By Callum Ludwig
Finding ways to fill the school holidays can be tough for parents, but Parks Victoria might have the perfect opportunity for you.
The Junior Rangers program is on for primary school-aged children in a few different locations offering a variety of activities in nature.
Parks Victoria Education Officer Julia Pickwick said the program is designed to make lifelong connections with nature and empower families to help look after the natural environment.
“Ultimately, the Junior Rangers that come along to the program are the future custodians of our park and the activities also really encourage families to travel further afield to new places,” she said.
“It’s just a beautiful thing to watch every participant go on their own little voyage of discovery as you’re leading these activities.”
At the time of writing, spots are still available in the Nature Treasure Hunt and Wildlife Detective activities at Haining Farm in Don Valley, the Wildlife Detectives and Away with the Birds activities at the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park, the Very Big Bushwalk at Badger Weir and the Nature Treasure Hunt at Kurth Kiln Regional Park.
Ms Pickwick said these activities are great ways to explore the local area.
“In Wildlife Detectives, we look at all the evidence that animals leave behind. Because really, all that evidence is telling us a story about what all the animals have been doing in the park. In Away with the Birds, we teach children how to use binoculars and identify birds and we look into all the features that actually make birds unique,” she said.
“The Very Big Bushwalk is a lovely activity to encourage families who haven’t been on a bushwalk before and make them more comfortable and prepare to go on their own as families, and the Treasure Hunts let families go off on their own and find different things around the area while following the Junior Ranger way of leaving no trace, only footprints where you’ve been.”
Families are encouraged to be prepared for their activities, so here’s what you need to do for each one:
For activities at the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park – meet at the Junior Ranger flag in the main camping area (near the toilet block), wearing closed toed non-slip footwear (no thongs or sandals) and have a hat, sunscreen, water bottle and clothing appropriate for the weather.
For Haining Park activities – there is no toilet on site, with the nearest being in Launching Place or Yarra Junction so use the toilet before you arrive, wearing closed toed non-slip footwear (no thongs or sandals) and have a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, insect repellent and clothing appropriate for the weather.
For the 3.5km Very Big Bushwalk at Badger Weir – arrive 15 minutes before the start wearing sturdy walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing with sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and water.
Kurth Kiln Treasure Hunt – Meet at the Kurth Kiln Picnic Ground which can be accessed via Soldiers Rd and Gembrook-Launching Place Road with appropriate shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen and water.
Ms Pickwick said it’s all about encouraging families to interact and engage with the natural environment.
“The bottom line is that you can’t care for something that you don’t know about so it’s about getting people out, particularly children out, into the natural environment and experiencing the health benefits of engaging with the natural environment,” she said.
“There are so many people who have totally disconnected from nature and the natural environment so it’s really important to have these activities where we are giving participants tools so that they can go off and explore.”
