Our Philosophy
We at Play on Earth envision a world where play is valued by all and children are allowed to freely play in nature. We believe that all children should be given trust, be respected and their voices should be heard. Through play, we aim to create connections in our community and provide children with a place to discover who they are. We believe children thrive in nature and should be provided with plentiful opportunities to play outdoors.
During our programs, children can climb, play, jump, explore, and get dirty in a natural setting. We provide children and families of all ages enriched sensory experiences and outdoor bush activities. We develop our programs to spark imagination, curiosity, and creativity through hands-on activities.
In nature, there is such a wealth of open-ended resources for exploration and play. Our programs allow children the time and space to explore their environment and play in their own unique ways. At Play on Earth we value community and provide a space for families to create connections with new like minded friends.
Core Values:
- Trust – We trust in children. We trust in the natural learning ability and intrinsic motivation of a child.
- Respect – We respect and treat children as equals. We ensure their voices are heard.
- Play – We value child-led free play for it is the foundation to all learning.
- Connection – We value connection to self, others, and nature. Connection is the key to all relationships.
- Risk – We value the supported risk-taking of children as an important factor to building resilience and confidence.
- Sustainability – We value the Earth and all it has to offer. We aim to reuse, recycle and reduce in all facets of the business.
Meet Jess – Founder & Director
Hi there!
I’m Jess, the founder and director of Play on Earth. With a background in teaching and a passion for nature, I am on a mission to revolutionize how we perceive and prioritize play in childhood. As a devoted mother and experienced educator, I understand the vital role of nature in children’s development and well-being.
I believe in creating a nurturing environment where children can freely explore, learn, and grow. My vision for Play on Earth is to provide a space that encourages young minds to engage with nature, fostering their curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
Through my expertise in curriculum development and education, I design nature play programs that inspire children to connect with the natural world. I am truly excited to be a part of this incredible movement and to witness the positive impact nature play has on the lives of children.
Our location
You will find us at the Kariong Eco-Garden which is at the top of the Kariong hill off Dandaloo St. We have access to the gardens and a beautiful bush area to explore and play within.