Every day is different with SOAK

Kids will be encouraged to get outdoors as the Surf Coast Outdoor Adventure Kids program (SOAK) arrives over three days in the second week of the July school holidays.

On July 10, 11 and 12 kids aged between 6-12 years will undertake an assortment of exciting and challenging outdoor adventures during the program.

SOAK is play-based and child-led, where kids meet each morning at the camp fire and talk about plans for the day, they’ll see where the adventure takes them and what they will find.

What they see and discover each day includes a mixture of nature play, environmental and adventure activities.

This may include a selection of cubby building, tree climbing, mud play, nature craft, bush cooking and mountain bike riding as well as navigation, low ropes course, rockpool ramble, beach play, estuary discovery, canoeing plus loads more outdoor fun.

SOAK is all about fun, but also promotes the required developmental skills of the 21st century or the four C’s: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration and Critical Thinking.

The four C’s combined with the nurturing of the child’s will, enable resilience, lifelong learning and a sense of place.

The team at SOAK believes nature is magical both for children and educators as it affords children the time, space and tools to be and test themselves.

“Children who play outdoors connect to their environment through the weather, flora and fauna and this sense of place creates a foundation for a child’s will,” they said.

“A bushwalk may turn into a gathering expedition that may turn into a fortress game. This is where your child’s resilience, lifelong learning and sense of place are nurtured.”

The holidays are a great chance for lots of independent play outside. For more information and bookings, phone YMCA Anglesea Recreation Camp on 5967 2599 or bookings are made via eventbrite.com.au and look up “Anglesea”.