You are invited to explore Darebin Parklands to deepen your nature connection and natural curiosity with us these school holidays.
Join nature connection mentors, Melissa Turnbull, Claire Dunn and Steph Brophy. Together we will explore, wander along the creek, climb the bluestone, taste some bush foods, listen for the language of birds, practice the art of camouflage, sneak to get a closer look at animals, follow tracks, to discover more about the plants, birds and creatures that share the city with us.

Our family friendly nature connection sessions are aimed at 4-12 year olds. Parent participation is optional. While younger siblings may attend at no cost, they will need to be supervised by their parents/guardians. Kids need to bring a backpack with water, snacks, raincoat and a picnic lunch for the end.

We will run 2 sessions in the second week of these holidays 3rd and 4th of October, 10am – 1pm 🙂 Bookings essential. www.trybooking.com/YDHW

Through our nature clubs, workshops and family camps we provide opportunities for people to connect to each other, the natural world and a like-minded community. Children are nurtured to develop their enquiring minds and deepen their wonder and respect for the natural world.

A bit more about your facilitators:

Claire Dunn is a writer, educator, and barefoot explorer. Claire worked for many years as an environmental campaigner with organisations such as The Wilderness Society, before turning her attention to the human-nature connection. In 2010, Claire embarked on a year of bush living. My Year Without Matches: Escaping the the City in Search of the Wild is a memoir of that journey. Claire facilitates nature-based reconnection retreats and contemporary wilderness rites of passage.

Steph Brophy is inspired by the magic of people and nature. After working, living and learning abroad for several years, she returned to Melbourne to rediscover the land she grew up on. Steph has long loved camping and bushwalking and has found joy in deepening her connection to nature, community and herself through earth-based skills and awareness. Steph has experience teaching and working with children both in classrooms and in wild nature, and loves to help nurture their inner curiosity and wildness. She is currently finding inspiration through her studies of the Steiner teaching philosophy.

Mel Turnbull grew up on Boon Wurrung and Wurrundjeri country, in a place otherwise known as Melbourne. Growing up with plenty of siblings and regularly camping and exploring the outdoors with other families, Mel feels comfortable among a tribe. Mel is a former nurse and has been working with kids for over 20 years and mentoring people in nature connection since working at Wollangarra Outdoor Education Centre in 2010. Mel travelled within Australia New Zealand and the US looking for community and connection, building skills and networks along the way. Now based in suburban Melbourne, Mel loves sharing these skills and creating opportunities for connection here.