Going wild – bush schools boom in Northern Rivers

BUSH schools are booming in the Northern Rivers, with survivalist TV shows like Alone fuelling a trend towards outdoor nature-based learning.

Programs range from weekday play groups to holiday programs in which children aged three to 12 learn about everything from bush tucker to skills such as how to start a fire and build shelter.

Wise Earth Bush School director Rafaela Abraham said bush schools were gaining momentum as families recognise the benefits of outdoor, child-led learning in an increasingly digital world.

“TV shows like Alone have spotlighted the importance of survival skills and self-sufficiency, which aligns with what we teach,” she said.

“It’s thrilling to see how shows like these help bring us back to the most elemental basics of learning — skills that have been passed down through generations, deeply rooted in human history.

“It’s exciting to see these traditions becoming more mainstream and integrated into modern value systems.”

Abraham said many people in the Northern Rivers community value nature, regenerative practices and well-rounded education, making it the perfect environment for a bush school to thrive.

“There’s a deep commitment here to reconnect children with the earth and provide them with meaningful learning experiences,” she said.

“While Scouts offers a structured curriculum focused on badges, community service and traditional survival skills, bush school embraces a more open, exploratory approach, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and personal growth at each child’s own pace.

Rohan Stewart, from Brunswick Bush School, said he used to joke that bush school was like the hippy version of Scouts.

“Ten years ago, we were the only ones offering a weekly program for kids — now there are heaps of nature-based bush school type set-ups,” he said.

“The Northern Rivers area has long been at the forefront of challenging old paradigms and exploring different ways of living and being, but we are definitely seeing these values spreading throughout broader society, with bush kindies and bush schools spreading all over the nation.”

Children in the program can also learn to make nest boxes for animals and how to whittle.

“We play lots of games and in summer we swim in the Brunswick River,” he said.

“Children are happy, at ease, relaxed and engaged in nature, which are the ideal prerequisites for optimal learning and growth. It’s a fantastic learning environment.”