A Childhood with Earth and Wood.

This project connects children with nature. We propose working with 7 groups of primary-school aged children from inner Melbourne (8 per group) in gentle adventure and art-inspired play.

Each group will follow a 2 x session program that aims to create connections with the Australian bush, kindle new skills and create positive memories.

The sessions in each program will each be 5 hours long and include:

* lighting 'camp' fires
* cooking and sharing simple food
* walking, hiding, building and exploring in nature.
* creating bush craft
* time to simply play and 'be' in a wild place

We believe that lighting a camp fire, building a cubby, making damper and laying under a tree in a wild place is every child's rite of passage!

It is difficult for many children to access wild places, particularly those living in Melbourne's urban environments.

Many studies show that being in nature is of great benefit to mental and physical health, and emotional well being.

Children from low income and ethnic minorities have the most difficulty accessing green spaces. These children would benefit greatly from being totally immersed in nature with two experienced facilitators. The experience may even be life changing!