Getting outside at The Y

CHILDREN who play, explore and learn outdoors develop skills without even knowing it.

Join in at the Y and get the children outside and create positive outdoor experiences these school holidays and into the future.

These include:

Skills to stay comfortable and safe in the outdoors

Make local environmental observations and extend through shared information

Explore Nature and STEM in activities and the bush

Increase curiosity about the local world

Notice weather changes and how to create shelter and clothing choices

Practice decision making, collaboration and leadership skills in small groups, and

A lot of fun, a few real tools and lots of creative play opportunities across the ages.

By offering a variety of outdoor activities, the Y Anglesea Discovery Camp and Kids Go Bush Programs help families, young people and communities get outdoors, be active and learn skills in the process.

These holidays families can choose from:

Family Nature Play for early years ages and siblings with themes of bush cooking and tool workshops. The single sessions are a great introduction to the term-based Bush Playgroups which operate every day of the week or a fun way to connect in the bush.

Forest Skills Holiday Program where young people can make a bush hut, a block head or a pallet fort. The flexible program allows young people to spend the day outdoors and try some bushcraft activities following their own strengths and interests.

School’s Out is a day to try adventurous activities and will include at least two school camp activities – Vertical climb, mountain bike, team challenge, bouldering, bush cooking, games, archery or the Giant Swing.

At the Y Anglesea Discovery Camp, the teams focus is to get young people outdoors learning, challenging comfort zones and connecting with the natural world around them. The outdoors is a tool for youth development and adventure is a stepping stone for a healthy lifestyle. When afforded time, space and inspiration children and young people connect outdoors to collaborate, think critically, build confidence, be creative and build competence in real world learning opportunities and personal growth across the ages.

Join the Y at Kids Go Bush Term Programs

The Nature Programs, called Kids Go Bush, also offer weekly Bush Playgroup and Forest Skills programs during the term for those not yet at school, or partial/full home-schooled children.

Forest Skills Midweek Term Programs are for independent learners wanting to leap into independent outdoor play on a weekly basis, for ages 4-14 on Thursday and Fridays and a mini program for age 4-6 on Monday afternoons.

Forest Skills learners immerse in interest based outdoor learning, include cubby building, tree climbing, zip line, nature weaving and craft, bushcraft tools, whittling, bush cooking, survival and camping skills plus loads more outdoor fun. The day starts as a community and is led by the young people, allowing time to be immersed and inspired in the bush. A child focused and unscheduled timeframe throughout the day, allows progressive development of real-life skills, learning by doing, and focus on initiative, problem solving creativity, communication and bushcraft skill development.

Bookings now open via ymcavic.venue360.me/public/events/homepage

For further information, phone YMCA Anglesea Recreation Camp on 52631512, or find them on Facebook and Instagram @YMCA Kids Go Bush. @Anglesea Discovery Camp.