Kids In Nature: Nature Play Hub

This project creates a central online resources hub supporting nature play and bush kinder programs in Victoria. The hub is supported by a local pilot outreach project based at the Port Phillip EcoCentre, supporting playgroups, early learning centres and key community groups in the Inner and Inner South-East regions. Activities include local reach-out and training sessions. Key learnings from these sessions will be shared on the central online hub through digital storytelling. A public forum will be held with Kids In Nature Network during Nature Play Week 2019 to share stories, outcomes and learnings with all interested stakeholders.

Access to active, self-directed nature play is essential for healthy child development, physical health, mental health and wellbeing. However, less than 9% of Victorian kids aged 0-11 participate in nature play. Kids In Nature Network’s State of Nature Play Report (2018) identified 330 groups in Victoria offering nature play and bush kinder programs and 116 groups interested in commencing such programs, but they face key barriers. The EcoCentre 2017/18 Nature play programs engaged 882 local kids and 111 educators. This project will target 20 new programs and 1500 local kids, while producing over 50 shareable activity resources needed across Victoria.