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Where our story begins

Outdoor Learning | Nature Discovery | Community Connection

Welcome to Wise Earth Bush School

Wise Earth Bush School’s nature-based emergent curriculum allows for child-led free play interwoven with open-ended adult-guided activities.

This strong foundation supports healthy development through all aspects of the growing child becoming more secure and balanced with an innate drive for stewardship and service.

At Wise Earth Bush School, we support “re-wild parenting.” We help to meet kids’ hardwired biological expectation to exist as tiny explorers, carers, scientists and artists.

By experiencing all seasons and weather, experimenting with creativity, mingling with local plants and animals, learning through mixed-age socialisation, guided by their own pace of learning and supported by strong and loving boundaries, we ensure that each child will truly make the world a better place for themselves, and generations to come.

“Our deepest purpose is to help support the learning revolution back to nature. If you have a body you are Nature. ‘WE’ inspires and fulfils your curiosity through play, connection and culture.”

More about us >>>

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  • WiseEarthBushSchool-13
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Wise Earth Bush School’s nature-based emergent curriculum allows for child-led free play interwoven with open-ended adult-guided activities.

This strong foundation supports healthy development through all aspects of the growing child becoming more secure and balanced with an innate drive for stewardship and service.

At Wise Earth Bush School, we support “re-wild parenting.” We help to meet kids’ hardwired biological expectation to exist as tiny explorers, carers, scientists and artists.

By experiencing all seasons and weather, experimenting with creativity, mingling with local plants and animals, learning through mixed-age socialisation, guided by their own pace of learning and supported by strong and loving boundaries, we ensure that each child will truly make the world a better place for themselves, and generations to come.

“Our deepest purpose is to help support the learning revolution back to nature. If you have a body you are Nature. ‘WE’ inspires and fulfils your curiosity through play, connection and culture.”

More about us >>>

  • WiseEarthBushSchool-15
  • WiseEarthBushSchool-13
  • wise earth bush school0001

Available Sessions

Available Sessions

“Let them play with fire, not to burn, but to ignite the sparks of innovation that lie dormant in the playground of their minds.” Rafaela Abraham

#PlayingWithFire #PlayfulLearning #ChildhoodCreativity #WEBS #WiseEarthBushSchool
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All the ways Mother Earth offers us protection, a lotta love and affection. Whether we’re right or wrong.

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir

#MotherEarth #NatureLove #ProtectOurPlanet #Gratitude #EarthProtection #NatureConnection #LoveAndAffection #EnvironmentalAwareness #Sustainability #EarthLove
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"Let’s go let’s go let’s go… being child-led is to experience the world with wonder, curiosity, —with dirt, clay, soil and much more under our fingernails! Seeing the world through the eyes of birds 🦅 leaning on the trees that gives us endlessly 🌲 ✨ #ChildLedLearning #Exploration #NaturePlay #AdventureTime"

Lyrics: Felton Lee, Sunrise

Let`s go, let`s go, let`s go!
I slide in like I`m dancing
In my socks in the kitchen
Open the windows, let the air in
Get the stereo blaring
I`m feeling alright down right, grooving on the floor
I got my broom mic, I might sing a little chorus like
You better love this life
You only get one before you say goodbye, you know
It could pass you by
And float on off like a dandelion so
Don`t blink your eye
Grab your blessings squeeze `em tight, hold on
Just hold on tight
Hold on, hold on tight (ah)
Ooh, waking up with the sunrise
It always brings a better day
Ooh, it brightens up my mind
Oh yeah, nah
And I said
Hold fast to the light
Don`t get in your way
Just hold on tight
Move fast, don`t be shy
Just get on your feet
Just get yourself right like
Ooh, waking up with the sunrise!
Sunrise, sunrise!
...

In the heart of our community, story isn’t just shared; it’s interwoven into our collective threads of humanity, when nurtured by ancestral wisdom.

Sunday, March 10th.

Walking these ancient lands with our children, enveloped by community, we gather for @savewallum.

We seek guidance from our revered elders, reminding us that this issue, as old as time, is seeking light on the matter.

As our sons steep forward, they are guided by the path of barefoot men, they are the heirs to the legacy of wisdom that comes with the pace of country.

Our elders reminds us of our resent trials, from fires to floods and flu, urgently calling us to circle round, pause, grieve, and work together for healing.

Blessed is this land, rich in diversity, where today’s rainbow of people looked starved of ancient stories of stars and the songs of Earth Mother.

We are not mere participants but perpetual learners, today we are drawing lessons from peaceful protests and sacred ceremonies.

In the heart of our community lies true education for our children.

Gratitude to those who came before, stand with us now, and will join us in the future—our kin, bonded by the diverse ropes of culture, pulsating with those who have the capacity to feel and belong... relationship is the cornerstone of getting us back on track as caretakers of motherland alongside all her unique native inhabitants.

Always on Aboriginal land. 🫶🏾

#CommunityWisdom, #SaveWallum, #HealingJourney, #CulturalHarmony #LandAcknowledgment #PeacefulProtest
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In realms of real education ,
dreams may take flight,
Children roaming free,
In the land of delight.
With every leap,
a lesson unfolds,
In the magic of play,
wisdom is oftentimes untold.

Through games
and make-believe,
We learn to explore,
In curiosity’s dance,
We yearn for more.

For in the joy of play,
true learning thrives,
Where wonder reigns
And adventure thrives.
So let childhood be a symphony of play,
Where lessons are learned in the most joyful way.

🍀 Raffy

#PlayfulLearning #ChildhoodAdventures #CreativityUnleashed #JoyfulEducation
#WEBS
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In the garden of life, women flourish when nurtured by the companionship and strength of other women. Together, they form a resilient network, each thread woven with the wisdom and support needed to thrive. For every woman’s success is nourished by the encouragement of her sisters, proving that when women uplift each other, they bloom into their most empowered selves.

#PlaygroupMagic #MothersUnited
#JoyfulLearning #WomenEmpoweringWomen
#FamilyGrowthJourney
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Bush School: Where you’re not just learning about the world but finding your place in it!

#WEBS #WorldLearners #FindYourPlace
#NatureIsOurClassroom #LearningBeyondWalls
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“Let the wild be your wisdom, and the earth your classroom.”

— Raffy
Wise Earth Woman
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Within nature’s classroom, every journey is a lesson, every footprint a story.” - WEBS

As parents ourselves we are looking towards the education that transcends traditional boundaries, morphing into a grand adventure steered by the wisdom of the land and the legacy of its ancestors.
For us, creativity isn’t just encouraged; it’s the essence of our journey—a journey where each day unfolds opportunities to grow, explore, and create.
Our earth-based programs invite you to let nature be your compass in a quest for knowledge and self-discovery. Whether you’re in school, homeschooling, or embracing unschooling, whether you’re a child or a parent, WEBS is your gateway to an inclusive community eager to welcome you into a shared voyage of learning and belonging. Step into our circle, where every individual is poised to find their unique place within the community.

#NatureAsTeacher, #BeyondClassrooms,
#CreativeJourneys, #CommunityLearning, #EarthBasedEducation
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Behind every young mind that believes in the power of their dreams is a mentor who taught them the strength of their own potential. Fathers, or male mentors provide not just guidance, but a living example of what it means to walk with integrity, resilience, and purpose. They don’t just prepare the path for the young; they prepare the young for the path.

#WEBS #Mentorshipmatters #Inspiringintegrity #Monkeyseemonkeydo
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In the WEBS of social media, we often share what we do, but not always who we are. Here’s a glimpse into the essence of our lives, our own unique remedy for existence. As the new year ushers in, bringing with it the certainly of routine, we often find our family time diminishing.

We’ve just bid farewell to our beloved family from Sweden 🇸🇪who stayed with us over the best holiday of our family time, filling our home with laughter and love.

In our neck of the woods, like many of our friends, we don’t have family nearby to lean on. Yet, we’re blessed with an incredible community - a community we adore, support, and who unequivocally have our backs. Amid this ocean of love, however, there’s a tinge of sorrow.

I sit in quiet grief as my nephew and niece, who’ve been growing up wonderfully without my guidance, now on their plane, heading back home to winter’s hug. Their departure leaves a void, yet also a treasure trove of memories. To celebrate the ordinary of precious moments, here’s a video of our time together - a keepsake of joy, laughter, and a bond that even distance cannot diminish.

Rafaela ❤️
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Parenting among the trees continues to be our family’s most treasured retreat destination. As busy modern parents ourselves, it reminds us that parenting and childhood, and all stages of life, are all about growing deep roots while also branching out fearlessly, beyond daily pressures and individual desires. When we roam the open spaces of the country, we may sanction ourselves with the space we need to create opportunities for more compassion & heartfelt conversations 💚 #ForestFamily #GrowingTogether #DeepLearning #WeAreAllnThisTogether ...

Why choose us? Because we’re not just about fun and games; we’re about nurturing lifelong skills in a natural, engaging environment. #BeyondFun #SkillsForLife #NatureNurtures #NaturalLearning #HomeSchool ...

Running on bare ground, under the watchful eyes of ancient trees, there’s a tangible feeling that we gather for - the feeling of being truly seen. Not just for who we are, but for who we can become. Hey mum, this is a gentle reminder that we, too, are part of something larger, something beautifully interconnected, familiar, and wise.
#SeenByNature #DeepRootedConnections #AuthenticSelf #NaturePlayforAll
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A heartfelt shoutout to all the parents – you are the unsung heroes nurturing these young spirits. Your dedication to raising such nature-connected children is nothing short of remarkable. We’re immensely grateful for your trust, support, and for choosing our holiday program for your cherished little ones. These last three weeks have been a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences and untamed joy.

#NatureNurturedKids #WildHeartedLearning
#AdventureEducation #UnforgettableNaturePlay
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In the dawn of time, we thrived under nature`s canopy, as hunters and gatherers, intimately connected to the Earth. While we cannot stroll back into this past, we can weave its wisdom into our future. Let us champion a new era where care for self, others, and nature forms the heart of our journey. Let`s nurture these core values, of creating a holistic form of respect and resilience for self, others and our planet is as natural as breathing. How will you join the movement in shaping this future?

🌿

#BackToNatureRoots #WiseEarthValues #NatureConnection #FutureCaretakers
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Soak Up the Summer - Book Your Adventure Now!

#SummerNatureAdventures
#OutdoorLearningFun #WiseEarthSummer
#EcoFriendlySummer #BushSchoolAdventures
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Embrace the spirit of celebration this holiday season and beyond. Every day is a chance to celebrate life’s little joys, the beauty around us, and the connections we cherish. Whether it’s the warmth of a shared meal in nature, the still moments, or the laughter and growth of children, there’s always something to be grateful for. Let’s make each day a celebration, creating memories and experiences that nourish our souls. The children remind me, it’s not just the holidays that deserve our joy and enthusiasm; every day is a gift worth celebrating. Take every opportunity to revel in life’s wonders!

#NatureBasedLearning #FamilyAdventureEducation #HolisticChildDevelopment #EcoFriendlyParenting #WiseEarthBushSchool
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Aim for the moon kids 🌝💫 #HappyKids #BushSchool #NaturalLearningEnviroments #WiseEarthBushSchool ...

In Frames, Not Grades!

We keep this love in photographs,
not report cards.
Each picture a story,
a moment frozen in time,
Capturing our laughter,
our love, in its prime.

We traded grades for grins,
in frames we confide,
Not in numbers or letters,
but in joy we can’t hide.

Through the lens of life,
our love story may be told,
Not in achievements,
but in moments bold.

In every snapshot,
a tale of us, unspoken,
Of the times we were happy,
Of hearts spoken and unbroken.

Pictures they whisper
Of windy, sunny and bright,
Of hugs in the rain,
of kisses on hurts,
Everything be alright.

Let us aim high and higher
capturing love as we go,
In smiles and glances,
and in presence we glow.

For in these pictures,
our tale will always last,
In frames, not grades,
we hold onto dear past.

#KidsInNature #FreeToExplore
#ChildhoodUnplugged #NatureLearning #WiseEarthBushSchool
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Step up as a Nature Guardian! Our planet needs caring hands and curious minds. As we protect, preserve and learn from the Earth, we empower our children to do the same. Get ready for our exciting school holiday program – a perfect opportunity for your kids to connect, learn, and play in nature. Ready to launch 🚀 soon! #NatureGuardians #HolidayProgram #SkillSchool ...

Childhood isn’t merely a phase; it’s a feeling to hold onto, a precious reminder of the simplicity and beauty of living fully and freely.

#ChildhoodWonder #MagicOfChildhood
#CuriosityAndJoy #AdventureEveryDay
#EmbraceChildhood #SummerHoliday
...

“Finding my paradise right beside you. Every moment spent together is a journey to a heartbeat destination.”#TogetherIsBetter #LoveAndAdventure #CherishedMoments #HeartfeltConnections” ...

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it`s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." - Desmond Tutu

#DesmondTutuQuotes #KindnessMatters
#SpreadKindness #BornKind #BornWise
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The true revolution starts close to the heart—in our homes and within ourselves.

By embracing life’s essentials, reconnecting with our most basic needs, and perpetuating creation, growth, joy, and love, we set the tone for a profound story that is worthy human life force.

Guiding children with care, we shape a future that deeply understands and respects the complexity of our relationship based world.

By the way we mother and mentor and if we dare to sit-spot in the raw mirror of our own hurts and wounds, we discover the master plan for a future that cherishes and maintains the full spectrum of human harmony and family vitality.

Beyond divisions, beyond comparing, beyond winning or losing. Embracing wholeness.

#HeartCenteredRevolution #LegacyOfNurturing #ChildsHeartWisdom #UnifiedHarmony #WholenessWins #WebsForLife #WiseEarthBushSchool
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Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

#NatureWisdom #SoulfulNature #EinsteinQuotes #DeepNature #UnderstandThroughNature #NatureHeals #WalkAbout #NatureInitiations
#NaturePerserves #NatureReflections #NatureConnects #IntoTheWoods #WildernessWithin
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In the quiet of dawn
where whispers weave
Choose peace
Choose love
In happiness believe

For in these choices
Our true strength is found
In a family’s heart
Pure love is crowned

Choose joy
Choose laughter
Let it echo and ring
As we teach our young
To soar on life’s wing

In choosing ourselves
We guide them to see
The power of being
Of living free

With each choice
A promise to those we hold dear
To face life’s dance with courage
Not fear

For in putting family first
we plant seeds of light
Cultivating a future
Brightly bright

#NatureNurtures #WildLearning #FamilyFirstAdventure
#OutdoorClassroom #SustainableParenting #EarthSchooling #EcoConsciousFamily
#HandsOnLearning #CommunityRoots
#ResilientKids #AdventureParenting #MindfulMotherhood #NaturePlay
#GreenChildhood #FamilyNatureClub
...

Welcome.

This is the heart and soul behind Wise Earth Bush School 🕸️ your compass to a classroom without borders, nestled in the vibrant shire of Byron Bay.

🌱 Delighted you`re here, tracking through our autonomous education where the bell is a birdcall, the blackboard is the rich earth itself, and every lesson is a stride towards nurturing resilient children and vibrant family life.

Embark on a quest with us through laughter-soaked weekly immersions to the bush epiphanies of our school holiday adventures. Wether local or a world schooler, your family and our family are now connected. Let’s weave our tales and explore the depth and meaning of one soul family.

Beyond the ABCs, we explore the rich tapestry of life—the leaves, the critters, and the vast seas. Our Instagram canvas brings you into the heart of childhood wonder and the deep wisdom only the wild can teach, all lovingly curated by a family for all families.

Plunge into our daily chronicles, embrace the soil and soul of learning, and join us in a movement that`s more than educational—it`s elemental.

At Wise Earth Bush School, every day unfurls into an expedition, every moment a living lesson. 🍃

Thank you for becoming part of our story and blooming with us.

Raffy, Matty, Zephyr and Rocco 👣

@amyleewaltonphotography
...

"To truly understand animals, children must embark on an undisturbed journey of discovery, where respect for Kin is born from the heart. A pathway that leads us to totally understanding ourselves." - Rafaela Abraham

#RespectFromTheHeart #KidsAndAnimals #DiscoveringNature #EmpathyInAction
#SacredConnections #HeartfeltLearning
#WildlifeWonder #GentleGuidance
#ChildhoodEmpathy #AnimalUnderstanding
#NatureExploration #CompassionateKids
#BondsWithAnimals #UndisturbedJourney
#TeachingEmpathy #InnocenceAndAnimals
#LearnFromTheWild #RespectfulInteractions
#GrowingWithNature #UncoverWildTruths
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We all need someone to care if we’re ok? Check in, show you care, speak out and most importantly listen. Let’s be there for each other always. Everyday should be a “r u ok day”💛

#areyouok #ruok #care #love #support #compassion #checkin #itsoknottobeok
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You do not find a happy life…
You make it 😊

#wiseearthbushschool #natureschool #happylife #happy #lifeskills #love #learn #homeschool #bushschool #education #nature #bush #naturelover #children #play #preschool #skills #waterfalls #byronbay #lennoxhead #northernrivers #bunjalungcountry
...

“The unschooling secret:
Trust the learner, honor their choices, and watch their potential soar.” 👣 Rafaela
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People are talking about how scary it is to raise children right now
But our children were made for this moment
They were destined to be alive right now
And instead of speaking fear over them and into them
We should be speaking power, strength and courage into them daily ✨

#wiseearthbushschool #bushschool #school #pioneers #revoluntionary #explorers #adventurers #curiosity #natureschool #nature #homeschool #backtonature #learn #play #grow #preschool #bush #byronbay #learninginnature #naturebaby #love #nurture #children #kids
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"A mother`s love for her children is a masterpiece of second chances. Let`s extend the same masterpiece to our own life-death-life journey." - Rafaela Abraham

Happy Blue Moon 💙🌕
(Two full moons in one calendar month) let’s ride the tides and embrace that we ain’t got it all figured out and probably-we never will. Get humble and start learning by being and doing life together.

#AuthenticParenting #RealParenting #GenuineLove #ParentingJourney #HonestMoments #TrueFamilyLife #ParentingWithHeart #AuthenticConnections #ParentingWisdom #AuthenticMoments #AfricanRoots #LegacyOfLove #NatureExploration #EarthAppreciation #WildAndFree #NatureMagic #NatureInspires #ActiveLearning #LearningJourney #PracticalLearning #LearnThroughExperience #LettingGo #ForgivingHeart #EmbraceForgiveness #ForgiveYourself #ForgivenessMatters #ReleaseAndRelief #HealingJourney #ForgivenessIsFreedom
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“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors,” African words resounding..

When aunties and uncles become good as friends,
and boys emerge as men.
A bigger meaning takes its form, true friendships are shaped by braving the bend.

From innocence to wisdom,
like grains upon the breeze,
We journey by doing,
we learn and grow incidentally,
Grateful we are in our hearts of joy as vast as the seas.

So as we are not yet in our minds or trying to act obediently…
full power comes from exploring the messy, the dirty and by practice and play finding the perfect body-based connection.

So let the winds of change persist, on hard packed shores we play.
Transforming lives, forging bonds, racing snails under the sunshine and ocean ray.
For in the heart of every storm, lessons firmly root,
And through trust, love, and growth, life’s grander purpose may take its route.

Big love ❤️

#wiseearthbushschool #bushschool #natureschool #byronbay #homeschool #nature #explorer #littleexplorer #octopus #ocean #sea #beach #lennoxhead #blinkandyoullmissit #learn #learnthroughplay #observation #curiosity #forestschool #naturelover #educateoutdoors #outdoor #outdoorliving #naturebabies
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You don`t raise heroes, you raise sons, and if you treat them like sons, they`ll turn out to be heroes, even if it`s just in your eyes.
- Walter M. Schirra, Jr.

#wiseearthbushschool #natureschool #natureplay #nature #learningthroughplay #outdoorplay #hoursoutside #sensoryplay #childhoodunplugged #playbasedlearning #forestschool #outdoorlearning #naturekids #play #outdoorkids #invitationtoplay #natureschool #letthembelittle #wildandfreechildren #outdooreducation #getoutside #outdoors #homeschool #exploringnaturewithchildren #earlychildhoodeducation #earlylearning #naturelovers #earlyyears #letthemplay #byronbay
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Real influence comes
In the hidden moments
The many thousands of hidden moments
That a child lives in developing
Their sense of world
Their sense of message
Their sense of people

🌍📜👫

#wiseearthbushschool #natureschool #worldschool #learn #play #learning #growing #influence #homeschool #byronbay
...

We acknowledge the elders, past and present who cared for and still care for the country. We welcome you to Wise Earth Bush  School from Bundjalung Country in the Ballina and Byron  Shire.