Term 4 Nature Academy (Forest School)

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

Born Wild Academy (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 intentional child-led learning in nature, where the environment, relationships, and curiosity guide the experience.

TERM DATES: 

12/10/2026 - 16/12/2026 (10 week term)

TIME (multiple options): 

Mon ALL DAY 10:00-3:00pm (includes small group Literacy and Numeracy times taught by a VIT registered teacher)

Mon AM 10:00-1:00pm

Mon PM 12:00-3:00pm

Tues ALL DAY 10:00-3:00pm (includes a Forest Skills workshop taught by an experienced teacher and ecologist)

Tues AM 10:00-1:00pm

Tues PM 12:00-3:00pm

Weds ALL DAY 10:00-3:00pm (includes a nature inspired challenge/mission)

Weds AM 10:00-1:00pm

WedsPM 12:00-3:00pm

COST: (inclusive of all card and booking fees)

Supported Drop-off

ALL DAY $75.50 per session

AM 3 hours $46.50 per session (Educator-guided exploration in nature)

PM 3 hours $36.50 per session (Child-led exploration guided by a qualified educator)

Born Wild Academy currently runs 10am-3pm each day. To get the most out of this program we recommend you attend 2-3 days of the week where you can. This enables children to build a connection with each other and learning experiences to be tailored to their needs, Single day attendance is also welcomed. As always, get in touch for alternative payment options, plans etc.

Please send an email if you are looking for Forest School as a parents stay option. We always welcome families and will adjust rates to reflect having an additional adult on site.

If you are looking for a casual option, please select our CASUAL Stay and Play Program

https://events.humanitix.com/term-3-casual-stay-and-play-sessions

Occasionally we offer CASUAL drop off tickets. Please check our booking page in the days prior.

A Little More About our Program

Life skills at the heart of Born Wild Academy

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 explicitly taught in small burst on Mondays, as well as embedded daily through real-world problem solving, storytelling, measurement, building, tracking, and inquiry—driven by each child’s interests.

Drop-off

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

Families may choose:

• Drop-off participation (independent children)

• To remain as transition support for children new to Born Wild Academy

Siblings under 4 may attend free with a supervising adult. Younger children under 7 can attend our Bush Kinder program, which also offers a parent-stay option and runs concurrently to Born Wild Academy. 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

Born Wild Academy 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

Attendance and 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.

Cancellations and refunds

We are unable to offer refunds for change of mind or partial-term withdrawal. If a place is vacated, it may be offered to families on the waitlist. If successfully re-filled, a refund may be issued at our discretion, but this is not guaranteed.