Nature Connection program delivers outdoor learning for kids

Nature Connection, designed and delivered by Educated by Nature in partnership with the WA Parks Foundation, engages primary school students and their teachers in outdoor learning experiences within their local communities. Image credit: Educated by Nature

The WA Parks Foundation is delighted that another three schools in the Perth metropolitan area have taken up the opportunity to participate in our Nature Connection Excursion Program this year.

Students from Mirrabooka, Balga and Girrawheen primary schools will take part in a condensed program included in the WA Foundation’s 2025 Spring into Parks initiative, supported by Lotterywest. This will bring to 17 the number of schools in the Perth and Peel region in which this program has been delivered.

The Nature Connection Excursion program has been developed for primary school-aged students, with a particular focus on those who may be disadvantaged. The outdoor sessions are designed and delivered by trained educators and nature connection mentors and provide time for the students (and their teachers) to experience learning outdoors.

Included in the program is an opportunity to ‘train the teacher’ in teaching techniques that enhance student engagement, increase attendance (where attendance is low) and encourage inspiration, especially in outdoor learning environments beyond the activation of the program.

A few of the comments from the students who have participated in previous programs are:

“We were more free to the wild and we felt more free to learn more and experience life and nature.”

“This was the most fun thing I have ever done in my life.”

“Nature is so much more important than we think. It provides a lot for us so let’s provide a lot for them.”