We have paused a number of Bush Inventors' Clubs for Term 1 2023, due in large part to significant changes our staff team has experienced over the last 6 months. This was a difficult decision but we are taking the time to work on redesign and redevelopment of the program.
Crawley Homeschool and Afternoon, Guildford Grammar School and Beehive Montessori sessions are still running.
Bush Inventors’ Club is a nature-based after school program providing a space for fun, a space for play, a space for connection – with nature, with other people and most importantly with self.
Educated by Nature provides a space where children feel empowered. A space where children have time and freedom, balanced by boundaries and guidelines to push against to feel secure. A space where we come prepared with tools, equipment, resources and knowledge for ‘just-in-case’ opportunities. We come with the mind of a mentor – the sharp eyes, keen ears and sixth sense to anticipate the support a child may need by observing their behaviours, actions, words and all the other languages with which they communicate.
Bush Inventors’ Club is inspired by the work of Gever Tulley and the Institute of Applied Tinkering, shaped by the work of Jon Young and the 8 Shields Institute, and seeks to develop children’s self-risk assessing skills. Our Nature Educators encourage and allow risk taking, with support in identifying hazards and understanding body awareness.
At Bush Inventors’ Club, children have the opportunity to:
-
Use real tools to build, construct and tinker
-
Build, invent and create
-
Construct cubbies
-
Connect with mentors and leaders
-
Explore nature, find animals, insects and plants
-
Play wilderness awareness games
-
Set personal goals and conquer challenges
-
Explore fire management and safety (season and location dependent)
Bush Inventors’ Club is a ‘drop and leave’ after school program for 6 to 12 year olds. Each group meets weekly for 8 sessions throughout the school term.
We have an average staff to child ratio of 1:8. All staff have a Working with Children Check, with at least two staff at each group being first aid trained. In most cases the Lead Facilitators are qualified teachers.
Please contact us if your school or organisation is interested in hosting a Bush Inventors’ Club.
Bush Inventors’ Club is currently offered at the following locations:
-
Crawley Homeschool - Group meets on Tuesdays, 10am - 1pm
-
Crawley Afternoon - Group meets on Tuedays 3:45pm - 5:45pm
-
Beehive Montessori, Mosman Park - Group meets on Wednesdays 3:15pm - 5:15pm (Exclusive to Beehive Montessori students, bookings through the school)
-
Guildford Grammar School - Group meets on Thursdays, 3:30pm - 5:30pm (Exclusive to Guildford Grammar students, bookings through the school)
