Nature Explorers is a nature based sustainability educational program for children from birth to 12 years of age, as well as families and the local community. Our educational programs connect children with their local community environment, supporting the development of knowledge and skills surrounding the importance of community and sustainability. Children build their knowledge and participate in practical hands on experiences through participation at a range of local sites, including dune areas, bushland and the Environmental Park. We aim to foster Environmental stewards within the children, developing a sense of passion to take care of our unique beautiful community and all that lives there. The children learn how to protect the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices, this in turn helps build and strengthen our communities.
This presentation will share our journey connecting with community through respectful and reciprocal partnerships. It will highlight how children have been supported to become active participants in their community making substantial contributions to their local community. Community engagement has a positive impact on children’s wellbeing and learning but also in turn provides significant benefits to community members they interact with. As young children connect with community volunteers from all walks of life, with diverse talents, each sharing their knowledge, skills and values, children become partners in change for the future. Young and old, together they work together to regenerate coastal dune areas and bushland through weed control and planting natives. They care for animals small and large by nurturing spaces for them to live and thrive. They explore ways to look after our marine life through waste management, storm water pollution, and dune erosion. As they learn with and in nature they develop strong values around sustainability.
Through these meaningful and authentic daily encounters, children develop strong connections to land and water, and a passion for nature that drives them to be empowering future citizens. Through community connections the program fosters the next generation of environmental stewards.
