Kids In Nature- KIN Bush School.

Emotional Regulation & Resilience Programs; Kids Nature Therapy.

Helping Kids in Geelong, Surf Coast, and the Hinterland to Feel Safe & Themselves Again.

Nature-based emotional wellness programs for kids aged 6–16. A form of Kids Nature Therapy.

Is Your Child Struggling? You’re Not Alone.

We speak with parents every week who feel like something’s not quite right—but can’t always put their finger on it.

Maybe your child has become more withdrawn, quick to tears, or resistant to things they once enjoyed. Maybe they are struggling with anxiety, or need support to learn about their emotions and others. Maybe school mornings are a battle—or school has become impossible altogether.

In founding KIN in 2021, we recognised a need to cater for kids and their families who are seeking something different for their child’s development.

Hiking group on a trail overlooking a forest and flat farmland at Kids In Nature Program in the Geelong area.
Team activity at Kids In Nature.

Often, these aren’t “just phases.” They’re signals.

A child’s way of letting us know they’re overwhelmed, anxious, or feeling unsafe in their world. And they don’t yet have the tools or words to explain what they’re carrying.

Kids in Nature Programs build a toolbox of strategies to help kids cope with difficult situations, release tension from their bodies, and feel more at ease.

A young boy is standing in the middle of a lush green garden or farm, surrounded by large leafy plants, with other people and greenhouses visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Multiple colorful kayaks arranged on the ground near a body of water, with trees and a dock in the background on a sunny day.
A group of children and adults gathered around as a part of the Kids in Nature Program.
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Two children at a wooden table drawing and colouring leaves on a large white sketchbook; Creativity sparked at the Kids in Nature Program.
Children roasting bread and other food on sticks over a campfire in a circle: Socialising in the Kids in Nature Program.
Three people standing on a wooden viewing platform overlooking a beach and ocean, with trees and cliffs in the background.
Group of people in wetsuits with surfboards standing on sandy beach near the ocean, with rocky formations in the background.
Group of children on a nature walk gathered around a person pointing at a large tree with a hollowed-out section.
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Children and adults gardening in a community garden on a sunny day.
Four children wearing life jackets and waterproof clothing working together to build a raft out of pipes and wooden planks in a body of water.
Group of children walking on a muddy trail in a lush green forest, with puddles reflecting the trees above.
A young woman in a black wetsuit riding a surfboard on a small wave at the beach, smiling happily
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A swimming instructor helping a young girl with her swimming at the beach.
A young girl in a black wetsuit is sitting cross-legged on a red surfboard, smiling as she rides a small wave at the beach. An adult is partially visible behind her in the water.
A person creating artwork using pressed leaves, small flowers, and pencil sketches on a white sheet of paper. The workspace includes art supplies like colored markers, tape, and sketchbooks on a wooden table.
Group of people, including children, preparing for surfing at the beach with rocky formations in the background.
Painted wooden plank with small colorful characters and the words 'I ♥ KIDY' on it, placed on dirt ground.
A group of hikers walking along a trail in a lush, green landscape under a bright sun with a clear blue sky and distant hills.
Group of children and teenagers sitting on rocks and under trees on a hilltop, some reading or using electronic devices, with scenic landscape and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Pieces of bark wood with a sprig of green foliage on the left piece, arranged on a beige background.
People visiting a community garden or farm on a sunny day, with trees in the background, some standing near planting beds and others walking along a fenced path.
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Two children with long hair lying on grass, facing away from the camera.
Children and adults gather outdoors in a farm-like setting with chickens and chickens, soil, a greenhouse, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
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A group of children and an adult standing outside, holding strings connected in a web-like formation during an outdoor activity.
View from a kayak on a calm river with tall dry grasses on the banks and a clear blue sky.
Children learning to surf at the beach with instructors and other surfers in the background.

Kids in Nature programs help kids:

  1. Calm their bodies and release stored tension

  2. Develop real coping strategies

  3. Rebuild confidence, connection, and joy

  4. Understand and express their emotions

  5. Regulate their nervous system

Kids in Nature programs cater to kids who are:

  1. Homeschooling

  2. Struggling with anxiety

  3. Withdrawing from things they love

  4. Facing difficulties attending school

  5. Needing support to learn about their emotions and behaviours

  6. Wanting to know themselves really well, right from the start

  • “Our daughters both attend KIN. We spent hours and money on O.T and psychology, with little to no improvement. When the skills the O.T was trying to teach in a room, is implemented out in nature, they now get it! Our girls have flourished so much and made such beautiful connections. For anyone considering, I could not recommend these programs enough.”

    KIN Parent

  • “Before coming to the KIN program, Jackson wouldn't walk to the end of the street without saying his legs were too sore to go on! He now does bush walks, the park run and he is wanting to do a kids triathlon. You guys made it fun to be out in nature and he realised it is something he really enjoys. Thank you.”

    KIN Parent

  • “Annabelle learnt a lot from your program and we have noticed a change in the way she now regulates when she's feeling frustrated or angry in a situation. She takes herself away rather than reacting and talks through how she's feeling. She's definitely having a better year at school this year also. Coming into the KIN environment where she didn't know anyone helped her confidence to engage and make new friends and take herself out of her comfort zone.”

    KIN Parent

  • “You both do such a phenomenal job with all of the children. The best part of your program is the way you relate to the kids and help them reflect on themselves with such fun activities in nature. This is where the magic happens! Charlie has grown so much since being involved in the program and lots our family members are noticing the difference. We appreciate everything you do. I am so grateful he has a place where he feels safe and connected with others.”

    KIN Parent

  • “Our daughter was lucky enough to attend KIN once a week and absolutely loved it. Jeff and Caz not only offer an amazing variety of our door activities, they also offer incredible mental health support. She made great friends and grew in confidence. She gained new skills and it was lots of fun. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the KIN program!”

    KIN Parent

  • “Riley just loved coming and being himself. He loved being with his friends and having fun in a safe and supportive environment.”

    KIN Parent

  • “Your KIN program provides a safe place for the kids to be themselves. Tom felt comfortable with raising concerns as his voice was heard rather than brushed off.”

    KIN Parent

  • 'This built his confidence to voice any concerns without hesitation outside the KIN program to this day. As the program caters to kids of mixed ages, it was a great way for him to learn how to read the different emotions and behaviours and align his own emotions and behaviours to the situation.”

    KIN Parent

  • “The KIN program supported to build my daughter’s confidence and sense of self by providing experiences that enhanced developmentally appropriate risk taking, trying new experiences & opportunities for teamwork which in turn helped reduce her insecurity.”

    KIN Parent

  • “KIN was the highlight of my son’s week. The program helped him in so many different ways, but my favourite was the love of nature and moving physically within it that he developed from the many adventures he had with Jeff and Caz. Thanks for your awesome program.”

    KIN Parent

Learn More

  • Our Kids in Nature programs run weekly in beautiful outdoor settings along the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong. Every session is guided by trauma-informed facilitators and designed to support emotional regulation, resilience, and connection.

    • Opening and closing check-in circles

    • 1:1 mentoring based on individual needs

    • Group team-building and leadership activities

    • Emotional literacy development and regulation tools

    • Mindset coaching

    • Regular outdoor adventures: bushwalking, river walks, beachcombing

    • Gentle group challenges and outdoor play

    • Peer support and social skill-building

    All sessions run outdoors and go ahead in all weather unless extreme conditions require otherwise.

  • Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am – 2:30pm
    Ideal for children who are homeschooled, disengaged from school, or needing consistent emotional support and social connection.

    • Two community service days per term (in partnership with Common Ground, Freshwater Creek)

    • One “big ticket” activity per term such as canoeing, climbing, or surfing

  • We aim to make our programs as accessible as possible for families. Fees are structured to reflect the depth of support, time, and facilitation provided each week.

    Program Fees:

    • Payment costs are paid in full before the start of each term

    • Payment plans are available for families who need support

    • We recommend a minimum of two terms for the most meaningful impact

    • A minimum of a 2 week trial is also available to discover if we’re the right fit

    • Some term activities (e.g. canoeing, surfing) may include a small extra cost, passed on directly from providers without markup

    If you’re unsure which program is best for your child, we’re happy to chat and help you decide.

  • Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
    Ideal for school-enrolled children who benefit from a weekly emotional reset and connection with peers in nature.

    • Focus on calming the nervous system and ending the day feeling grounded

Enquire About Enrolment