Lizard Log Bush School (8-12 years)

Explore the bush, build your skills, brave the unknown!

Bush School for 8 to 12 year olds gives older kids space to roam, explore and try real bushcraft in a safe and supportive outdoor setting. It’s a drop-off program held in the wild corners of Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands. There are tracks to follow, shelters to build, maps to read and skills to master.

Each session blends free play and group challenges. Whether they’re learning to navigate with a compass, starting a fire safely, building with clay or just hanging out in the bush, kids get the chance to lead, create and connect — with nature, each other, and themselves.

What to expect:

• Mud, dirt, teamwork and problem-solving
• Quiet reflection and confidence-building challenges
• Freedom to explore, create and get grubby
• Orienteering, map reading and nature games
• Fire safety, tool use, and hands-on bush craft

This is a drop-off program guided by experienced nature educators.

 Age: Children 8 - 12 years

Meeting point: UPDATE Bush School has moved!

Meet at the Spotted Gum shelter at Lizard Log, in Western Sydney Parklands. Best parking is in East Car Park, Lizard Log.

Please note: this is our drop-off Bush School program for kids 8 - 12 years.

Our early years Bush School program will be running on the same day and time, so you can drop off the older ones and head down the hill to attend Bush School for 3 to 7 year-olds, where you stay, play and retain duty of care for your children throughout.

What happens at Bush School 

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

Term 4 Part 1

16 October - 13 November 2025 

Week 1 – Thurs 16 October: Join us for a free planting session to kick off the term! (Only available with a 5-week bush school bundle. Ticket still required – included in the pack)

Week 2 – Thurs 23 October: Discover the true life of the Ibis in their natural aquatic habitat – they're so much more than ‘bin chickens!’

Week 3 – 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 4 – Thurs 6 November: Can you laugh like a kookaburra? Find out how they live together as families and teach their children to fly! 

Week 5 – Thurs 13 November: Build a shelter the Bush School way, one of our most beloved Bush School sessions will have everyone working together to build shelters and enjoy bundling up inside.

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

Term 4 Part 2

20 November - 18 December 2025

Week 1 – Thurs 20 November: Take a closer look at one of the most colourful birds in the bush. 

Week 2 – Thurs 27 November: How many different colours can you find? Collect colourful natural treasures you can use to make 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!

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