KIN Village Online – Digital connection opportunities for children

Unfortunately, we are not currently offering any online KIN sessions. If you'd like to keep up to date with our program offering, you can subscribe to our newsletter here.

Educated by Nature's online nature connection mentoring program aims to support children to create nature connection routines at home or in nearby natural spaces and local bushland.

How it works:

You book an $11 session which includes:

• A morning 30 minute online gathering. Time to get to know the community, then be presented with a challenge and instructions with a demonstration.

• An afternoon 30 minute online gathering. Children are invited to share their stories from the challenge with the group.

When you book you are sent a link to Zoom (a free app to use on a tablet or phone, or a website on a laptop). There is a maximum of 15 children per session. Sessions require a minimum of 4 families to go ahead.

Sessions are aimed at 6 to 12 year olds, but siblings of all ages are welcome to be involved. The cost is $11 per device used, so one family can share the screen at the one price. Sessions may run over the 30 minute time slot but aim to be finished within 40 minutes. Sessions are hosted by Trudi Bennet or Daniel Burton (Co-Directors of Educated by Nature) with 'Guest Challenger’ appearances from members of the Educated by Nature team. Please note that each session needs to be individually booked and paid for by clicking on the theme links below.

Themes include: (Click on these links to book into sessions or scroll down for more information on each theme and specific session titles)

• Ropes, Tents and Contraptions

• Mindfulness and Sit Spots

• Bush Craft, Art and Story

• Animal Tracking

• Backyard Cubbies and Camping

Please note that recording of these sessions will be taken for quality and training purposes. Photos and videos of children’s work will be taken and used for marketing purposes online, including on social media. By booking into one of these sessions you are accepting these conditions and giving permission for recording and publishing of your child/ren’s work.

Ropes, Tents and Contraptions

Mondays: 10am (with a 2pm follow up session) (AWST)
Current dates:
TBC

Learn how to tie knots! Then put this into practice by using ropes and tarps in your backyard to create stable and flexible shelters. Rope-based contraptions may also be included to add to your 'toolkit' of handy outdoor skills and playful fun. A prerequisite for this session is being able to tie your shoelaces.

For this theme, some equipment will be required over the 4 different sessions. We recommend you have the following materials accessible:

• Rope (preferably 4-8mm thickness and at least 10metres) which can be cut into smaller lengths

• One plastic bucket with handle

• At least 5 sticks (1 metre or larger in length)

• At least 3 tarps of any size

• Hammer and nails

To book into one or all four sessions click here.

Mindfulness and Sit Spots

Tuesdays: 10am (with a 2pm follow up session) (AWST)
Current dates:
TBC

Find some stillness, quietness and peace through learning how to ‘be’ in nature. In the morning, we will lead children through the process of meditation with a nature focus. They are then invited to find a special spot during the day to try out the challenge. In the afternoon, children are invited to share their experiences and their discoveries!

For this theme, only a journal and a pencil is required.

To book into one or all four sessions click here.

Bush Craft, Art and Story

Wednesdays: 10am (with a 2pm follow up session) (AWST)
Current dates:
TBC

Use natural materials from your backyard or local park to create, make and share. Challenges will range from creating large, small, useful or decorative objects. Challenges may take on the form of stories, poems or songs. Participants will need to wait and see what the challenge brings and the stories that will emerge through the creative process.

For this theme we will try and use accessible household supplies. We recommend a journal and a pencil, cardboard, string and PVA glue.

To book into one or all four sessions click here.

Animal Tracking

Thursdays: 10am (with a 2pm follow up session) (AWST)
Current dates:
TBC

In this series we will explore forming connections with the animals who live near us. Remember, nature is still open! We encourage families to get out and head into wide open spaces to see who else is out there - in animal form. In the morning we will introduce an animal tracking skill and then send children out into their backyard or local bushland with their families and a challenge! In the afternoon children will be invited to share ‘who was out there’, their observations and participate in a community discussion about the discoveries of the day. Make sure you take photos!

For this theme a blank page journal or scrapbook and a pencil is required, as well as use of a phone or camera for taking photos of animal discoveries.

To book into one or all four sessions click here.

Backyard Cubbies and Camping

Fridays: 10am (with a 2pm follow up session) (AWST)
Current dates:
TBC 

Children are invited to put up a tent or build a cubby, create their own outdoor picnic and find a game to play, then share their stories in the afternoon. Ideas and suggestions in the morning will help children find their own sense of agency to create this adventure for themselves, with little help from parents. Our hope is that these sessions will build a sense of community to substitute missed holiday camping trips with family and friends.

For this theme we will help children identify the potential equipment and materials they have at home to create this mini backyard camping adventure.

To book into one or all four sessions click here.