Emily Chapman Laing
A group of children found themselves with soil-covered hands, sandy feet and lungs filled with fresh air on Friday 9 June.
The Oakgrove Community Centre introduced their Nature Playgroup in February this year, hoping to “motivate children along with their families to connect with our natural environment”.
“We are a big part of nature but with modern society the connection to the natural environment has been so restricted,” said Oakgrove Community Centre Manager Mary Amalraj.
“Nature Playgroup was born out of a deep thirst to understand the significance of how the natural world works and how to care for our country.”
Nature Playgroup facilitator Jen Lewis said spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is “vital for developing healthy mindsets in children”.
“If love, connection and wonder for nature happens at a very young age it is part of that child’s values that they will carry with them into adulthood,” she said.
“If you love something, you will protect it and our natural world needs protection now more than ever.”
The space is set up with a range of activities and the children choose what they want to interact with and how.
Some of the activities on offer include art and craft, using magnifying lenses to see nature up close, using natural materials for play, gardening activities and the ever-popular “Mud Kitchen”.
The children are also taken on nature walks and finish off sessions with song.
“The children love the outdoor space we have for them to explore, they all have different interests that they are allowed to explore their way,” Ms Lewis said.
“Each week, there is a variety of activities usually based around a theme and the children turn the activity into something that suits how they are feeling that day.
“The children are really wonderful, this program has only been running for a term and a half but we have seen how much the children have grown in that time.”
Ms Lewis said a highlight of the sessions is when the children tell her about an insect they saw that week or bring in a special leaf to show her.
The sessions aren’t bound by sunshine and warm weather either- the facilitators encourage time outside even when it’s cold.
“We embrace the changes in seasons and the natural elements, asking families to dress appropriately for the weather,” Ms Lewis said.
“During cold weather we suggest winter woollies, beanies and jackets.
“On wet days we can use the indoor spaces and undercover areas, but it’s always fun to use an umbrella in the rain and this is welcomed.”
The children in Nature Playgroup have but one rule to follow, and that is to wear their “dirty” play clothes.
Families are asked to bring their kids a spare set of clothes so they can get as dirty and wet as they like while having fun without having to worry.
Bruce MP Julian Hill joined the playgroup for the day, helping with planting in the garden and telling the group of his “happiest memories” gardening with his grandma, “planting new plants, pruning and nurturing new life”.
Mr Hill said people are right to be worried in the modern world about just how much time children are spending on average in front of screens and devices, rather than playing and learning outside.
“Children being given time and space to connect with nature is so important for their wellbeing, development and learning,” he said.
“It was terrific to see how Oakgrove Community Centre are making such great use of their safe and secure former kindergarten space for the Nature Playgroup.
“I encourage local parents to drop in and enjoy the experience with their kids.”
Ms Lewis said she was hoping Mr Hill was there to help fund programs similar to the Nature Playgroup, or expand on what the centre can currently offer.
“I do hope he saw the importance of programs like this being available to all families and will take that message back to parliament to share with other MP’s,” she said.
“We need to prioritise the connection to nature for all.
“All MPs should spend more time in nature.”
Ms Lewis hopes more parents will indulge their children in the essential atmosphere of nature.
“Just come along and give it a try,” she said.
“You will find a welcoming space for your whole family to enjoy.
“Play and nature are essential for all ages and this gives you and your children that ability in a relaxed setting.”
Parents are also able to get involved, participating in arts and crafts.
Ms Lewis said often the parents are learning alongside their kids.
“The best thing is that all the mess and setup happens at the centre so you can relax and enjoy,” she said.
