WHAT TO BRING | naturecrew

Welcome to Nature Crew Playgroup!

We’re absolutely thrilled to have you and your little ones join us for exciting, nature-filled adventures in the great outdoors.

At Nature Crew, our sessions are all about letting kids be kids—exploring, playing, and learning in a hands-on, enriching environment. Here’s what you can look forward to during our time together:

Endless Fun and Fresh Air: Your child will thrive in the open spaces, breathing in the fresh air while engaging in exciting outdoor activities.
Nature Walks & Hunts: Embark on curious nature walks where little explorers discover hidden treasures, observe the wildlife, and go on exciting nature hunts.
Nature-Inspired Sensory Play: We bring the natural world to life with sensory-rich experiences that spark imagination and creativity, from feeling the textures of leaves to listening to the rustling of trees.
Creative Play with Natural Materials: Children will collect leaves, sticks, rocks, and other materials to create beautiful art and crafts, allowing their creativity to blossom while connecting with nature.
Splash in Puddles & Mud Play: Who can resist the pure joy of jumping into puddles or getting messy in the mud? These moments create some of the best memories!
Tiny Critters and Creature Discovery: We’ll go on mini-adventures to search for bugs and critters, teaching children about the tiny inhabitants of the earth in an exciting, hands-on way.
Learning Through Play: Every session is designed to help children learn about the world around them, without even realizing they’re learning! Our activities nurture curiosity, motor skills, and social connections.
Nature Storytime: Gather ‘round for enchanting nature-themed stories that captivate the imagination and nurture a love of reading and storytelling.
Educational Fun: Our sessions feature age-appropriate lessons about the environment and the natural world, guided by experienced educators.
Parent & Guardian Connection: Meet like-minded parents and guardians, share experiences, and build a supportive community.
Expert Tips from Early Childhood Professionals: Our experienced team will be on hand to provide advice and insights to help you nurture your child’s development.
Special Guests & Presentations: Enjoy engaging talks and presentations from guest speakers who specialize in various nature-related topics.
Exciting Excursions: From time to time, we’ll venture beyond our usual meeting spots for unforgettable nature excursions that deepen the bond with our environment.

Together, we’ll make magical memories that last a lifetime. We can’t wait to explore, learn, and grow alongside you and your little adventurers!

What to expect from our sessions!

How to Dress & What to Pack for Outdoor Sessions!

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. Dress for Adventure:

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!
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!

4. Pack a Spare Outfit:

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:

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.
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:

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!

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.