Not exactly as we planned…
2024 was supposed to be the year that we expanded into new locations and gave children from all pockets of the Greater Bendigo region, the chance for regular nature immersion. We did all the heavy lifting in the background (literally and figuratively) and were finally ready to launch our programs to our email subscribers first then the general public. Launch day came and I was so excited as the market research we had done indicated that we had LOTS of interest in our nature playgroup and bush kindy programs at both new locations. So bookings opened and....nothing.
Maybe that’s a tad dramatic..
You see, Nature playgroup in Huntly sold out, but there were no bookings for bush kindy at either our Kangaroo Flat or Huntly locations. Now I know that there are certainly a few things working against us in term 1. The most likely reasons are;
1. Summer and its associated heat and snake activity
2. Kids starting 3 and 4 year old kindy
3. Days clashing and/or busy schedules
but still, I just couldn’t reconcile the interest that we had received in the bush kindy program with the actual bookings. Maybe this is what I should come to expect in term 1 every year? A slow start…cautious parents….
And we can totally understand the concern. However, rest assured that we take every precaution possible in regards to sun safety. Wide brimmed hats, sun smart clothing, sunscreen, adequate hydration, water/ice play, and play in the shade are the ways in which we strive to keep everyone as safe as possible in Summer.
In regards to snakes, we respect the role they play in our eco-system and teach children about snake safety including preventative techniques and how to treat a snake bite. We role play this regularly to reinforce the concepts.
Difficult decisions
And so with all of this in mind, I had to make the difficult decision to cancel our Huntly bush kindy for term 1 as we simply didn’t have enough kids booked in to make it viable. I have no doubt that this program and this location will take off as I know there are parents with little ones in this area who want more nature connection for their toddlers and preschoolers. Rest assured, we will be back for term 2!!
The Kangaroo Flat bush kindy is going ahead with the wonderful Ang and Gayle at the helm. We currently have a very small group size but I strongly believe that this program and location will grow and have no plans to cancel. What an amazing gift the few bush kindy kids at Kangaroo Flat who are booked in for the term are getting every Wednesday. Three hours of outdoor play in a wild and natural space, guided by two of the most experienced bush kindy facilitators in Bendigo.
This program can accommodate up to 14 children. Can you believe that?! Compare that ratio (1:7) to a centre-based kindergarten and prepare to be shocked!! Small group sizes, child-led and inquiry based, fully outdoors…all with a drop-off option. What more could you want?!
A beautiful start
Apart from that difficult decision, term 1 has started with the most beautiful bang. Sunny days and slow mornings…exactly the way Summer should be. Nature Playgroup in Huntly and Kangaroo Flat are either booked out or almost full and the very first session at each of these locations was just perfect. Check it our below!
If you're looking for something like this for your preschooler (3-6 years) we have both term bookings and casual spots available for bush kindy at our Sedgwick and Kangaroo Flat locations.
Kangaroo Flat - Wednesdays 9:00am - 12:00pm
Sedgwick - Thursdays 9:00am - 12:00pm
Head to the link below or contact us via email (admin@wildplayco.com.au) or DM (@thewildplayco).
www.wildplayco.com.au/bush-kindy