Bush School at Callan Park

Bush School is an outdoor program that gets children moving, creating, and thinking in a stimulating natural environment, giving them a chance to explore, discover, connect with nature and learn at their own pace.

The program is designed to inspire a love and respect for the natural world in children through outdoor exploration, bushcraft activities, and storytelling.  

After just a few sessions, your child may start to experience the benefits of connecting with nature such as increased creativity, confidence, attention span, and sense of responsibility in the great outdoors.

Led by experienced educators, this nature play program for children aged 2.5 to 5 years and their caregivers reconnects families with nature in Callan Park's beautiful surroundings. 

Bush School children will engage in a range of nature play activities every 5 weeks. Discover the activities for the upcoming terms:

Term 3 Part 2

28 August - 25 September

• Week 1 – Thurs 28 August: Discover plants in the park that can be used to make our own rope, create works of art using natural rope and other natural treasures.
• Week 2 – Thurs 4 September: Learn the story of Mini the Microbat as we investigate the wild world of bats through exploration, play and craft.
• Week 3 – Thurs 11 September: Take a closer look at one of the most colourful birds in the bush. Listen out for the rainbow lorikeet and let its colours inspire some creations.
• Week 4 – Thurs 18 September: Uncover the secrets of Callan Park’s mysterious possums through play, storytelling and bushcraft.
• Week 5 – Thurs 25 September: It’s bug searching time! Get up close with the tiny creatures who call the park home and make your own seed balls to take home and encourage pollinators like butterflies to enjoy your garden.

*Weekly session themes subject to change pending weather and children's emerging interests.

Term 4 Part 1

23 October - 13 November

Week 1 – Thurs 23 October: Discover the true life of the Ibis in their natural aquatic habitat – they're so much more than ‘bin chickens!’

Week 2 – Thurs 30 October: It’s nest time and the Channel Billed Cuckoo - one of cheekiest birds in the bush - is on the lookout for a new home for their babies.

Week 3 – Thurs 6 November: Come dip netting and discover the tiny water creatures that make their home in the beautiful pond!

Week 4 – Thurs 13 November: Can you laugh like a kookaburra? Find out how they live together as families and teach their children to fly!

*Weekly session themes subject to change pending weather and children's emerging interests.

Term 4 Part 2

20 November - 18 December

Week 1 – Thurs 20 November: Discover the amazing life cycle of a seed and make your own seed egg to plant at home!

Week 2 – Thurs 27 November: How many different colours can you find? Collect colourful natural treasures you can use make to your own works of art.

Week 3 – Thurs 4 December: Turn colourful plants into natural paints. Bring fabric and make your own designs using our Bush Kitchen mud bath!

Week 4 – Thurs 11 December: Can you find a ‘tree spirit’ in the forest? Make your own with clay and natural materials!

Week 5 – Thurs 18 December: Time to make some festive decorations with bush materials. Come decorate the Bush School site with us and take home your own unique piece of decorative art!
As always, there are many stories, songs, craft and games awaiting!

*Weekly session themes subject to change pending weather and children's emerging interests