Our Nature Play Offerings
Outdoor Playgroup for parents and carers of children from 0-5 years to attend together.
Bush Kindy and Forest ‘Skool’ for independent 3 – 10 year olds to explore and connect with nature based play.
FOLKplay - Forest of Lucky Kids
FOLKplay’s nature play programs offer a vibrant outdoor experience, encouraging creativity, curiosity and development of social skills. Nature play has SO many benefits – physical, emotional and cognitive. We foster respectful connections to nature and to each other, where children are given the freedom to explore and the support to learn and develop.
Research shows that not only do children benefit in the natural environment, but they THRIVE! That’s why we call ourselves the Forest Of Lucky Kids. Where kids have the time and space to connect – and play!
We help children build resilience, connection and awareness of their environment through adventurous play and nature immersion.
Nature Based Play
Our philosophy is on child led unstructured play in nature, where children can immerse themselves in all the beauty and adventure nature has to offer. Our role as facilitators is to create a safe environment for children to flow and work on their connection to nature, their relationships with themselves and with others.
What is a Forest School?
Forest schooling is a concept that first began in the forests of Norway. Forest schools are outdoor educational programs that take place in natural environments, such as forests or bushland, where children learn and develop through hands-on experiences, exploration, and play.
However, FOLKplay is not a registered school. We offer Outdoor Education programs not covered under any early childhood learning framework and therefore we are NOT an early childhood organisation. We do not recieve government subsidies nor qualify for childcare rebates. Our programs are facilitated by qualified Teachers using a forest schooling pedagogy.
Nature Play Programs in Wollongong NSW
FOLKplay is an Australian Forest School Association Member
This means we follow the forest schooling guiding principles set by AFSA using forest schooling pedagogy. We allow children to develop meaningful relationships with nature, others and themselves through:
Why Choose FOLKplay For Your Child?
Children Learn and Engage More When Given the Time to Explore and Play Freely in Nature
Our forest schooling approach is deeply rooted in respect for the individual and for the world we live in. Children are trusted to explore and learn what they want and need to learn, while given the support and resources to learn on their own terms.
We aim to inspire children to become life long learners who appreciate and care for their natural world and each other.
More time spent in nature helps develop strong connections to the plants, animals and the people we interact with around us.
See What Our Happy Folk Are Saying
“My boys absolutely loved the camp today! They have talked non-stop about the camp since they came home.”
“My 5 year old had “the BEST day ever” and didn’t want to leave. He said everyone was so nice and he loved “being able to do what he wants” and make new friends. He loved going bushwalking down to the creek and going on the swing. He can’t wait to come back another time.”
“Hi Katrina, the girls and their besties all had so much fun today. Thanks so much for having them – they said it was a 20 out of 10 day!”