Lane Cove Bush Kids was begun by three members of the Society, young mothers whose submission was successful in winning a grant.
The program of bush activities became so successful with young parents that we partnered with Council.
Valerie Holland, Lane Cove Council’s Program Officer, has always been busy with Bush Kids, and still is, despite the Corona virus lock down.
Term One 2020 program had a total 307 participants (176 children and 131 adults) over 13 activities and 950 Facebook Followers.
Term Two 2020 program began in April and planned to run until June, with 14 activities, fully booked. Due to the restrictions of COVID-19 only 6 activities were delivered.
As an alternative to the direct contact program and to keep families engaged and connected to their local natural environment, the program was adapted to offer virtual activities on the Lane Cove Bush Kids Facebook page www.facebook.com/lanecovebushkids
Online you can find virtual storytelling, virtual bushwalking, nature craft suggestions and information on bushwalks in the local area. There are also two activity booklets. Online engagement has been high with 963 people following the page and individual post engagements averaging 100.
As the restrictions ease, Val anticipates recommencing face to-face activities by July, but with fewer participants per activity.