No Rain Checks Here: Inside WildPlay Co’s Rain or Shine Philosophy
Bendigo is renowned for having fairly extreme weather. We get the scorching heat in summer and the freezing days in winter. For many, this range of temperatures may indicate that a children’s outdoor service provider isn’t the best idea. For us though - a business that values children’s connection to the natural world - providing the opportunity for kids to experience nature throughout the changing seasons of the year, is something we are deeply passionate about. That’s not to say that the weather conditions don’t impact on our sessions, they do, just not in the way that you might think. Read on to find out about the WildPlay Co All Weather philosophy and why playing in the rain is our favourite thing to do.
Unveiling WildPlay Co's All-Weather Philosophy
We are big believers, here at WildPlay Co, that you can’t protect what you don’t understand and that you can’t understand something that you don’t have a connection with. Fostering a connection between children and the natural world is one of our guiding principles and in doing this, we hope that the children who attend our programs begin to understand the importance of protecting the land that we live and learn on. To do this, we need to experience the land in all different conditions and through all of the seasons of the year. This is why our sessions run rain or shine - whether its 10 degrees or 30 degrees. In the freezing cold we rug up with layers, jump and slide in puddles, cook on the open campfire and marvel at the raindrops on the leaves. In the heat, we seek shade when needed, splash about with water, climb trees to feel the cool breeze and fish from dam banks. The added bonus of nature immersion rain or shine is that children develop an unconscious understanding that being outside is our natural state of being. They build resilience and see the weather conditions for a given day as an opportunity for play rather than an excuse to stay inside.
The Benefits of All-Weather Play
We’ve already touched on some of the benefits of all-weather play including developing a connection to the natural world and building resilience, but there are so many more.
Sensory stimulation
Rain provides unique sensory experiences through the feel of raindrops on the skin, the sound of rain falling, and the sight of puddles forming.
Physical activity
Jumping in puddles, running in the rain and flying kites in the wind provides kids with opportunities for whole body movement, promoting gross motor skills development.
Creativity and imagination
Whether its raining or scorching hot, extreme weather conditions lend themselves to teamwork and collaboration through imaginative play. Building shelters, making boats or slip and slides, the creativity flows in diverse weather conditions.
Emotional regulation
The calming sound of rain and the soothing effect of water can help children regulate their emotions and reduce stress and anxiety.
Environmental awareness
The opportunity become more environmentally aware when there is no other option but to be outside in nature, are abundant. Playing in the rain encourages children to appreciate the water cycle and the importance of rainwater for nourishing plants and sustaining ecosystems. Equally, an empty dam and dry conditions allow for reflection.
Memorable experiences
Perhaps most importantly, an extremely hot or cold day often creates lasting memories for children, fostering a sense of adventure and spontaneity. Some of our most memorable sessions have been rugged up around the campfire enjoying our warm damper and jam. Another one comes to mind when the children had a water fight on a particularly hot day. The squeals and giggles of excitement were infectious.
What to Expect on Rainy Days
Rainy day sessions run just like any others but the sites will look slightly different as we will have erected a marquee to provide a dry space out of the rain for the children to gather and eat. There will also be a shelter for the children’s bags so their belongings stay dry. Apart from this, we will use the conditions to our advantage and enjoy puddle jumping and shelter-building. To set your child up for success on these rainy days it is important that they come dressed in wet weather gear as this makes a huge difference to their experience in the session. Wet weather overalls, or waterproof pants and jacket are recommended along with a beanie if its particularly cold. And as always, lots of spare clothes including shoes and socks. You can read more about what to bring to our sessions on our FAQs page.
Safety First: WildPlay Co's Weather Policy
The safety of the children in our care and our staff is our highest priority. If the weather conditions during our session suddenly become unsafe e.g. winds >40 km/h or thunderstorms/lightning, our extreme weather policy will be enacted and children will immediately be moved to the emergency evacuation area for each location. We will monitor the weather conditions using the Bureau of Meteorology website and only resume activities if and when the storm is a safe distance away (20km). Should the storm not pass, parents will be contacted to collect the children. If particularly hazardous conditions are forecast such as lightning or extreme winds, a session may be cancelled the day before. It is our policy that parents and carers will be contacted by 5pm the night before a session to indicate the cancellation of a session.
Join us at WildPlay Co
There is no greater joy for us Nature Playworkers than seeing children embrace outdoor play in all weather conditions. It is magical to watch the imagination and creativity that stems from the unexpected and unfamiliar. We’ve seen kites made on windy days, cosy shelters when its raining and spontaneous water fights when its hot. Kids always know miraculously what to do. So if you need a little encouragement to get your family outdoors as we approach the colder months this year, let this be it! Come and join us at WildPlay Co this term for our nature immersion programs. Bookings are now open. We’ll see you out there, rain or shine!