The Transformational Value of Wildlings Term Programs
At Wildlings, we believe in the power of long-term, immersive nature play.
While a single adventure in the forest can spark excitement, the real magic happens when children return, week after week, to the same wild spaces. Our term programs—Playgroup, Forest Kindy, and Homeschool—offer children a chance to form deep connections with nature, develop lifelong skills, and experience transformational growth.
The Magic of Returning to the Same Place
Revisiting the same natural environment across the seasons allows children to notice the subtle (and not-so-subtle) changes that unfold. A dry creek bed one week may become a gushing stream the next. A fallen tree becomes a climbing challenge, a pirate ship, or a fairy castle.
Through this process, children build an intrinsic relationship with their environment, one based on curiosity, respect, and adaptability. They begin to feel at home in nature, and with that comfort comes confidence.
Deepening Skills Through Repeated Practice
Unlike one-off experiences, term programs give children the chance to develop skills progressively. Whether it's learning to climb a tree, whittle with a knife, start a fire, or build a raft, they are given the time and space to hone their abilities.
When a child returns each week, they are not just repeating an activity—they are mastering it. This builds resilience, problem-solving skills, and a sense of capability that extends beyond the forest and into all aspects of life.
Confidence, Independence, and Emotional Growth
The slow and steady nature of term programs allows children to step outside their comfort zones at their own pace. Some children may hesitate to get their feet wet in the first few weeks, only to be found knee-deep in mud by the end of term. Others may initially struggle with risky play, only to embrace the thrill of climbing, balancing, and jumping as they gain trust in their own bodies.
The key to this transformation is time—children need space to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them without pressure or judgment.
A Sense of Belonging and Community
One of the greatest gifts of our term programs is the community that forms. Children build friendships in the wild, working together to construct cubbies, navigate the creek, or solve a problem.
Parents, too, find a village—other families navigating the same journey of raising adventurous, resilient children. This sense of belonging is invaluable, offering both children and adults a support system grounded in shared experiences and a love for nature.
Beyond the Term: A Lasting Impact
The transformation doesn’t end when the term is over. The skills, confidence, and love for nature that children develop at Wildlings stay with them, influencing the way they see the world and their place in it.
They learn that they are capable, resourceful, and deeply connected to the earth—a mindset that will serve them for a lifetime.
Join Us for a Term of Wild Learning!
If you want to give your child the opportunity to grow, explore, and thrive in nature, our term programs are the perfect place to start. Whether it’s Playgroup, Forest Kindy, or Homeschool, each program offers a unique experience designed to support your child’s development.
Book your spot now and let your child discover just how wild, free, and capable they truly are.
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.