Tues, February 8 - Tues, March 29 2022

Cost

$220 for 8 weeks, Concession $200

For further questions please call (03) 9389 0144 or email studentprograms@ceres.org.au

Testimonials

"Really fantastic [day]- the kids are still raving about it! They learned so much in the happy, relaxed and fun atmosphere - created by their amazing teacher Lauren :)"

"Loved the experience. Very relaxed. Great to get the children outdoors exploring. Can't wait for the next one."

"We had a wonderful term, a great mix of unstructured and structured play! Lauren is a fantastic educator" - Claire (Term 4 2019)

What you will learn

Child-led nature-play and curiosity are at the heart of this program. Our thoughtfully designed learning experience will connect your children with nature, allow them to explore independently, discover the wonders of our natural world and participate in caring for our environment and people.

What you will get

Each week, your children will experience the wonders of the outdoors through semi-facilitated outdoor nature play experiences, examples include building bush cubbies, making art using natural objects, meeting insects & worms, netting for water bugs, planting seeds and harvesting veggies, walking along the Merri Creek plus more!

What to bring

Children should bring a hat, water bottle, and a snack. Consider bringing along a change of clothes as things may get messy!

**Please be aware that anyone aged 16 and over must check-in individually on the day and show CERES staff their vaccination status. We are extremely overjoyed to see you all back onsite, and adhering to these requirements put in place by the Victorian Government in order for our education programs to resume. We have a responsibility to ensure all our visitors, customers, staff, and volunteers are safe and comfortable.**

What to wear

Outdoor clothing that can get dirty, closed-toe shoes and a hat and dress for all weather conditions.

Appropriate for

Children age 2-5 years-old accompanied by an adult. Please bring along siblings under 2 years-old at your convenience with no extra charge.

Location
Enter Via Edna Grove main gate and follow the signs to Joe's Market Garden along the Merri Creek.