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Bush School

Want to get your kids off the screens – and out into nature? Join our Bush School program! 

These days, children spend more time than ever inside, especially on their devices.  

Bush School at Centennial Park will get your kids moving, creating, and thinking in a stimulating outdoor environment every week, giving them a chance to explore, discover and learn at their own pace.

This unique Nature Play program tailored for children aged 2.5 - 5 years is led by our expert Education Rangers, who bring urban children and their parents back to nature in the heart of Centennial Park.

The program is designed to inspire a love for the natural world in children through outdoor games, bushcraft activities and storytelling. 

After just a few sessions, your child will have gained all the benefits of Nature Connection and Nature Play by developing their creativity, confidence, attention, and sense of responsibility in the great outdoors!

Don't believe us? Check out our latest Bush School review on ellaslist here.

What's happening at Bush School this season?

During Spring, Bush School children will engage with the following activities:

  • Navigate the park like a wiild animal: Join us on a forest journey and discover if you can find your way across the land just like the wild creatures!

  • Explore nature's palette: Hunt for a spectrum of colors in the great outdoors. Collect flowers and berries to craft your own nature-inspired jewelry.

  • Dye and design: Transform colorful plants into natural dyes. Bring your fabric and create cool, vibrant clothes and accessories to show off your unique style!

  • Discover tree spirits: Venture into the forest and seek out the elusive 'tree spirits'. Craft your own mystical creature using clay and natural materials.

  • Festive bush decorations: Get into the festive spirit by making decorations using bush materials. Join us to gather unique items and take home your one-of-a-kind piece of decorative art!

A uniquely Australian nature play program

The Bush School program is rooted in the heritage and ecology of the unique Australian landscape. It was developed through research and concepts from international best practice in nature education as well as current education models such as Forest Schools and Nature Kindergartens. Centennial Park offers the perfect outdoor classroom for your child’s nature connection. 

Learn more about Bush School and they theory behind nature play at our Bush School site. Parents will also have the opportunity to receive training and advice on how to nurture and mentor their own nature child.
 

What happens during a typical day at Bush School?

Our sessions include storytelling, nature-based activities, free play (climbing, digging, imagination, creativity), art making and nature games.
 

Save 10 % with a 5-week pass or book a single ticket for a drop-in session!

 

Bush School is available at $35 per session, and we now offer a 10% discount for booking a five-week pass ($157.50 instead of $175).  If you'd like to try Bush School before booking in multiple weeks, you can book a single ticket.


Bush School will run on Tuesdays and Fridays  (10 October - 15 December 2023).

Book a five-week pass

You need to choose the day of the week you would like to come for a period of 5 weeks. You receive 10% off when you book a pass instead of a single ticket.

In 2023, you can book the following passes on Tuesdays:

  • 5 week pass for 10 October, 17 October, 24 October, 31 October & 7 November
  • 5 week pass for 14 November, 21 November, 28 November, 5 December & 12 December

In 2023, you can book the following passes on Fridays:

  • 5 week pass for 13 October, 20 October, 27 October, 3 November & 10 November
  • 5 week pass for 17 November, 24 November, 1 December, 8 December & 15 December

Get a drop-in ticket

Single tickets for a drop-in session are available on Tuesdays, and Fridays for one bush school session.

Single tickets will give you access to one session of Bush School and are available on the following Tuesdays in 2023:
10 October, 17 October, 24 October, 31 October & 7 November
14 November, 21 November, 28 November, 5 December & 12 December

 
Single tickets will give you access to one session of Bush School and are available on the following Fridays in 2023:
13 October, 20 October, 27 October, 3 November & 10 November
17 November, 24 November, 1 December, 8 December & 15 December
 

9:30am - 10:10am - Arrival, grounding child-led Nature Play time

10:10 - 10:30am - Exploration and games

10:30am - 10:45am - Storytelling and snack time

10:45am - 11:15am - Bushcraft time

11:15am - 11:25am - Game and child-led nature time

11:25 - 11:30am - Thank you and goodbye circle

We will set up a tarp village in case of wet weather, to allow your little one to continue nature play in the outdoors.

“She has made so many amazing gains in language, in social skills, in perseverance, in motor skills… Your program is in such a beautiful gathering place in nature to learn and practice respect and appreciation for two of our most important resources, each other and the earth.”

Samantha, Bush School parent

Do you have questions about Bush School? Get in touch:

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Important information about Bush School 

Plan your visit
  • Bush School is an outdoor program and will take place in all-weather except for high winds and electrical storms.
  • Participants (adults and children) are expected to dress for the outdoors, including bringing wet weather gear, a hat, sturdy enclosed shoes and waterproof footwear when required.
  • If we are expecting rain, tarp shelters will be set up in the outdoor classroom to provide some cover for our participants.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult. There will also be a dedicated snack break during each session, so please bring food for your child.

Meeting point: Our Bush School site is located near the café at Fearnley Grounds, off Grand Drive, Centennial Park. See map here.

Bush School is available on Tuesdays or Fridays Save 10% when you purchase a five-week Bush School pass. Refunds are available if you or your child show any symptoms related to COVID-19. 
COVID-19 Guidelines

Please check our Covid-19 Safety Plan before booking.

Do not attend our programs, if

  • You show any COVID-19 symptoms or feel unwell
  • You have returned a positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test
  • You have been asked to self-isolate

Please follow the NSW Health COVID-19 testing and self-isolating Health Order advice. We will refund your ticket if you or your child are not able to attend due to any of the above reasons.

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