Nature Play
Nature Play is all about less Screen Time and more Green Time.
My mission has been to re-normalise outdoor play, and get more kids outside more often to connect with the natural world.
I understand that change is constant, but never before throughout human history has there been such a drastic shift in such a short period of time. The on flow effects of those changes can be dire, if not recognised and managed.
The influences are 3-fold.
- Technology has penetrated all of our lives. We swap activities but simply move from screen to screen. Whether it’s a phone, TV, DVD, gaming device, tablet or computer, they all de-socialise the user, in a sedentary state, indoors.
- Parents have become risk adverse. They helicopter over their child and make choices for them, which limits their capacity to self-asses their abilities. They need to know the whereabouts of their child at every moment, so the child never has the opportunity to be responsible for themselves.
- The education system is now geared towards the testing of literacy and numeracy (Naplan), to the detriment of the many other beneficial qualities of successful adults, as well as limiting physical movement and risky play.
As an individual, it is hard to change the world… but I did my best. Nature Play was my vehicle.
I have connected with thousands of children throughout South East Queensland on “Natural Adventures”. I developed a nature-based program where I would meet with groups of 30 children, aged 4 to 10 years, in a variety of settings for 2 hours of outdoor fun. Many of these children had never walked off the path, explored somewhere unknown while supported to do so, and thought the only fun you could have at a park was on the plastic playground equipment.
The parents would stay with the group, and learn as much as the children (albeit different lessons). They would learn to trust their child, even though they were out of arms reach, and to participate and engage instead of spectate and worry.
Each adventure was influenced by the location, as we explored habitats such as beach, tidal rock pools, mangrove, wetland, open parkland, rainforest, and mountains. The weather always played a part, as did the ages, interests and abilities of those in attendance. We would walk and talk, play nature based games, and follow impromptu tangents as they arose.
My goal was to inspire wonder, passion, a love of learning, a realisation that for some children at school, the best learning happened outside the classroom and it wasn’t only your teacher that could teach.
Nature Play QLD
I became an official Nature Play Qld Activity Provider.“Nature Play QLD’s mission is to increase the time Queensland kids spend in unstructured play outdoors and in nature. It is founded on the understanding that unstructured play outdoors – nature play – is fundamental to a full & healthy childhood. Nature play promotes health benefits, including cognitive, social and emotional development, and it builds resilience and creativity as well. Experiences in nature as a child can also lead to environmental awareness and stewardship later in life.”
Their support, assistance with promotion, and valuable resources they made available for me to distribute all added to the quality of my Natural Adventure program.
Service Area
My Natural Adventures were picked up by 5 regional councils in South East Queensland. Most adventures were held as part of school holidays programs, but I was frequently invited to nature-based events throughout the year.
I am proud to represent the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and Redland City Councils.
The Queensland Outdoor Recreation Foundation
QORF, (the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation) is the peak body representing the interests of outdoor recreation users in Queensland, and affirms the value of outdoor recreation.
QORF’s primary purpose is to raise the profile, capacity and opportunity for outdoor recreation in Queensland and encourages all people to recreate outdoors. Live Life Outdoors, QORF’s logo tag line perfectly encapsulates our primary purpose.
I was honoured to be nominated, and then be named a finalist, in both the 2015 and 2016 awards programs for what I had achieved.
I didn’t get the win, but the room was full of the providers of best-practice in the state, with most being long-established organisations and institutions. I was thrilled to be shoulder to shoulder with others in that space.
Forest School
To further my professional capacity, and to draw upon the expertise of others in the field, I studied to become a Forest School Leader. ‘Forest School’ is how children from the dawn of time first experienced the world around them. In its current form, it is credited to the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Finland and Norway. The concept behind it is surprising simple…
Children are given the opportunity to explore their own interests, (self-directed learning), and for the most part are given free-reign to do so. In that process, they are responsible for assessing their own ability to face risks. The integration of this learning style with the natural environment is that the uncontrolled setting provides greater opportunity for a variety of experiences to occur.
By practical and safety necessity, the experience of the children who participated in my Natural Adventure program was directed by me. Although I encouraged impromptu tangents and explored the unexpected, I would control the pace, direction and activities throughout the session. Forest School placed greater emphasis on working with the same group of children frequently, in the same setting, where they controlled their individual experience.
Though not directly applicable to my current program, I utilized many of the practical applications and theoretical concepts I had learnt as a Level 3 Forest School Leader, and for a short time, worked with Home School students in this fashion.
Please click Forest School in Australia for more information on my experience and how forest school is being adopted locally.
Nature Play and Self-Risk Assessment
There was always a wide variety of ages and abilities in the children on my Natural Adventures. Parents were frequently amazed by my capacity to captivate and engage them all at once for a good length of time. Creating the feeling of Free-Play was the key. There was nothing traditional about my environments, teaching style or program. The kids were just having fun – they didn’t realise they were learning. I presented them with challenges, and then encouraged and supported them in whatever decision they made. There was never any right or wrong, punishment or reward, or comparison to others. Each child had an individual experience in a group environment.
This freedom, in a natural setting, allowed them to take small risks as they were comfortable, and bigger risks as they were ready and their confidence had grown. This personal responsibility and self-risk assessment can only develop through experience. Reading a book, or having a teacher tell you about how to jump from one log to another does nothing to calm the butterflies or stabilize wobbly knees as you stand on the edge deciding whether to go.
There’s a great deal of skill involved when interacting with children who are in this space. They can learn a lot through active participation and internal contemplation, without traditional teaching techniques employed at any stage.
It’s not about imparting specific bits of knowledge with the aim of retention, but about nurturing children and encouraging them to develop their natural talents and abilities. This develops character. This teaches children the many life skills required as they will face the never ending challenges life with throw at them.
Kids Go Wild!
Ipswich City Council frequently engaged me for their ‘Kids Go Wild!‘ program at Queen’s Park. Cadence and her father Daniel joined me for several adventures, creating 2 great videos of their experiences.
Natural Adventure Testimonials
Sparky Do Dah adventures are always a high point in our holidays. They are fun and educational, familiar (so the children can practice similar skills) but also different each time. Sparky manages to capture the attention of the children, be engaging and keep them interested, and sparks their interest to find out more answers independently. I would definitely recommend his activities – pop up playgrounds, natural adventures or anything he endorses.- Mary-Jane
Great seeing the kids loving and learning about the outdoors and being inspired. Our kids didn’t want to leave – well done Sparky! – Melissa
Thank you for connecting my 5 year old with nature and outdoor play. You provided a good blend of fact fun and outdoor games; and you managed to keep a broad age range captivated. You are clearly passionate about the Connection to a Natural Childhood. – Charlton
The only thing that I have to say is that the kids LOVED IT! My 2 kids enjoyed all the experience of learning so many new things in a place that is so familiar to them. Now, every park is a place to try and find new things. I admire your patience and how you managed to keep all those kids engaged for so long. You must be very proud of what you do! Thank you for your attention and care. – Elisabete
Sparky Do Dah’s Natural Adventure was by far the best kids activity we have ever attended on the Gold Coast. Sparky’s natural affinity with children, his deep knowledge of the natural world and his warmth and charisma made for a wonderful experience for both children and parents alike. There is not enough of this kind of thing on the Coast. – Emily
Thanks for an amazing morning! The kids loved it and can’t stop telling dad about all the fun they had and everything they learned! You are Awesome! – Lee-Ann
My children had a fantastic time with Sparky Do Dah on the weekend. Although the group was large and ages of children varied, every activity sparked the children’s interests. A full 2 hr event, where even my 3 yr old was constantly engaged. Activities were short enough to maintain interest and focus, yet long enough for the children to get a taste of the challenge. A fantastic afternoon that we would love to do again. – Mischa
My daughters had a brilliant time exploring the great outdoors at Karawatha Forest. I loved seeing them fully engaged in the fast-moving, fun and varied outdoor activities and would highly recommend the experience to others. Thank you Sparky for what you do for and with kids helping them to better connect with their environment. – Cindy
Thanks so much for having my two children on your Burleigh Natural Adventure. It was such a terrific event and enabled us to get outdoors for a fun activity. The kids loved all your games. Your walk gave us a great excuse to enjoy the beautiful Gold Coast beach-side natural surroundings and walk up to Burleigh hill which is something we’d never done before. We met some lovely people and will tell our friends to join us next time. – Chelsea
My daughter attended the wetlands adventure day in highland reserve. Sparky was wonderful with the kids and made learning about the habitat exciting and interesting. A great day! – Erin
Thank you Sparky! My son told me how the ants work by the scent trails this morning when he saw me putting a jar of honey in a dish with water to prevent ants from getting into it. He remembers your explanation on that ant nest we saw at Karawatha Forest last Saturday! Any little information will help to stimulate the children in a positive way. Please continue your passion and hope all kids know about your program. Less screen more green, I totally agree! – Cindy
My kids had an absolute ball on Sparky Do Dah’s natural adventure. His activities and games kept them very interested and taught them a great deal about the local fauna and flora. I wouldn’t hesitate to attend another one of his adventures. – Simon
My little girl attended your school holiday activity at Karawatha park. She had a fantastic time. I was very impressed you were able to entertain children of all ages. We will definitely book in again. Thanks for your energy and enthusiasm towards the children. – Louise
Again, sensational. The passion Sparky shows is wonderful and all of the kids have such a great time on his Natural Adventures – never mind the other positives of being active and outdoors. – Dallas
It was so refreshing to see the kids showing an enthusiastic interest in nature and each other as they explored the park. You are an inspiring role model for kids and we are looking forward to coming along to more of your outings and having more regular nature play at our place. – Melissa
Since I first introduced my 5 year old to Sparky’s Natural Adventures I make sure I book my daughter into at least one every holidays. My 2 year old loves to tag along and it’s always a great day out. – Rebecca
I love the energy you displayed on the Nature Adventure, and the awareness about nature and the environment imparted to the kids. Education and fun all rolled into one! – Lynne
I participated in the Natural Adventure at Karawatha Forest with my daughter during our visit to Brisbane. We are visiting from Europe and we love the Nature here. Sparky made it even more interesting with Lots of cool games and activities. We both loved it. – Stefania
