Nature Programs – The power of play in the outdoors across the ages
Details:
11:00 – 11:50 am
6th of December
Room: 1S 210
Liz Haines
What does ”Nature Play” look like across ages?
At The Y Kids Go Bush we work with children age 1-5 along with a care giver and independent young people from age 4-14 years. Our audience is varied, with many joining us for a term and others for multiple years. Some are at the beginning of their journey and others are looking at the outdoors as a health benefit and learning opportunity. All are embracing the restorative connections the outdoors provides.
We will share our highs (and how we got there) and challenges as we take you through our favorite prompts for dynamic themes and how to empower self motivated play to build authentic connections outdoors.
Workshop discussions will cover; empowering your adults (team/parents) to trust that children will make informed decisions, how the use of language can change the community vibe, using a play prompt to create safety, trusting others to look and listening deeply, creating safety (guardians) within nature and each other, trusting dynamic risk assessments on the fly, inspiring others to notice the awe, embracing the restorative power of the bush peacefully.
Delegates will have the opportunity to try a variety of tools and create or use resources as we share tips, tricks and examples from our program to take inspiration and ideas back to their setting.
About the Presenter
As an outdoor enthusiast who loves adventure and connecting with nature, Liz has been invested in connecting young people with the outdoors in various voluntary and professional roles. With training in Environmental Science, Outdoor Leadership, Forest School Leading and Play Therapy, Liz has a deep belief in the social, emotional, physical and personal growth that occurs through the ages when children and young people authentically connect to the natural world through play, learning life skills and with adventure. In the 9 years Liz has been at the Y Kids Go Bush, she brought her passion to the various community programs and training offerings which she has actively evolved and expanded over time.
