Born Wild Community Inc.

Born Wild Community Inc. is a not-for-profit, registered charity based in Victoria, Australia, dedicated to fostering inclusive, nature-based learning and play for children, families, and the broader community. Rooted in the principles of Forest School pedagogy, the organisation creates safe, welcoming outdoor spaces where children and adults alike can explore, connect, and grow through hands-on experiences in natural environments. Born Wild Community Inc. is committed to accessibility, ensuring that nature play is available to everyone, regardless of background, financial circumstances, or ability.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Born Wild Community Inc. is to champion everybody’s right to self-directed learning, play, connection, and exploration in natural outdoor spaces. The organisation envisions a community where children and families are empowered to develop resilience, ecological knowledge, and a lifelong love for the natural world. Respect for the enduring connection of First Nations peoples to Country is central to their practice, as is a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity in all operations.

Main Objectives

• Provide regular, immersive nature experiences that support holistic development—physical, emotional, social, and cognitive—through free play, mentoring, and natural learning.
• Create a child-safe, child-friendly environment where the wellbeing of every participant is prioritised, and all staff and volunteers adhere to rigorous child safety policies.
• Ensure equitable access to nature play by offering flexible programs, equity discounts, and community-led initiatives that reduce barriers related to cost, work commitments, or health.
• Foster a sense of belonging and stewardship by connecting participants with local ecosystems, community networks, and sustainable practices.

Benefiting Groups

• Children aged 0–12 (and up to 14 in some programs), including babies, toddlers, preschoolers, primary school students, flexi-schooled, and homeschooled children.
• Families seeking supportive, nature-rich environments for play, learning, and connection.
• Community members interested in volunteering, participating in free or low-cost events, or accessing tailored incursions, excursions, and parties.
• Individuals with diverse needs, including those accessing NDIS funding for social and community participation.

Types of Services and Activities

• Nature Playgroups: Gentle, parent-accompanied sessions for babies and toddlers to explore the outdoors at their own pace.
• Bush Kinder: Supported drop-off programs for preschoolers, encouraging independence and curiosity through nature play.
• Forest School and Forest Skills: Adventure-based, resilience-building programs for children up to 12 years, focusing on bushcraft, tool use, and ecological literacy.
• After School Forest Skills: Enriching outdoor sessions for primary-aged children, fostering creativity, teamwork, and confidence.
• Family Yoga and Nature Play: Blends movement, mindfulness, and outdoor exploration for all ages.
• Wildflower Kids Community Playgroups: Free, flexible, sometimes facilitated sessions for young children and their families.
• Homeschooling Programs: Tailored, nature-based learning experiences that complement home education, including tool use, art, bushcraft, and mindfulness.
• School Holiday Programs: Themed sessions during school breaks, offering a mix of yoga, nature journaling, art, bushcraft, and campfire cooking.
• Incursions, Excursions, and Parties: Customised experiences for schools, community groups, and celebrations, all grounded in nature connection.
• Community Events and Pop-ups: Regular free or low-cost gatherings to promote accessibility and community engagement.

Born Wild Community Inc. operates in all weather, rain or shine, and encourages participants to embrace the elements as part of the learning journey. The organisation is a social enterprise, reinvesting all proceeds into program improvement and community support, and is driven by a passionate team of educators, ecologists, and volunteers. By prioritising inclusivity, child safety, and deep nature connection, Born Wild Community Inc. nurtures happy, healthy humans and stewards of the natural world.