This week, I had the pleasure of going to my other school’s Grade 4 camp. We went to Phillip Island where, under clear blue skies and in warm sunshine, we enjoyed doing lots of outdoor activities as well as seeing the penguins.
It was interesting to watch the students gradually get used to having downtime and to slow down. It took them a while to get their heads around having free time, with no screens, and figure out what to do with themselves and with their school mates. It did not take them long. Soon they were walking around the campsite, playing soccer and other ball games together, sitting and doing colouring in, chatting with one another and the staff, tidying their cabins and playing card games. It was especially good to see them play all together on the beach, getting their feet wet, building sandcastles, playing beach cricket, collecting sea shells and walking along the water’s edge. And they had a lot of fun on the local playground.
I was reminded of the importance of letting children be, to figure out how to entertain themselves and for them to just be left to play. Once the children were given some direction, and options of activities to do, they were off and having fun.
Check out the list of ideas below to get your family out and about and warmed up this winter:
- Get active:
Visit one of the many playgrounds around Yarra Ranges – Have you been to the new playground at Belsay Reserve, Chirnside Park? here you will find giant climbing frames, a flying fox, swings and a great path for scootering around,that will surely get you moving and warmed up. Look out for the big hot air balloons.
Where: Kimberley Drive, Chirnside Park
- Enjoy the Movies:
THE KOALAS takes audiences on a journey into the lives of individual koalas, led by charismatic characters – Wonnie, Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral and adorable joeys Hope and Pala. From the unfolding stories, we witness the unique characteristics of koalas, their bond with their young, and the wildlife carers who dedicate their lives to these animals.
Where: Warburton Arts Centre, Warburton and The Memo, Healesville
- Connect with Nature:
Take a walk around Birdsland Reserve, which has 2 big ponds and plenty of wildlife. This child friendly reserve is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. Can you see the ducks, perhaps spot a cow across the paddock, and maybe even a platypus or wombat?
Accessible walking path, toilets, drinking tap, BBQ and shade.
Where: Mt Morton Rd, Belgrave South
- Winter Waterfall:
Take a walk to visit the stunning La La Falls in Warburton. Enjoy the magnificent mana gums, lush rainforest and fresh air as you walk along the track.
Distance: 3.2 km return/moderate. No toilets available – closest is Warburton Township
Where: 25 Irruka Rd, Warburton
(Information taken from Yarra Ranges Council Newsletter)
Sarah McIntosh
Student Welfare