Thankyou for booking Forest School! We look forward to connecting with you in the outdoors.

LOCATION

We meet on Wadawurrung Country and acknowledge the role First Nations Australians have played and continue to play in caring for country.

Born Wild Community Base Camp: 462-480 Wallington Road, Wallington. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vb4BU5...
Drive through the gate next to the vintage homewares store. This is only open at weekends so looks a little abandoned during the week. If coming from Geelong, the gate is on your left, before the Mona Cafe/Restaurant. If you are coming from Ocean Grove/Barwon Heads, the gate is on your right just after the Mona Cafe/Restaurant.

Follow the farm track past the old sheds/buildings. Turn right at the 'Parking' sign beside the giant log and pull up here. Park perpendicular to the log, then walk towards the gum trees to the left of the road/track that continues into the property and join us in our nature play. Please do not drive further into the property. Our site is leased from the property owner, and some areas are not accessible to us. Please ensure you check in with a facilitator before commencing play so we can record your attendance.

The dam area is currently off limits for our Born Wild Community participants. The mud and water is a hazard we cannot provide appropriate supervision for. We also discourage climbing of the pine trees. There are a number of dead branches which are prone to breakage and Born Wild Community staff are unable to appropriately manage this risk.

If you are running late and cannot see us, we may be navigating the wider property as a group. Please feel free to explore our Base Camp area, which is set up with a fire circle, large loose parts, ropes, and nature inspired activities, until we return.

WHAT TO WEAR

Lightweight, light-coloured long top and pants. These are the best protection from the living things we share our space with.
Closed-in shoes that you don't mind getting dirty and wet

WHAT TO PACK

One or two sets of spare clothes
Spare closed in shoes
Towel
Water
Food and Snacks (no nuts)
Insect Repellent
Sunscreen
Wet weather gear if rain is forecast
Something to sit on (we bring big rugs but you might want your own)
Sling/carrier for bubs
Decent sized back-pack - some locations aren't particularly pram friendly, so you may be best off throwing everything into a backpack instead.

PLEASE NOTE:

Running late happens with kids — it’s OK! You might miss the nature craft, activity instructions or welcome circle, and that’s fine. Take your time, drive safely, and rest assured your child will have a blast regardless.
Just because we're packing up doesn’t mean you need to. We’re not rushing you—we just need to pack away the mat and our larger items.
Many hands make light work. If you notice something to pack up, clean up, or a child needing help, please feel free to pitch in.
Share the love! As a small charitable social enterprise, your support means everything and can help us make our programs accessible to all - share photos, tell a friend, help us with grants and sponsorship and tag us!

We look forward to seeing you in the outdoors. If you get lost or can't make it, please email info@bornwildcommunity.org.au. Emails will be checked up to around 30 mins prior to the session beginning. As we are not staffed every day, non-urgent responses may take up to a week.

Waiver of Liability.

Thank you for joining Born Wild Community.

1. Express Voluntary Assumption of Risk

Participation in the activities at Born Wild Community carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of risk mitigation practices. The specific risks vary from one activity to another, and range from minor injuries such as scratches, bruises and sprains to major injuries including paralysis and death. I acknowledge the risks involved in the activities conducted at Born Wild Community. These risks or dangers may be caused by other participants, or by accidents, or by forces of nature or other causes. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to ensure that my child participates only in those activities for which he/she has the required skills.

2. Permission to receive first aid

I understand that participation in activities can expose the named participant to risk and possible injuries. I understand that there is a qualified First Aid attendant on site and hereby consent to receive medical treatment, including transportation to a doctor or hospital, which may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident and/or illness during this activity. I consent to paying for all associated costs and expenses with this medical treatment and/or transportation. I give permission for any personal prescription medication to be administered by Born Wild Community staff, when required.

3. Appropriate clothing

I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that my child is dressed appropriately for each activity including clothing, footwear and sun safe and weatherproof attire and acknowledge that I have been briefed on the recommended attire upon booking. I understand that it is my responsibility to provide adequate water, food, sunscreen and insect repellent for my child. I give permission for Born Wild Community to apply sunscreen and insect repellent, when necessary to protect the participating minor.

4. Inclement and dangerous weather

Our sessions occur outdoors therefore, the weather has the potential to impact participants’ safety. I recognise that Born Wild Community reserves the right to cancel/implement alternative activities in the event of inclement and undesirable weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

5. Responsibility for personal possessions

I understand that I have the sole responsibility for my and my child's personal possessions before, during and after the program.

6. Parental Supervision

Born Wild Community does not take responsibility for the supervision of your child during programs where parents are required to accompany the minor participating in the program. I acknowledge that I must supervise the activities of my child at all times during these programs.

7. Release of liability

I release, waive, and fully discharge Born Wild Community from any and all claims, demands, obligations and liabilities of any kind or nature whatsoever arising from or connected, directly or indirectly, with my participation in the outdoor activity program due to any cause whatsoever, including negligence, breach of contract, and breach of any statutory duty of other duty, and I accept that this release covers and includes, but is not limited to, all unknown and unforeseen claims, injuries, damages and losses, and any consequences thereof.

This release shall extend to and include Born Wild Community, and the event organiser, partners, property owner, managers, officers, agents, contractors, employees, volunteers including medical and paramedical personnel appointed for the activities, the owners, licensees, and occupiers of land on which the activities or any part of it are conducted or which is involved directly or indirectly with the activities in any manner whatsoever. This release and indemnity continues forever and binds my heirs, executors, personal representative and assigns.

I have read this waiver of liability, assumption of risk and indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms and I understand that by initialling and signing this document I hereby release Born Wild Community from any and all liability associated with the program myself and/or my child is attending.

Terms and Conditions

The following terms and conditions constitute the agreement between you and Born Wild Community Incorporation for the provision of programs and services. By enrolling in or attending any Born Wild Community program or service you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you are under 18, these Terms and Conditions must be agreed to by your parent or legal guardian.

By accepting this agreement on behalf of yourself and for any person under the age of 18 as the parent or guardian of that child, you:

Acknowledge that you have read and agree to comply with the following:

the Born Wild Community Waiver of Liability;

the Born Wild Community Care and Conflict Resolution Policy;

the Born Wild Community Code of Conduct;

the Born Wild Community Privacy Policy;

the Born Wild Community Cancellation and Pricing Policy, and;

the Born Wild Community Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Confirm that all information provided to Born Wild Community at the time of enrolment and attendance was accurate and complete and not misleading and that you included all information that may impact on yours or your child/children’s abilities to undertake activities.

Agree as a parent or guardian to supervise your child where Born Wild Community are not responsible for supervision. This includes, but is not limited to, when attending a parents stay program or for any child under the age of three attending any Born Wild Community program.

Agree to not endanger yourself or others in the area by acting without common sense or in a dangerous manner.

Agree to use equipment safely and with the supervision of a Born Wild Community session facilitator.

Agree to wear appropriate clothing and footwear at all times. Enclosed footwear is required when using tools and around fire.

Agree the care and responsibility of personal property is the responsibility of the owner.

Acknowledge and agree that Born Wild Community and their board members, officers, employees and agents reserves the right to refuse entry or remove people from the premises who do not obey rules and policies, lawful directions of staff, or who create a danger to others in the area.

Acknowledge and agree Born Wild Community and their board members, officers, employees and agents reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.

Acknowledge during Born Wild Community programs children and adults may have access to tools such as whittling knives, hand saws, bow saws, hammers, hand drills and fire, and agree to any specific safety protocol including but not limited to the wearing of safety glasses or gloves.

Acknowledge that during Born Wild Community programs children may participate in risky play activities including, but not limited to Tree Climbing, Water Play and Rope Play which includes building temporary rope structures.

Agree that whilst risky play activities carry an element of risk, the benefits outweigh the risks, and make an invaluable contribution to children’s wellbeing and development.

Acknowledge that participation in the activities at Born Wild Community carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. The specific risks vary from one activity to another, and range from minor injuries such as scratches, bruises and sprains to major injuries as well as paralysis and death.

Acknowledge and agree to follow and abide by The “Three Cares.” People who don’t abide by these will be asked to leave the program.

I will Care for Country (and the structures and resources in the space) where I can.
- leave little trace on the space (take rubbish home, place non-animal food waste in compost, dig in digging areas, leave items where they began the day)
- return animals and plants to where I found them
- limit how much time I hold the wildlife
- look after the living things I share the space with
- remember that Country belongs to me and I belong to Country. When I harm the things around me, I am harming myself, my friends and my family.
I will Care for Others (adults, children, any visiting animals) where I can.
- think about others when making decisions about what I do and how I act
- be kind and look out for those sharing the space with me
- show care for participants belongings, creations and projects
- repair if things go wrong
- participate in and/or ask for a Circle when things get challenging
- listen to safety instructions and stay within the boundaries established by the group leader
I will Care for Myself where I can.
- eat, drink when I need to
- stay warm (or cool)
- take breaks and rest
- ask for help and let my leader know if I feel unsafe in anyway
- wear safety PPE and clothing advised for each activity
- play games I am, comfortable with
- spend time with people I feel safe with
- keep risks within my boundaries to keep my body and mind safe

Wet Weather

Our sessions will go ahead rain or shine. If we have rain or showers predicted, we will have shelter set up so that we can seek refuge from the rain. We go by the philosophy that there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate preparation and clothing. Please check the weather forecast and pack wet weather gear and additional spare clothes if appropriate. We will cancel sessions if there is a significant storm, consistent winds higher than 40km/h, forecast above 35 Degrees Celsius during the session time or Code Red Fire Danger. In this instance you will be credited for another session.

If you decide not to attend due to weather conditions, we do not offer a refund. You are welcome to attend a catch up session during the term or subsequent school holidays. Any drop-off catch up sessions are subject to availability due to adult:child ratios. Please check your emails on the morning of the session to ensure you don’t miss any important notices regarding weather or cancellations.

Contagious Illness/Cancellation Policy

If you, your child or a member of your household is unwell, for the safety of our community, please stay at home and notify us via info@bornwildcommunity.org.au. We will offer credit to another session to be used within the term or subsequent school holidays - subject to availability. If your child arrives at a Born Wild Community session showing signs of illness (fever, sore tummy, snotty nose or cough) we will contact you to come and pick them up. Because our fees, cost and staffing are based on particular ratios, we unfortunately cannot offer refunds if your child is absent due to illness but we are happy to credit your session.

Using Tools and Fire Safety

During our sessions, children (and adults) may have access to tools like whittling knives, hand saws, bow saws, hammers, hand drills and fire tools. Each tool has specific safety protocol and often safety glasses or gloves must be worn. Children will be reminded to follow our safety rules in order to participate. Enclosed shoes are essential to participate in these activities.

Staff Ratios

Due to our ratios we will have volunteers assisting our Facilitators with our sessions. All Lead Facilitators are registered teachers, outdoor recreation facilitators, environmental educators or childcare educators. We will have a minimum of one staff member rostered on each session who is qualified in First Aid.

Photography and media

Born Wild Community takes photos and videos during most sessions. These images will be used by Born Wild Community to share news about the session, and to publicise future events. Images may be used in press releases, printed publicity and published on the Born Wild Community website and social media sites. Identifying features will all always blurred for social media sites. Images will be stored securely, and will be deleted after they are no longer needed for publicity purposes. They will never be sold or used by third parties. We will not take a photograph of your child if they do not consent. Your child may be in group photos without identifying features - such as heads turned away. If you would prefer for you or your child not to be photographed, please speak to one of our staff members. If you would like us to delete images of your child that have been published, please contact us and we will rectify this immediately.

These terms and conditions, together with our Code of Conduct and policies, shall constitute the entire agreement between you and Born Wild Community in relation to the provision of our services and shall supersede all previous agreements between you and Born Wild Community, communications and proposals, whether oral or written, including, but not limited to, any prior versions of the terms and conditions.

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Born Wild Community may revise these terms and conditions from time to time.

Contact the host of Term 4 Nature Academy (Forest School)