School Holiday Sessions

Generally we have found 7 yo’s are not quite developmentally prepared for the formal learning and responsibilities expected at our programs. The 8 year old has the foundational level of skill and independence needed for our programs. You are welcome to enrol your 7 year-old but they will need to accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

What are your favourite memories as a child?

Often, we have found, people gaze back fondly at times with friends and family in wilderness settings. Perhaps you remember a camping trip, a day out fishing with dad or time exploring a river with a close friend.

During our childhood we yearn to learn about the wild world and how to live within it - with our most trusted. In our programs we strive to strengthen wild and social relationships in a culture of connection. Our programs are permeated with the 8 Shields nature-connection framework, we embrace Bill Plotkin’s Wheel eco-centric wheel of human development, we strive to honour local Wardandi wisdom and embrace our own connection to place.

Knives provide a myriad of rich learning experiences and are an essential tool for bushcraft. Some of the most peaceful moments I have had during programs are with kids whittling. We take knives very seriously. Anyway, lets get to the point (excuse the pun). Your child can bring a knife but we have conditions.

During programs

At sign-up please notify Rewild MR staff you have a knife and place it in the knife box

Kids from 8/9 years old are able to use knives- at the discretion of the program leader

Knives are only to be used in designated areas at designated times under guidance of the program leader

Pocket Knife properties

Must be sharp (you weren’t expecting that were you?:) - a dull blade is a dangerous blade

Keep it simple - bring a knife not a multi-tool. As useful as multi-tools are, they can be very uncomfortable for whittling projects

Fixed or lockable blades only - no Swiss army knives. As versatile as they are, there is a risk that they fold back on themselves and cause carnage upon little fingers.

Fixed blades must have a secure sheath

You call that a knife? - No swash-buckling machetes. A blade length of 6 - 9cm is sufficient.

Mark it - Can your child identify their knife and sheath?

“There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”

When you enrol for one of our programs you will receive a detailed packing list. Here is a classic day program packing list.

Arrive with a backpack (a school bag will do) with:

Healthy lunch and snacks for the day

Wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen (not aerosol-based)

Bathers and a towel (depending on the season and location)

Jumper

Light rain jacket

Change of clothes including a spare jumper, warm pants and socks etc

Waterproof bag for wet/dirty clothes

Enclosed shoes

Water bottle

Perseverance

Personal medication to be given to the leader at sign-in. If you need us to administer, please arrive with a “Permission to administer medicine” document. Also, please ensure your child has the necessary sunscreen, insect repellent etc on arrival.

Sessions are usually 5 hours, between 9/9.30 - 2/2.30pm depending on the season.

We totally get how hectic mornings can be - and life in general. We will be busy preparing for the day ahead and unable to provide care for your child prior to 9am. Same goes for pick-up.

Is this because you want to be in the program or help your child? :) Both are understandable. :) If it is the first, we have some adult rewilding programs in the pipeline. If it is the latter, kids thrive with independence. Stepping into new social situations builds their resilience, strengthens their character and encourages risk taking. As nature mentors, with 1: 8 ratios we are there to support their journey of connection with themselves, each other and the wilds. If your child is really struggling with the day, we may be in touch and may ask for them to be picked up. Of course, we will do all we can, within our capacity, to encourage your child to engage with our programs.

Please send us an email at info@rewildmargaretriver.com.au

Thanks

We aim for a ration of 1: 8 to provide quality mentoring experiences for both child and mentor.

All mentors are first-aid trained, maintain their Working with Children Checks and are experienced in Outdoor Education. Andrew, our lead mentor is a qualified teacher, nature-connection specialist and bushcraft enthusiast with nearly a decade of outdoor education experience. He is present at most programs. Our mentors are deeply passionate about supporting the natural unfolding of human potential through rewilding.

We believe in taking risks. Risks are a part of life and so are injuries. Although we do what we can to minimise injury, injuries happen. Mentors are all first aid trained. In the case of a more serious injury, we will notify you. In which case we will complete an incident report form for you to review and sign at pick-up. We are fully insured for our wilderness based activities.

A part of rewilding in this day and age is about having tech free time. We discourage children from bringing mobile phones to our programs. Parents/guardians must inform Rewild Margaret River facilitators if their child has a mobile phone for medical purposes or otherwise. Communication between parent and child during the course of the program should occur through the Lead Facilitator on the program mobile phone.

Toilets are onsite at our Vasse Bush Camp

Support your child to build a picture of the day - who did they play with, what did they see, smell, hear? What challenged them? What was new for them today?

When asking questions, be aware of your curiosity and ask further questions from that curiousty. Enjoy the stories :)