We’re so excited to have you and your child join our community.
Here is what to do and expect next.
Welcome to Nature Crew
Once your booking is confirmed, the next step is to join your Nature Crew WhatsApp group.
This is our main communication channel where we share important updates, session reminders, weather/location changes, and photos from our sessions.
To get started:
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Download WhatsApp from your app store (if you don’t already have it)
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Click on the relevant group link provided to you to join
Step 1: Communication
Step 2: Meet Up Location at the Park
Once you’ve joined your WhatsApp group, the next step is knowing where to meet us for your session.
Because Nature Crew is an outdoor program, our exact setup location within the park may vary each day. This allows our facilitators to choose the safest and most comfortable spot based on the weather and environment; such as shade, wind conditions, rain, or ground suitability.
For this reason:
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The exact meetup location is usually shared on the morning of your session via your WhatsApp group
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Occasionally, it may be shared the night before if conditions are predictable
To help you feel prepared, we also provide general meetup areas for each park. These are guide locations within the park so you have a clear idea of where we typically set up.
If the exact location hasn’t been shared yet, or if you’d like to plan ahead, you can head to the general meetup area. Once the facilitator posts the confirmed spot, you’ll be able to easily find us within that space.
This flexible approach allows us to create the best possible environment for your child’s experience each session 🌱
Monday Group – Woodlands Park, Essendon
For our Monday group at Woodlands Park, the exact meet-up location will be shared on the day of the session via your WhatsApp group.
This is a small, easy-to-navigate park, so you’re welcome to park on any side and walk in from any direction.
We generally aim to set up near the lake area, however, the final location may vary slightly depending on weather conditions, shade, and ground suitability on the day. The park itself features open green spaces, walking paths, and a central lake area that makes it easy to locate once directions are shared .
Once the facilitator has arrived and set up, she will share the exact meet-up location in the morning, so please make sure to check your WhatsApp group before heading out.
📍 Park Location (Google Maps):
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Woodlands+Park+Essendon+Victoria
Tuesday Group – Woodlands Historic Park, Greenvale
For our Tuesday sessions, we use a couple of different meet-up locations within the park, depending on the day’s conditions.
Our main and most commonly used location is Woodlands Historic Park Picnic Area, which is conveniently located directly across from Sherwood Receptions.
To find this location:
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Type Sherwood Receptions into your maps
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The entrance to the park is right across the road
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Once inside, head towards the toilet area to the right
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We are usually set up next to the toilets or just across from them
We also use a second location at Living Legends.
To find this location:
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Type Living Legends Café (or Living Legends) into your maps
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Head towards the café area
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We are usually set up just outside the café or near the toilets
In most cases, we rotate between these two locations only.
As always, the exact meet-up location will be confirmed on the morning of your session via your WhatsApp group, so please check before heading out.
Wednesday Group – Brimank Park, Keilor East
For our Wednesday sessions at Brimbank Park, the easiest way to find us is by typing the name of cafe Lumbar and Co in your maps. Following the directions will bring you directly to our usual Car Park A meet-up point
From there:
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We are set up right next to the playscape area
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You’ll usually find us near the platypus feature, making it easy to spot us
As always, our facilitator will share the exact meet-up location on the morning of the session via your WhatsApp group, so please make sure to check before heading out.
Step 3: Session Timings
To ensure our sessions run smoothly for everyone, it’s important to follow our timings and general guidelines.
At Nature Crew, we offer different types of programs:
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Bush Playgroup: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (parent-accompanied)
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Bush Kinder & Forest School: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (generally drop-off sessions, with optional parent stay)
While we operate in a public park, Nature Crew functions like any structured program with set hours. Our facilitators carefully prepare and pack up within these timeframes to deliver the best experience for your children.
For all sessions, we kindly ask that you:
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Arrive at or after your session start time and avoid entering the play setup area earlier
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Depart promptly at the end of your session
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Avoid remaining in the play area after the session has finished
Although you may see facilitators setting up before the session or packing down afterwards, this time is reserved for preparation and pack-up, and materials are not available for use outside session hours.
If you’d like to stay and chat with other families, you’re more than welcome to do so elsewhere in the park—just away from the play setup area.
We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Respecting these timings helps us maintain a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for all families.
Step 4: Know what to pack and how to dress
Getting ready for one of our outdoor bush playgroup sessions is all about being prepared for fun, exploration, and the wonders of nature! To make sure both you and your little adventurer are comfortable and ready to embrace all the elements, here’s how to dress and pack:
1. Stay Hydrated & Energized:
Water Bottle & Snacks: Exploring the great outdoors can be thirsty work! Be sure to pack a refillable water bottle to keep everyone hydrated. A few healthy snacks will help keep energy levels up for all the fun and games. Think easy-to-eat, non-perishable treats like fruit, crackers, or trail mix.
2. Sun Protection Essentials
Hat & Sunscreen: Whether it’s a sunny day or a bit overcast, we recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shield faces from the sun. Apply sunscreen before arriving, and don’t forget to reapply throughout the session. A good sunscreen with at least SPF 30 will keep you and your child protected during all the outdoor play.
3. Nature, Insects & Being Prepared
Nature Crew sessions are full of fun, exploration, and outdoor adventure, but as with any natural environment, there may be insects present.
Depending on the season, you may come across:
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Wasps and bees (more common in warmer months)
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Mosquitoes (can be present year-round)
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Flies and other small insects
If your child is sensitive to insect bites or stings, we recommend coming prepared with:
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An insect repellent
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A sting relief product (such as Stingose) to quickly ease discomfort
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A few band-aids for any minor scrapes or “ouchies”
While our facilitators do carry basic first aid supplies, having your own items on hand ensures you’re prepared in the moment; especially if supplies are being used by multiple children or in case of quick access needs.
Being prepared helps everyone enjoy a safe, comfortable, and worry-free outdoor experience
4. Dress for Adventure:
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Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Being outdoors means dressing for the elements, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out! On warmer days, light, breathable fabrics are key. On cooler or rainy days, layering up with comfortable, warm clothing is a must. A waterproof jacket is always a great idea for unexpected showers, and a raincoat or gumboots will help your little one enjoy splashing through puddles without worry!
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Comfortable Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals are perfect for exploring, running, and climbing, offering protection from sharp rocks, sticks, or uneven terrain. On wet days, gumboots are essential for stomping through mud and jumping into puddles with glee!
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Change of Clothes: Nature play can get messy! From muddy hands to wet feet, a change of clothes will come in handy at the end of the session. Bring along a full set of fresh clothes (including socks and shoes) to keep your child dry and comfortable on the ride home.
5. Extras for Fun and Comfort:
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Wet Wipes & Towel: It’s always helpful to have a small towel or pack of wet wipes on hand for easy cleanups after playing in the mud or handling nature materials.
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A Backpack: Use a comfortable backpack to carry all your essentials while keeping your hands free to help your child explore.
6. Help Us Protect Nature:
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Rubbish Bag for Waste: As we enjoy the natural beauty around us, we encourage all families to bring a small rubbish bag to collect any waste, including coffee cups, food wrappers, or used wipes. Please take your rubbish home with you, as Parks Victoria does not provide bins in these areas. Let’s leave nature as we found it, helping to protect the environment for future explorers!
7. Most Importantly, Bring Your Spirit of Adventure!
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The most essential thing to pack is a sense of fun, curiosity, and adventure! Be ready to laugh, get a little messy, and enjoy the beautiful wonders of nature. Whether you’re jumping into puddles, collecting leaves, or spotting critters, the joy of discovery is the heart of what we do.
Step 5: Know the session routine
Our Bush Playgroup sessions are play-based and child-led, which means we don’t follow a strict or rigid routine. Instead, we gently flow with the children’s interests, energy, and the natural environment around us.
That said, we do follow a loose rhythm to guide our sessions:
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Arrival & Free Play (approx. 30–40 minutes):
Children explore the different play stations at their own pace. This time allows them to settle in, engage their curiosity, and choose activities that interest them. -
Bush Walk:
After free play, we head out for a short nature walk or bushwalk. The length and direction of the walk vary each session, depending on:-
Children’s interest and engagement
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Weather conditions (wind, rain, heat)
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What we discover along the way
Some days, we may spend longer exploring something exciting we’ve found, while on other days, the walk may be shorter.
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Group Time:
Once we return, we come together for a relaxed group experience which may include:-
Songs and music
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Storytime
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Snack time
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Optional Activities:
If time allows, we may include crafts, cooking, or creative activities. However, these are not guaranteed every session, as they depend on how the day flows; especially the length of our bushwalk.
Overall, our sessions focus on:
free messy play, nature exploration, social connection, stories, music, and movement—all in a relaxed and responsive environment.
This flexible approach allows children to fully engage with nature, follow their curiosity, and enjoy each moment as it unfolds.
And That’s It… You’re Ready!
Once you’ve gone through these simple steps; voilà, you’re all set to join us on your next Nature Crew adventure.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
Come along with a sense of joy, curiosity, and flexibility. Let go, slow down, and allow yourself to truly immerse in nature. Give your children the freedom to explore, get muddy, get messy, and experience the magic of outdoor play.
Connect with other families, enjoy the community, and if you’d like—bring a friend along too.
We’re so excited to share this journey with you.