Hundreds of Canberra children will be trading the indoors for the outdoors this winter as part of the Nature Play Program funded by Active Canberra.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry announced the $25,000 program, saying it would help fund projects that supported active living and encouraged 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,” Ms Berry said.
“Although these grants typically support activities for children, I also hope it provides some motivation for more grown-ups to get outside, having fun and being active.”
She said research showed that opportunities for outdoor play and engagement in nature were 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,” Ms Berry said.
She said one of the funding recipients was the Canberra Mathematical Association, which had been awarded $5,000 to design, publish and distribute a suite of 10 Maths in Nature lessons that could be used by educators across Canberra in any 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,” Ms Berry said.
“Also, $5,000 has been awarded to the Woden Valley Child Care Centre to build a tree house around a giant tree in their play area.”
She said the cubby would include ropes, a climbing wall, ladders and ramps, making it the perfect place for active, imaginative play.
