Gatherings 

The Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Network holds Gatherings where outdoor programs host visitors to their learning sites.
Gatherings are open to all, but are chiefly directed at practitioners who want to see the site, hear about how the program works in that space, and hear from other practitioners about the practicalities and pedagogy of teaching in these settings.  

Gatherings are held on Saturdays so as not to disrupt programs.  We understand that people would love to see programs in operation, however it is too intrusive for the children and educators.
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Gatherings are publicised via the ECOLN mailing list

​Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

We held a Gathering at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, including a smoking ceremony and visit to the Ian Potter Children's Garden.

Coburg Children's Centre

Coburg Children's Centre is a long day care service near Coburg Town Hall. Children in the preschool group walk down to a site on the Merri Creek once a week. A Gathering was held to see the garden at the Centre and then walk down to the site.

Kallista Nature Kindergarten

We visited the rhododendron filled garden used by Kallista Kindergarten for their Nature Kindergarten Program.

Balnarring Beach Kindergarten

We have held two Gatherings at Balnarring to hear about how Balnarring Kindergarten integrates regular beach sessions into their preschool programs.

Somers Preschool

We visited Somers preschool in late 2016 to hear about their program.

Darebin Parklands

We have held two Gatherings at the sites in Darebin Parklands used by Westgarth Bush Kinder and other local services.

We would love to hear from services that would like to host a Gathering.  Please contact us.