- This event has passed.
Wild By Nature Village Camp Spring 2017
04/10/2017 - 09/10/2017
See feature article in Weekend Notes!
Are you ready to rediscover your inner wild? Do you want to immerse your family in the wonder and wisdom of nature while learning earth based skills? Do you want your kids to develop a deeper appreciation for living close to nature?
Join us this October as we gather together to weave our very own village. Bring along your friends, kids, parents and grandparents to co-create a magical experience of connection, fun, traditional living skills and slowing down in a beautiful bush camp.
Sounds great!- Where do I sign up?
Who is this for?
Everyone! This is a family friendly, drug and alcohol free event, with the program open to all. A true village embraces all ages and faces, and we welcome diversity.
How does it work?
You arrive with your tent and camping gear to a warm bush welcome. For five days we will explore the natural world around us, create fire without matches, make baskets and other earth crafts, play games, share stories around the campfire, laugh and sing, and take a much needed breath of fresh air.
Each morning, kids, youth and adults will embark on their own adventures, each group exploring, playing in and learning from the natural world. While the kids (aged 4+) venture out into the bush with experienced nature connection mentors, the adults stay closer around camp to learn earth-based skills and practise nature observation and awareness. Younger children (up to 3 years old) will stay with their parents/carers, with an optional ‘roo and joey’ program for them to participate in too. Alternatively, the young kids can stay with their adults while they participate in the adult program.
Around lunchtime, the kids will return from their adventures and rejoin their families for lunch and a free flowing afternoon. There will be time for village members to play with new friends, practice their new skills, share their talents or just chill out. Some might wish to head off for a wander or take some quiet time to rest and relax.
What about food?
Each family or person will bring their own breakfast, lunch and snacks. There will be some space for campfire cooking, but it would be a good idea to bring your own camp cooking equipment.
Wholesome dinners* will be cooked on and shared around the campfire in the evenings, a space to share stories from our day full of adventures, sing songs and relax in the atmosphere of the tribe. After the evening program we will head to our swags for a restful sleep to prepare for a new day of fun and adventure!
*We are able to cater for omnivorous, vegetarian/vegan, gluten free and dairy free dietary requirements if notified on booking. If this isn’t you, you will need to bring extra food to supplement.
Morning programs
For the kids:
Each morning with the camp mentors, children (aged 4+) will venture into the bush to experience a free flowing exploration of the surrounding bush. The mentors will guide the children’s play in a safe way and enable each child to connect with the natural world around them. We aim to create a safe space in which the children can listen to their own creativity. We will play games, immerse in story and song, wonder at the nature that surrounds us, find animal tracks, and learn wild skills such as fire, shelter and craft. Through this play and exploration, the kids will drop into a new awareness of the wild world around them, connecting more deeply with the plants, the earth, the animals, and with each other.
For the adults:
While the kids adventure out into the wilds, the adults will be invited on their own journey of learning and discovery. We will explore earth-based skills and crafts such as fire-by-friction, string making, coal burnt spoon crafting and basket weaving. We will also explore the Core Routines of Nature Connection through skills of observation and awareness, bird language and natural movement. The archetypal ‘wild child’ will come alive through games, nature play and connective activities. There will also be time to share and listen in circle.
Participation in all activities is optional – we encourage individuals to listen to their own needs and follow their own curiosities. We invite the village to come together under the principles of sovereignty, synergy and sacredness. Child friendly, drug and alcohol free environment. Pets will need to stay at home.
Location and details
Wild by Nature village camp is to be located at Rowallan Scout Camp in Riddles Creek, about an hour north of Melbourne.
On Wednesday 4 October, arrival day, we will gather together in the afternoon and settle in. That night, we will share our first meal and prepare for Thursday’s activities. Campers will arrive and set up between 1-3pm. We will gather together for a welcome around 4pm and share dinner at 6pm.
From Thursday through Sunday, our days will follow the schedule outlined above.
On the afternoon of Sunday 8 October, it will be time to go our separate ways, each taking back with us our own wild nature and a beautiful memory of village connectedness. Departure time will be 2pm
Ideally village members will stay for the whole camp, relaxing deeper each day into the village rhythm. However, for this camp, there are a limited number of Wednesday to Friday and Weekend only tickets available. Wednesday to Friday villagers will arrive Wednesday with the village and leave Friday afternoon. Weekend village members will be invited to arrive Friday afternoon or evening, sharing their first meal with us Friday night, and will depart Sunday afternoon with the village.
Facilities
The scout camp provides toilets and hot showers. There are limited cooking facilities and campfire cooking, but villagers will need to bring their own camp cooking equipment. Cars will be parked nearby and some campsites will be available for car campings.
Cost
For the full camp (Wednesday to Sunday) – Early bird prices until 20 August
Adults (childfree) – early bird $300, full price $350
Parents and carers of participating children – early bird $200, full price $250
Children aged 4-16
For 1 child – early bird $250, full price $300
2 siblings – early bird $400, full price $450
3+ siblings- early bird $500, full price $550
Younger children 1-3 $50
These prices include camping accommodation, dinner each night and materials for workshops.
Part camp tickets (Wednesday to Friday and Weekend only)
Adults (childfree) – early bird $200, full price $250
Parents and carers of participating children – early bird $120, full price $170
Children aged 4-16
For 1 child – early bird $150, full price $200.
2 siblings – early bird $250, full price $300
3+ siblings- early bird $300, full price $350
Younger children 1-3 $50
We look forward to sharing the experience with you.
Take me to the ticketing website!
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your booking 15 or more days before the camp starting date; you are entitled to a full refund, minus a $50 booking fee.
If you choose to cancel your booking 3 -14 days prior to camp, we can refund 50% of your ticket price.
Cancellations within a 48 hour period prior to the event start time cannot be refunded.
Bookings can be transferred to another name anytime before the camp starts, as long as organisers are informed.
If any program is cancelled due to low enrollment, tickets will be fully refundable or transferable.
Please contact Camp Coordinators Melissa Turnbull or Claire Dunn with any questions or enquiries.