What you might expect on your camp or course…
An enjoyable time in a beautiful location with a focus on traditional bush crafts and nature connection activities. You’ll be given the opportunity to work as group, in small teams and on your own. Be prepared for a bit of dirt, some water, maybe the odd scratch, and some laughs.
These are outdoors programs, so expect to feel the elements. The program will run regardless of the weather – so come prepared. There is a sheltered communal space available if required.
Overnight courses include night-time activities.
What we expect
We expect everyone to be there for the start and the finish of the program. Outside of that, if you need to take time out for yourself at any time, just let us know. Some of the things we do are challenging – this is why we foster a supportive and encouraging environment.
When you come, you can make the most out of your time in nature by leaving the outside world behind. Leave electronic devices, mobile phones, or any other screen-based distractions behind during activities – or leave them at home/in vehicles/tents if possible.
Anything that comes into the communal space is to be shared – so if you or your children have anything that is precious probably best to leave them behind.
No Alcohol/Drugs – these are drug free programs.
Meeting time and place
We are based in the Dungog area, though we regularly travel to other locations – We have traveled to Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour and the Central Coast.
We are happy to come to you – to run something for your group or centre.
Kids Activities
We run several programs for children, schools, home schools and for early childhood centres. What we are most passionate about is developing nature connection and allowing for children to be their true self. Programs can include specific skills such as bush food, shelter building, fire, navigation, movement, and/or nature connection and awareness activities that help children become part of their environment. We often work with Wild By Nature Australia to deliver these programs.
Weaving Workshops
We run weaving workshops in the Dungog, Newcastle and Sydney areas. Our passion is using local plants, sustainable harvesting and connection to country. They are a wonderful way to connect with others, with plants and with our own creative selves.
School Holidays
We often run programs in the school holidays. In Autumn and Spring we run the 5 day Wild By Nature Village Camp, and most school holidays we combine forces with Wangat Lodge to run school holiday activity days with optional Lodge accommodation. We plan to start up a teen hiking program as part of this.
Weekend Camps – for adults/mature students
These include the WILD 101: Introductory Bush Skills, Weaving Retreats, and Bow Making weekend. These usually involve a Friday night arrival and finish around 3pm Sunday.
What to Bring – most courses
- Day Pack (small backpack to carry your food, water and personal items)
- Water Bottle
- Healthy and nourishing food (eg low sugar/low additives)
- Clothes suitable for bush rambling
- Sensible walking shoes
- Additional Pair of shoes that can get wet (river shoes or thin soled shoes are ideal)
- Hat / long sleeve shirt / suncream / insect repellent (avoid aerosols)
- Swimmers/towel
- Small personal first aid kit – eg bandaids, bandages
- Rain jacket
- For the last day – a set of bush coloured clothes or swimmers that can get dirty
Extra items for overnight courses
- Camping gear – tent/swag, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, cooker, pots, plate, cup, utensils.
- Water container – 10L/20L – so you can have water right with you. Taps are often found away from camp spots. You can bring this full of water or fill it up at the campground when you arrive.
- Pocket knife or knife in sheath if you have one (adults/mature students only)
Optional
- Binoculars/Camera