A place for home-schooling, unschooling and natural learning families to gather on a regular basis and connect, play and learn together.
drawing on the practices of connective cultures, community building, ancestral skills and deep nature connection
our mission - to reweave the village back into our lives
This might be for you if:
You’re tired of doing it alone and yearn for a community of like-minded families
You know that the current school system is not right for your family
You feel children learn best when given the time and space to explore their own interests
You want to provide opportunities for your children to engage with all age-levels
You seek healthy role models and passionate mentors for your children
You want them to learn practical, real-life skills they can take home with them
You’re willing to take an active role and contribute where you can
You want to spend time with your children – rather than drop them off and leave
We offer a place to:
Connect with like-minded families who yearn for the village as much as you do!
Slow down and come back into your own natural rhythm and time-line
Attune to nature and deeply connect with the land you live
Learn what builds a connective culture and experience this in action
Practice ancestral skills such as primitive fire, wild-food foraging and natural craft
Learn about self-directed learning and the role of the mentor
Allow children to discover their natural gifts and share these with the community
Be part of a collective movement, bringing family-centred learning back into our modern culture
Quote from Wild Space Family
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What you can expect:
We currently meet once a fortnight on a Monday, from 10am – 3pm (in an intentional community in Thora, NSW - about 30 minutes from Bellingen).
Our day together has a gentle flow, beginning with a morning circle to check in and share songs, stories and gratitude.
Families often bring something simple to share for morning tea – fruits, nuts or occasionally some home-baked goods.
We encourage everyone to take on a role during the day – ie tending the fire, preparing and cooking lunch, sharing skills, mentoring or supporting children.
In terms of lunch, we alternate who cooks each week – using seasonal produce from our own gardens, as well as locally sourced eggs and proteins.
During lunch prep, children are welcome to play around the base camp or wander down to the forest with a couple of parents / mentors.
Play is generally self-directed and parents are encouraged to let children take the lead and explore what lights them up.
They might practice ancestral skills such as primitive fire, shelter building and wild food foraging, play nature-based games, go on bush walks and or engage in other adventures.
We trust that learning happens all the time (and doesn’t always need adult direction). Sometimes the best teacher and curriculum is nature herself!
We re-gather at lunch time and sit together to enjoy a camp-fire meal and share stories of our morning adventures!
The afternoon is dedicated to projects and skill-sharing – weaving a basket, working with clay, carving a spoon or bowl, or practicing another nature-based skill.
Children are welcome to join in with parents or continue their own play and activities.
We try to finish the day with a closing circle and gratitude – sending families home with full cups and hearts!
What’s included:
Base camp set up with simple shelter, camp kitchen, firepit, composting toilet and play spaces
Coordination / facilitation of morning circles, nature-based activities, skill share, lunch prep, etc
Nature-based mentoring in primitive and ancestral skills – for both children and parents
All materials, resources and equipment needed for learning, projects and skill-share
A space for ‘little ones’ to learn, play and explore independently, whilst still being close to parents
Selection of warm drinks, water refill-station and basic kitchen supplies for shared meals
Camp fire cooked lunch - with seasonal ingredients sourced mostly from our own gardens
Access to private swimming holes and walking trails, as well as community owned canoes and kayaks (for the warmer months)
A beautiful, growing community of connected, heart-centred families
Important Information:
Wild Space is held in wild nature – so naturally there will be some risks and hazards involved.
While we can’t always avoid accidents, we do our best to ensure you’re aware of these before engaging in any of the activities offered.
Risky play is a big part of this space – we use sharp knives and tools, engage with fire, climb trees, venture off paths and swim in the creeks and rivers.
Since the beginning of our human history, children have learnt by taking risks, exploring their edges, and sometimes pushing their boundaries.
I can guarantee, they’ll quickly learn to respect sharp tools, the power of fire, the areas that are safe to play and explore – and those to avoid!
As a community, we have public liability insurance, however this unfortunately does not cover much of the activities we engage in.
For this reason, parents, caretakers and volunteers are asked to take full responsibility for themselves and their children - and sign a liability waiver at the start of the term.
the Exchange:
We currently meet 5 x fortnights per term and the exchange is $200 / family. This breaks down to $35 / week, plus $25 / term towards kitchen supplies.
As spots are limited (maximum of 8 families), we ask that this is paid in full before the start of the term to secure your spot.
While we are unable to offer refunds for sessions unattended, we can provide credit for 1 or 2 weeks per term – to be used the following term or within the holidays.
We gather in all weather conditions – and will only cancel or postpone if there is heavy rain or floods predicted (or a threat of bush fires).
For families in need, we do offer a drop-off option ($350 / child – broken down to $65 / week, plus $25 towards kitchen supplies).
Please contact me if you’d like to discuss this option.