Bush Camp

South - Lenah Valley

Our southern Bush Camp is located near the end of Lenah Valley Road and situated in the foothills of Mt. Wellington/ Kunanyi. Our Bush Camp area has hidden treasures of history from the 1967 bush fires, farming and orchard remnants, fire trails and bush walking tracks. The land has a flowing creek running through with fresh pristine water from Mt. Wellington / Kunanyi. The aim of our Bush Camp is to provide an opportunity for our children to imagine, explore and discover in a natural bush setting. Children connect with the land and recognise the place bush has in Australian history and culture. Our Bush Camp incorporates Aboriginal culture and the importance of caring for Country. At Bush Camp children participate in unstructured activities with a focus on exploring the natural environment.

North West - Burnie

Our Bush Camp in Burnie is located near the back of Hellyer College. The area offers natural bush land, native flora and flora, and is a short walk from our Milpara service. At Bush Camp, the children have multiple opportunities to explore the natural
environment. Climbing trees, exploring the undergrowth, investigating habitats and using their senses to engage and wonder at the wonderful natural environment. Our educators are dedicated to nurturing children’s connection with the natural world through play, creating meaningful opportunities to imagine, explore and discover outdoors.

Our Northern services offer similar programs within their local communities. These include local reserves, national park areas and the beach.

Spending times outdoors and in nature supports children's mental health and wellbeing. Nature experiences help create a sense of calm for both children and educators.

Discovery has been showcased by Be You (the mental health and wellbeing for the early years initiative) as an example of how the Be You framework and associated resources can be implemented to support children, educators and the educational program in our services. Here is one example, in a story called Building Resilience through Nature at Bush Camp filmed at our Lenah Valley Bush Camp in the South: