Firekeepers

Creating Connection to Place- Nature Art
2018-04-05 20:00 - 23:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Darebin Parklands
Join artist, teacher and nature connection mentor Claire Mosley for an exploration of ephemeral art in nature these holidays.
Come explore the Darebin Parklands through the creative eyes this Nature Play Week.
See the bush differently, create some artwork, explore patterns in nature, learn some new games, meet some new friends and have a lot of fun out in our urban bush.
This drop and leave program is for 6-12 year olds. Kids need to bring a backpack with water, snacks, raincoat and a picnic lunch for the end.
Special Nature Play Week session on Wednesday 4th April, 10am – 1pm 🙂 Bookings essential. www.trybooking.com/URSM
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.

Nature Connection in the Parklands
2018-04-04 20:00 - 23:00 | Darebin Parklands
It’s Nature Play Week! You are invited to explore Darebin Parklands to deepen your nature connection and natural curiosity with us these school holidays.
Join nature connection mentors, Claire Dunn and Steph Brophy to explore, wander along the creek, climb the bluestone, taste some bush foods, listen for the language of birds, practice the art of camouflage and sneaking skills 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 4-11 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.
Special Nature Play Week session on Wednesday 4th April, 10am – 1pm 🙂 Bookings essential. www.trybooking.com/URSJ
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.

Rewild Fridays
2018-03-02 20:00 - 2018-05-26 01:00 | Melbourne- Northern Suburban Parklands, Melbourne, Australia
An Urban Dive into Deep Nature Connection Practices
The old ways are new again for the many now seeking to (re)learn the skills, practices and mindsets of our ancestors – everything from our food to footwear.
It’s a movement that’s become known as ‘rewilding’; a return to a wilder or more natural, instinctive way of being. In contrast to the ‘back to the land’ movement of the 70’s, rewilding is as much urban as it is rural – wildness rather than wilderness.
Learning daily practices to ground ourselves in the rhythms of nature, and acquainting ourselves with the plants, animals, and elements of our bioregion, we can begin to cultivate deep connection with earth wisdom, ourselves and each other.
Are you ready to create time for deep connection in your life?
Rewild Fridays is an ongoing program dedicated to exploring deep nature connection practices, nature play and traditional earth skills within a small group.
Together we will explore and experiment with practices and activities that will serve to embed us further into the land we live, the more-than-human-world, and each other. The goal here is connection – to self, earth and community – which is our birthright and the doorway to a life of vision and joy.
What do we mean by Deep Nature Connection Practices?
Spending time outdoors does not necessarily cultivate a deep connection to nature. Pioneers in the field drawing on anthropological study of indigenous cultures, science, and a long hard look at the effectiveness of environmental education have found that there are core practices that quickly create strong bonds of connection between humans and nature.
Simple and repeatable practices such as tracking, bird language, sensory awareness and attuned mentorship are some of the most effective and ancient techniques that exist to enable profound connection with nature, with ourselves, and with each other. By understanding our relationships with the animals, plants, weather and wind, and various aspects of the natural environment around us, we re-pattern our brain and nervous system to activate what are known as ‘the attributes of connection’ – happiness, vitality, the ability to listen deeply, increase empathy, helpfulness, true aliveness and gratitude for life, compassion, forgiveness and the quiet mind.
What might we get up to?
Here are some of the activities we may explore. Repeated over many weeks, these practices strengthen the threads of connection until they become strong ropes of relationship.

Sit spots
Tracking
Bird Language
Mapping/Navigation
Indigenous Knowledge
Natural Movement & Awareness
The Art of Wandering
Nature Games and Play
Nature Literacy and Ecology
Wild Edibles and Medicinals
Fire-by-Friction
Natural cordage and rope
Shelter Building
Eco-Dye
Hide Tanning
Basket weaving
Hide Tanning
Ceremony
Community Building
Campfire cooking

The Facilitators
Melissa Turnbull and Claire Dunn are both passionate about nature connection and have been studying for many years with experts in the field such as Jon Young from the 8 Shields Institute. The main facilitators of the program, Mel and Claire will also invite various experts in the field such as naturalists, ecologists and skills experts to guide. Indigenous involvement is also something that will be sought (see more below).
The Details
Rewild Fridays is a regular dedicated program of study and nature adventure held on Fridays between 9.30am – 3pm in parkland settings within Melbourne’s inner north. It is envisaged that every fourth or so Friday we will adventure to a location within 1 hour of Melbourne for an immersion in a wilder landscape or during particular foraging seasons such as mushrooming in autumn.
Since this is a pilot program, we will offer the opportunity for people to ‘drop in’ for Fridays (bookings still essential), but the greater invitation is for a committed group to gather and learn together regularly.
Why is this not on a weekend?
Rather than an extra-curricular activity, we would like this to be considered a commitment akin to any other program of study. And besides, we like family/play time on weekends.
How much will this cost?
We are offering a four class pass, (to be used within the first 6 Fridays of the program) as well as a drop in option.
A Four class pass is $300 Full Price or $250 Low Income
Drop in class is $85 Full Price or $70 Low Income
To book, head here
Participation is to be confirmed one week before.
Why is this so cheap?
We realise that most day long programs are substantially more expensive. As this is a pilot program, we are offering the first half of the year classes at a discounted rate.
Dates
The initial four class pass can be used for the following dates: March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, (break for Easter), April 6, (break for Wild by Nature Village Camp), April 20.
The intention is to then continue with the following dates until a winter break in June: April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25
We acknowledge that we will meet and learn on Wurrundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country. We acknowledge the the Kulin Nations as the First Peoples of this land. We thank them for caring for the land and the waterways and value the sharing of their knowledge and stories. We pay respects to their Elders: past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
For more information and booking enquires email: claire.mosley2@gmail.com

Rewilding at the SLF Big Weekend
2018-02-09 23:00 - 2018-02-12 04:00 | Birrarrung Marr, Melbourne
The Sustainable Living Festival Big Weekend now has a Rewilding, Traditional Skills and Nature Connection space!
Come on down and check out some of the offerings:
We will have demonstrations workshops and talks going on all throughout the weekend.
– Learn how to start fire by friction
– Check out our mini-shelter
– Learn about the art of traditional tanning
– Get some natural mud makeup on
– Learn about traditional stone tools and fibres
– Urban Rewilding
– Nature Awareness Practices & Games
– Story telling for connection to place
– Checkout some nature curiosities on our nature table
– Nature Art- Mandala making
– Joyality and Nature Connection
– Bringing back Initiation and Rites of Passage
– Traditional Longbow Making
– Make Natural Rope
– Spoon Carving
Come on down and join in the fun!
We acknowledge that during the Sustainable Living Festival we meet play and learn on Wurrundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country. We acknowledge the the Kulin Nations as the First Peoples of this land. We thank them for caring for the land and the waterways and value the sharing of their knowledge and stories. We pay respects to their Elders: past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
Hope to see you there! Mel, Claire and Josh
Facebook event here

Currawong Kids- Term 1 2018
2018-02-01 21:00 - 2018-03-30 00:00 | Darebin Parklands
Weekly nature connection workshops for home educators: Thursdays 1st February – 29th March (9 weeks).
Are you a wild one?
Come and share your natural curiosity with us next term.
Wander through the trees, learn new games, practice your sneaking skills to get a closer look at animals, learn how to create and use fire, listen for the language of the birds, follow tracks, learn where to find food, paint with ochre and discover more about the plants, birds and creatures that share the city with us.
Aimed at 5 – 11 year olds, Currawong Kids is a nature club run for full and part time home edders. This child-led program is punctuated with fun games and activities and allows each participant to follow their curiosity and deepen their knowledge, awareness and connection to themselves and the world around them.
We run an all weather program. Bring a backpack with water, rain jacket, hat, lots of snacks and a picnic lunch for the end. Parent participation is optional, and while younger siblings may also attend for free, they will be the responsibility of their parents/guardians and the activities will be aimed at the older kids.
Tickets available from www.trybooking.com/TODI
10% Concession discount available – type “conc” at checkout 🙂
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.

Wild by Nature Village Camp Summer 2018
2018-01-23 - 2018-01-28 | Gembrook, Gembrook, Australia
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 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.
Some feedbck from our last camp in spring:
“We left with a deep sense of belonging and community. A connection with earth, ourselves, each other”
“A most amazing, life altering experience for young and old”
“From 2 kids saying ‘Do we have to go’ to ‘When is it happening again?- I don’t want to leave!”
“We had a ball- learned heaps and would recommend to any family”
“Great way to get the whole family into the bush. Age is no barrier- Just prepare for fun!”
So…
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, 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 practice 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.
*All of our mentors have Working With Children Checks and qualified First Aiders will be on hand should the need arise.
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 and young people (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.
For more info check out:
Our Facebook event
For bookings head to : www.trybooking.com/SWSD
Earlybird tickets available until Wednesday 20th December, after that all tickets will increase by $50
These prices include camping accommodation, dinner each night and materials for workshops

Summer Wild Ones 2018
2018-01-11 21:00 - 2018-01-17 00:00 | Darebin Parklands
You are invited to explore Darebin parklands and share your natural curiosity with us these school holidays.
Wander through the trees, learn some new games, practice your sneaking skills to get a closer look at animals, listen for the language of the birds, follow tracks, discover more about the plants, birds and creatures that share the city with us.
These family friendly nature connection sessions are aimed at 4-11 year olds. Parent participation is optional. While younger siblings may attend at no cost with their parents/guardians. Bring a backpack with water, snacks, raincoat and a picnic lunch for the end.
Sessions on Thursday 11th and Tuesday 16th January, 10am – 1pm. Come for one day or both 🙂 Bookings essential. www.trybooking.com/TDXS
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.

Currawong Kids - Term 4
2017-10-12 21:00 - 2017-10-13 00:00 | Darebin Parklands
** Early bird discount until Friday 22nd September**
Weekly nature connection workshops for home educators: Thursdays 12th October – 14th December (10 weeks).
Are you a wild one?
Come and share your natural curiosity with us next term.
Wander through the trees, learn new games, practice your sneaking skills to get a closer look at animals, learn how to create and use fire, listen for the language of the birds, follow tracks, learn where to find food, paint with ochre and discover more about the plants, birds and creatures that share the city with us.
Aimed at 5 – 11 year olds, Currawong Kids is a nature club run for full and part time home edders. This child-led program is punctuated with fun games and activities and allows each participant to follow their curiosity and deepen their knowledge, awareness and connection to themselves and the world around them.
We run an all weather program. Bring a backpack with water, rain jacket, hat, lots of snacks and a picnic lunch for the end. Parent participation is optional, and while younger siblings may also attend for free, they will be the responsibility of their parents/guardians and the activities will be aimed at the older kids.
Tickets available from www.trybooking.com/RWAK
10% Concession discount available – type “conc” at checkout 🙂
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.

Wild By Nature Village Camp Spring 2017
2017-10-04 - 2017-10-09 | Riddles Creek
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
Grab tickets now!
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.
mel@firekeepers.com.au
claire@naturesapprentice.com.au

Currawong Kids Term 3 begins
2017-07-20 20:00 - 23:00 | Darebin Parklands
Weekly nature connection workshops for home educators: Thursdays 20th July – 14th September (9 weeks).
Are you a wild one?
Come and share your natural curiosity with us next term.
Wander through the trees, learn new games, practice your sneaking skills to get a closer look at animals, learn how to create and use fire, listen for the language of the birds, follow tracks, learn where to find food, paint with ochre and discover more about the plants, birds and creatures that share the city with us.
Aimed at 5 – 11 year olds, Currawong Kids is a nature club run for full and part time home edders. This child-led program is punctuated with fun games and activities and allows each participant to follow their curiosity and deepen their knowledge, awareness and connection to themselves and the world around them.
We run an all weather program. Bring a backpack with water, rain jacket, hat, lots of snacks and a picnic lunch for the end. Parent participation is optional, and while younger siblings may also attend for free, they will be the responsibility of their parents/guardians and the activities will be aimed at the older kids.
1 child $270 ($240 earlybird)
2 siblings $450 ($400 earlybird)
3+ siblings $540 ($480 earlybird)
Payment plans and concessions available
Tickets available from www.trybooking.com/QKEO
10% Concession discount available – type “conc” at checkout 🙂
** Early bird discount until Thurs 30th June**

Winter WIldlings
2017-07-07 20:00 - 2017-07-14 23:00 | Darebin Parklands
You are invited to explore Darebin parklands and share your natural curiosity with us these school holidays.
Wander through the trees, learn some new games, practice your sneaking skills to get a closer look at animals, listen for the language of the birds, follow tracks, discover more about the plants, birds and creatures that share the city with us.
These family friendly nature connection sessions are aimed at 4-11 year olds. While younger siblings may attend at no cost, they will be the responsibility of their parents/guardians. Other parent participation is optional. Bring a backpack with water, snacks, raincoat and a picnic lunch for the end.
Sessions on Fri 7th, Mon 10th and Fri 14th July, 10am – 1pm. Come for one day or all three 🙂 Bookings essential. www.trybooking.com/QKFQ
1 child $40
2 siblings $75
3+ siblings $90
Concessions available (15%)

International Mud Day Celebration
2017-06-29 20:30 - 23:00 | Darebin Parklands
“Mud. It seems like a nuisance, doesn’t it? As soon as it rains, mud is everywhere, and it literally gets all over everything. There are definitely no benefits this slippery, sticky dirty substance could offer, right? Wrong. And the creators of International Mud Day are out to prove it! After all, mud is quintessential to the outdoors, and the outdoors mean fresh air and exercise, two of the best things for people. And so what if we get a little dirty? Plenty of research has shown that coming into contact with a certain amount of bacteria is good for us, as it helps build up immunity, as opposed to living in a virtually sterile environment, which makes our bodies very vulnerable. Not to mention how many minerals mud can—there’s a reason why people pay hundreds of dollars for mud masks and baths at spas. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get dirty!”
This international Mud Day, come and squelch with us. We will be creating clay-based mud play and lots of muddy slippery fun!
$20 per family. Booking essential: www.trybooking.com/QKGL
Wear bathers and old clothes, Bring towels, bag and a change of clothes, a thermos of hot chocolate and a desire to have a lot of muddy muddy fun!!!
*Clay will be brought in for this event- and we need to be mindful of where we are. We won’t be digging up and creating mud pits from the parklands. We will take care to respect other users of the parklands and keep the bathrooms tidy, so most cleaning off will have to happen at home*

Earth Journey for Young Women
2017-05-14 - 2017-05-15
A six month rite-of-passage for 11-14 year-olds.
In traditional human cultures, a rite-of-passage marks the stepping out of childhood towards adulthood with increased responsibilities, freedoms and finding one’s place in the wider world.
In recent generations in the West, this understanding, and the acccompanying practices that support the healthy development of an adolscent have been largely lost.
Almost without fail, this passage has involved connection to the wider community of nature, plants and animals.
In 2017, Rites of Spring are offering the first Earth Journey for Young Women, aimed at fostering connection to earth, community, and developing the individual’s understanding of their own unique gifts and skills to bring to the world.
This journey of discovery, challenge and adventure will include:
– Fire making without matches
– Basket weaving and other wildcrafts
– Nature connection and awareness games
– Sacred ceremony
– Myths, stories and songs
– Women’s mysteries
– Camp out and solo ‘quest’
The six workshops will culminate in a weekend camp out where participants can put to use their newfound skill and sense of adventure in a solo ‘quest’ overnight. Throughout the journey participants will be surrounded by a supportive group of women mentors and a budding friendship circle.
Dates
Sundays – May 14, June 18, July 30, Sept 10
Weekends – Oct 14-15; Nov 10-12, Dec 1
Cost
$600 early bird price
Lunches included
Inclusivity
We welcome all young women of diverse identities and backgrounds.
