Bush Kids
Finding Inspiration in Nature
Nature is our greatest teacher, it encourages us to be curious and explore the world around us and as we do we learn about how the world works and how we are connected to it.
Bush Kids Homeschool Adventure
Would you like to give your child a special learning experience, steeped in the wisdom of nature and heightened by the spirit of adventure? Outdoor Spirit extends a warm invitation to the Bush Kids program, where we emphasize holistic education rooted in the wonders of our natural world.
Bush Kids is a transformative journey for kids aged between 5 and 12ish, where learning happens not inside four walls, but amidst the gentle whispers of the wind, the songs of birds, and the wisdom of our planet.
Under the rainforest canopy next to the cool waters of the South Pine Creek, your little adventurers will discover, explore, and reconnect with the grandeur of their surroundings, guided by the philosophy of forest school education. Our program fosters resilience, independence, creativity, and confidence in young learners, making education a tangible and joyful experience.
From building bows and arrows to weaving with natural fibers, from exploring the intricate creek ecosystem to whittling wood, the children will indulge in a range of intriguing activities.
Being in nature's cradle fosters many crucial abilities; it enhances physical fitness, honours social and emotional development, instils a deep love for nature, and promotes improved mental health - invaluable life skills, just waiting to be tapped into.
Children gather every Monday from 9am to 3pm during term time, immersing themselves in both structured activities and free play tailored to their interests. Our approach is child-led, allowing their curiosity and inclination to guide the learning process.
Casual bookings are $50 for a half day session or $95 for a full day, while a term booking (or remainder of) saves you 10%. Have more than one eager learner in your family? Utilize our 5% discount using the promo code SIBLINGS at checkout.
Not sure if it's right for you or your child? If it's your first time with us you can trial the first 1.5hrs of a session for free! Use the coupon code: FirstTimeFree at checkout to make the most of this opportunity.
Our dedicated and passionate Outdoor Spirit staff guide the well-being of your children while enabling them to learn, grow, and create lifelong memories at the Bush Kids program.
Ignite your child's innate curiosity and foster a lifelong love for our natural world. Pack their little daypack and join us at Bush Kids; let their immersive journey of learning begin!
From rain or shine, there's never a dull day in nature's classroom. Let the adventure commence!
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What age groups does the Bush Kids homeschool program cater to?The program is primarily for children aged 5-12 however we do have older children attend as well. We can tailor most of the activities for individual needs. We can accommodate younger children with parent supervision.
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Do you offer free trials?Yes we do! If you're not sure if Bush Kids is right for you or your child, you can trial the first 1.5hrs of a session for free. To access this special offer, click 'join us' then 'book now'. Select the date you want and a casual ticket. At checkout enter the coupon code 'FirstTimeFree'. This offer is only available to new families once. If you decide you want to stay for longer, that's totally fine. We'll send you an invoice for $25 if you stay till midday or $75 if you stay for the remainder of the day. You must supervise your child for the duration of the first session.
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Can teenagers participate in the Bush Kids program?Yes, teenagers are welcome. The program is primarily designed for those aged 5-12yrs but we've had several teens who thoroughly enjoy their time as well.
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What are the days and timings for the program?The program runs on Mondays from 9am to 2pm during term time.
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Where do you run the Bush Kids homeschool program?Our venue is next to a beautiful creek within the Samford eco-corridor, just 5 minutes' drive from Samford Village. The meeting point is the Samford Tennis Club carpark with the address: 2124 Mount Samson Road, Samford Valley 4520. When using Google or Apple Maps, search for Samford Tennis Club instead of the street address. The address often takes people to the wrong location. Here is a google map link to the meeting point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qHRSVkVt8UGPYscC9 When you turn off Mount Samson Road to the Tennis Club, keep left at the fork and drive to the end of the car park (tennis courts should be on your right). You will see the Outdoor Spirit flag there!
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What is the educational philosophy of Bush Kids?Following the forest school philosophy, we emphasize learning through play, promoting holistic child development that advances social, emotional, physical, and mental growth.
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What types of activities are included in the program?Activities include but are not limited to: Exploring Tree climbing Creek wading and swimming (warmer months) Fire making and bush cooking (cooler months) Bow and arrow making Natural weaving Raft building Cubbies and shelter building Whittling and wood carving We prioritize individual children's interests and curiosities where possible and are often run multiple activities simultaneously. If we plan a raft building day and a child or group would prefer to do something else then we encourage and support that where possible.
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What are the pricing details for the program?The cost is $50 for a morning or afternoon session or $95 for the whole day. You can save 10% if you join for the term or part-way through. Choose the term booking ticket for the best price. We also offer a 5% siblings discount. Use the promo code 'SIBLINGS' at checkout. We also offer a free trial for first time families! See the FAQ "Do you offer a free trial"?
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Is there a sibling discount available?Absolutely! We offer a 5% discount for multiple children with the promo code 'SIBLINGS' at checkout.
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How should children be dressed for the program?Children should be dressed for the weather in clothes that can get wet and dirty, sneakers, and a sun hat. In the warmer months children often arrive wearing swimmers under their clothes so they don't need to change for swimming.
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What items should be packed for a day at Bush Kids?Please pack a water bottle, morning tea and lunch, swimwear, rash shirt, a small towel, raincoat, spare clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent (no sprays please).
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Are parents required to stay with their children?We require new parents/caregivers to stay until their child feels comfortable with the staff and location. This may be 5mins or 5 sessions depending on you and your child's needs. Its also important that you come down to the creek to see the program venue on your first visit. When your child is comfortable you may choose to stay and play or leave for the day. On subsequent sessions you may choose to drop and go if your child is comfortable. We also love it when parents choose to hang out in nature with us for the day!
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Does the program run in all weather conditions?Our program is an all-weather activity, and we usually run it rain or shine. When it rains we set-up a large tarps with rugs underneath for children to play and work under. We're also happy for children to play in the rain if it's not too cold as long as they have spare dry clothes to put on afterwards. If it's a swimming day and there's lightning about we get children out of the water until it passes. Staff keep a pretty close eye on the weather forecasts and radar as part of our risk management processes. If we get a significant storm or lightning close by, we move the children up to the covered areas at the tennis club until it passes. If we have prolonged severe weather we will call you to come and pickup your child. Sometimes we may cancel in advance (or the morning of) if significant rain or a severe weather event is forecast for the day. We will notify you via text and email. If that happens we will provide you a credit to the value of your session to use on any of our programs.
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What qualifications do the Outdoor Spirit staff hold?All our staff have current working with children checks (Blue Card) and first-aid training. They have significant experience working with children in outdoor settings. They often have a variety of qualifications such as Outdoor Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education. They may be teacher, teacher aids, or outdoor education professionals. We strive to ensure that your child is guided by the right hands. Our typical ratios are 1 staff person to 8 children although that may fluctuate depending on the needs of the children.
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Are there toilets and change rooms at the creek?No, but there are lots of big trees to get changed behind and a secluded area where they can go to the toilet for 'bush wees and poos'. There is a toilet at the meeting point about 200m from the creek however it is often locked by council with limited access.
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Do you accommodate children with special needs?Many of the children that come to us need a little extra help here and there and we're happy to do that where possible. Some children's needs are significantly higher than others and require a higher level of supervision than we can offer. If you think your child may need this, send us an email or call us to chat about it. We work with parents, care-givers, support workers to tailor support for your child. We do whatever we can to get your child into nature!
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Do you support children with neurodiversity?Many of the children that come to us need a little extra help here and there and we're happy to do that where possible. Some children's needs are significantly higher than others and require a higher level of supervision than we can offer. If you think your child may need this, send us an email or call us to chat about it. We work with parents, care-givers, support workers to tailor support for your child. We do whatever we can to get your child into nature!
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Do you support children with ADHD, ASD, PDA, ODD, etc?Many of the children that come to us need a little extra help here and there and we're happy to do that where possible. Some children's needs are significantly higher than others and require a higher level of supervision than we can offer. If you think your child may need this, send us an email or call us to chat about it. We work with parents, care-givers, support workers to tailor support for your child. We do whatever we can to get your child into nature!
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Can I use NDIS funding for your programs?Yes. If your NDIS plan is self-managed or plan managed you can use portions of your funding to pay for the program. If you require an invoice or receipt with specific details, send us an email with your requirements and we can arrange that.
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Are you a registered NDIS provider?Not at this stage though we are considering jumping through the appropriate hoops to register. If your NDIS plan is self-managed or plan managed you can still use your funding to pay for our programs. If you require an invoice or receipt with specific details, send us an email with your requirements and we can arrange that.
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Can my child bring their own knives, fishing rods, tools?Many of the children who attend Bush Kids bring their own pocket knives, fishing rods, etc. We ask that you discuss this with one of our staff prior to allowing your child to do so. For knives: It's important that children have undertaken our knife safety training and are demonstrating safe knife handling techniques before they bring their own. Some children take a little longer to get this than others. We use folding Opinel 'My first Opinel' knives with a rounded safety tip. For fishing rods and reels: Your child should be proficient with the use of a rod, casting, and reels before they bring one to Bush Kids. Untangling lines and retrieving snags can absorb a lot of instructors time and attention and takes it away from other children. If they are proficient then they can only bring one hook and their own bait. Any catches must be released unless it's an introduced feral species.
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Does my child have to wear shoes at Bush Kids?The short answer is no. We have found that many parents have quite strong opinions either for or against wearing shoes in the outdoors so we leave that for you to decide and discuss with your child and staff. We love the idea of your child running barefoot and free in nature and numerous studies show the benefits of this for muscular-skeletal health, earthing, balance, coordination, etc. We're also aware that there's the potential for prickles, thorns, sharp rocks, hot rocks, broken glass, knife injuries, animal bites and stings, fire coals, etc. We do our best to make reasonable decisions with respect to managing risks. For example, if a child is sitting close to a fire they'll need to wear them. If they're sitting a reasonable distance away they won't, etc. Instructors will role model appropriate behaviour and discuss the risks with your children.