Released 07/06/2018
Hundreds of Canberra children will be trading the indoors for the outdoors this winter, with nine local organisations investing in outdoor play as part of the ACT Government’s $25,000 Nature Play Grants Program.
The program will help fund projects which support active living and encourage the community to swap screen time for green time.
Enjoying time in nature is so important to health and wellbeing so we need to ensure there are plenty of opportunities for Canberrans to participate in active recreation and play.
Although these grants typically support activities for children, I also hope it provides some motivation for more grownups to get outside having fun and being active.
Research shows that opportunities for outdoor play and engagement in nature are essential to the health and wellbeing of children, helping them to develop to their full potential.
Participation in nature play has the ability to improve a child’s cognitive flexibility and creativity, boost self-esteem and improve resilience.
This year’s recipients include The Canberra Mathematical Association which has been awarded $5000 to design, publish and distribute a suite of 10 ‘Maths in Nature’ lessons that can be used by educators across Canberra in any local, natural environment.
The Gungahlin Defence Families Playgroup will spend its $1,875 grant on new equipment for nature-based play including wet weather suits, magnifying glass kits for play based learning, and two educational sessions at Mulligans Flat/Jerrabomberra Wetlands.
$5000 has been awarded to the Woden Valley Child Care Centre to build a tree house around a giant tree in their play area. The cubby will include ropes, a climbing wall, ladders and ramps making it the perfect place for active imaginative play.
The kids at the YWCA Conder Early Childhood Service can’t wait for $5,000 worth of new outdoor furniture. They’ll soon be able to play in a new sand pit and water tables, cook up a storm in the mud kitchen, and work on their gardening skills in the four new garden beds.
For more information on Nature Play CBR, go to www.natureplaycbr.org.au.
Nature Play CBR Grants Program recipients:
- Canberra Mathematical Association ($5,000)
- Gungahlin Defence Families Playgroup Inc. ($1,875)
- Woden Valley Child Care Association Inc. ($5,000)
- Sticks and Stones Nature Playgroup ($1,108)
- Holy Spirit Early Learning Centre ($1,977)
- ACT Playgroups Association Inc. ($2,050)
- Community Services #1 Incorporated ($1,990)
- Young Women’s Christian Association Ltd of Canberra Early Childhood Service ($5,000)
- Girl Guides Association NSW ACT Region ($1,000)
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|