Program overview
Designed specifically for teachers and whole school teams, this experience provides a valuable opportunity to step away from the daily demands of school life and immerse yourself in the peaceful natural surroundings of Brewongle. Our experienced educators facilitate a flexible, participant-led program that features a wide variety of engaging and interactive activities tailored to inspire creativity and reflection.
Each participant is provided with a personal nature journal, encouraging exploration and experimentation with diverse journaling techniques throughout the day. This hands-on approach fosters mindfulness, deepens connections with nature, and supports professional growth in a calm and supportive environment.
- Provide educators with a restorative experience by offering a break from everyday school pressures and immersing them in a peaceful natural environment.
- Enhance participant wellbeing and mindfulness through engagement with nature and reflective journaling activities.
- Encourage creativity and self-expression through hands-on, participant-led activities.
- Foster team building and collaboration among teachers and whole school teams by participating together in shared experiences.
- Promote professional growth and reflection by enabling educators to connect with their personal and teaching practice in a novel context.
Once a session is booked by the visiting school, a MyPL session will be created for your school only
Staff Development Day - Nature, Outdoors and Wellbeing (visiting school name)
| 1 |
Kayaking on Dyarubbin - The Hawkesbury River Participants will explore the uses and cultural significance of Dyarubbin – the Hawkesbury River. Fishing techniques will be explored as well as an actual kayak activity to discover a significant cultural site on the river that includes axe grinding grooves. |
| 2 |
Team building games Participants will take part in a variety of fun challenges that will test communication and problem solving skills. |
| 3 |
Traditional weaving Participants will have the opportunity to yarn around the campfire while learning the traditional skill of making woven baskets. |
| 4 |
Bushwalk, nature journaling and mindfulness A guided bushwalk around Brewongle will give participants the opportunity to connect to Country and provide inspiration for nature journaling. A variety of mindfulness techniques will also be explored. |
| 5 |
Ngalga Ngarra, mindfulness through weaving or nature journaling In the Dharug language, Ngalga Ngarra translates to ‘sit, look, listen’. Participants will have the opportunity to quietly reflect on the day or continue with weaving or nature journaling. |
| 8:30 |
Welcome to Brewongle. Registration, tea and coffee |
| 9:00 |
Introduction & Welcome to Country This session will provide the learning intentions for the day |
| 9:15 | Kayaking on Dyarubbin - The Hawkesbury River and traditional weaving for non-kayakers |
| 10:30 | MORNING TEA (provided) |
| 11:00 | Team building games |
| 12:30 | LUNCH (provided) |
| 1:00 | Bushwalk, nature journaling and mindfulness |
| 2:30 | Ngalga Ngarra, mindfulness through weaving or nature journaling |
| 3:00 | Conclusion and farewell |
| * for multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule | |
| Location | Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, Sackville North |
| Transport |
Organised by the visiting school. A map to the parking area will be sent with the schools confirmation email. |
| Program costs | $150 per attendee (including tea/coffee, morning tea, lunch and all program activities and resources) |
| Attendee numbers | Maximum numbers are approximately 100 attendees. If you have more attendees, phone us to discuss further |
| Program start and finish times |
Registration begins at 8:30 am - program concludes at 3 pm * discuss prior to your visit if you require alternate times |
| Medical and welfare notifications | Using the myPL registration link (sent with the confirmation email), inform Brewongle staff of any medical conditions or special requirements prior to the visit (including dietary) |
| Adverse weather |
Visit our visitor information page to view our weather trigger points for program changes On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements |
| Booking and cancellation policy requirements |
Brewongle booking and cancellation policy Attendance numbers confirmed 7 days prior to visit Cancellation fees may apply |
| Inclusive learning support | Visit our inclusive education website for further excursion support materials |
Booking enquiries
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer