GROWING WITH NATURE - TERM 1, 2026

Growing with Nature is a play-based, experiential program that invites young children into a world of wonder, resilience, and deep connection to the earth.

Set in the natural landscapes of Noosa Botanic Gardens, this fully outdoor program blends nature immersion with early childhood rhythms and developmentally appropriate learning. For babies and toddlers, mornings are filled with gentle sensory play, stories, and movement in a calm and nurturing environment. Children aged 3+ venture deeper, discovering native flora and wildlife, learning about medicinal plants, joining in seasonal art projects, awareness games, and bushcraft skills.

Our programs are facilitated by a fully qualified and experienced forest school leader with certifications in Therapeutic nature play and Restorative storytelling. Parents remain on site and are responsible for their children at all times.

How we learn and play in nature

Nature pedagogy: Children discover shapes in branches, hear stories of the land, and learn about plants and animals through touch, observation, and play. Literacy is developed through oral storytelling, rhythm and repetition. Our curriculum is grounded in seasonal change, leaving ample space for child-led exploration.

All-weather play: Children quickly learn self-care, responsibility, and confidence in their ability to adapt to. With the right gear and attitude, we can play and explore in most weather conditions.

Yarning circle: Songs, movement, and stories aligned with the rotation of the seasons and inspired by Indigenous wisdom.

Place-based learning: Our mornings together include play time at our base camp, and time to explore and wander through the gardens. This allows children to deeply connect to different spaces and explore at a slow, unhurried pace, creating a sense of place and rhythm.

Nature crafts & seasonal celebrations: Nature can be both canvas and teacher. We allow our creativity to run wild, all the while treading lightly and leaving no trace, with natural resources that are gentle to little hands and to the earth.

Practical life skills: Packing gear, loading wagons, caring for our outdoor space, preparing herbal infusions and chopping fresh fruit for morning tea - children are involved and often take on these tasks independently.

Social-emotional growth: Nature teaches us about empathy, compassion and trust. Adults model caring for our outdoor spaces, creatures big and small and for one another, and children are gently invited and reminded to do the same.

DATES

Term 1, 2026: 28 January – 1 April 2026 (10 weeks)

Wednesdays, 10am – 12pm

INVESTMENT

Children 0–2.5 yrs: $25 per casual session | $220 term (10 weeks)

Children 3 and over: $30 per casual session | $270 term (10 weeks)

Siblings over 1 year: $15 per casual session  | $130 term (10 weeks)

Please note: To keep our fees as low as possible for families, we encourage payment by direct bank transfer or cash. Credit card and PayPal payments are possible, but will attract a small processing fee. Once your registration is completed, you will receive an invoice and you can proceed with the payment method of your choice.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Our sessions run rain, hail or shine! Please bring weather-appropriate clothing. Programs will only be cancelled in extreme conditions (torrential rain, storms, high heat, strong winds) or if we don't meet a minimum requirements of attendees.

In the unlikely event we need cancel, you will receive a credit toward a future booking.