OUR VISION
We wish to share our expertise to make a positive impact in our communities and the wider world.
OUR WHY
The benefits of nature play and outdoor learning are widely documented in research. Nature immersion fosters holistic development and actively nurtures positive wellbeing.
MEET THE TEAM
We are familiar faces – Bec, Anya, Alex, Hannah and Rita and have been delivering nature play training to educators for many years, with Nature Play QLD, Cottonwood Learning, Conferences and more. We facilitate professional development and support educators to enrich their knowledge and skills to enrich children’s learning and wellbeing. We are passionate nature enthusiasts that put our heart into everything we do.
All of our team still work in Bush Kindy programs each week in community programs. We utilise this knowledge and experience working within regulations, curriculum frameworks and community spaces to share insights within our workshops. Real life stories, challenges, and solutions of Bush and Beach Kindy leaders in practice.
BEC BURCH
Bush Kindy Australia was created by Bec, an educator who is passionate about giving children opportunity for free play in nature. Her background has been in teaching, predominately in early childhood, in rural community based non profit organisations in services within natural environments. She currently runs Cottonwood Learning, a local Gold Coast nature immersion program that takes children into bush and beach spaces in all weather for children to play and learn.
Bec’s other roles have been teaching and mentoring adults to take their teaching to the next level at TAFE, University and Nature Play QLD. She has a Bachelor in teaching and extensive training, particularly in nature play, a Forest School Leader Level 3, a Bush Kindy Leader and proficient in Nature Pedagogy. Her underlying beliefs are that nature is life’s ingredient that is needed for holistic development and overall wellbeing. It is this that drives her to support educators through professional development to enrich their teaching opportunities.
ANYA IMHOFF
I am an Early Childhood and Primary Teacher with the privilege of working as an Outdoor Educator and Bush Kindy Leader, while also being a mum to two energetic young boys. Since 2009, research during my Master’s in Education in the UK shaped my teaching, which is now guided by nature, forest school principles, and outdoor environments. I am passionate about sharing my expertise, mentoring, and collaborating with like-minded educators. After moving from England to Australia, I was fortunate to discover the non-profit Nature Play QLD, where I spent five years developing resources, delivering professional development, and expanding learning opportunities alongside Early Childhood and Primary professionals. I am delighted to continue my passion for education through my work with Cottonwood Learning and Bush Kindy Australia.
HANNAH POWELL
As a child, my fondest memories were spent outdoors – climbing trees, soaking up the sunshine, and meeting friends at the creek. These moments left me feeling energised, calm, and joyful. However, after years in the early years sector, I realised that many children today miss out on such experiences, spending most of their time indoors with little exposure to open, natural spaces. The impact on their social, emotional, and physical health is well-documented, and I am determined to change this.
Through my own kindy class, the four forest schools I’ve established, and the Australian Forest School Association, which I co-founded, I work to empower other educators through training. My mission is to ensure every child can enjoy the freedom, joy, and peace that comes from connecting with nature.
ALEX BROWN
I am the coordinator of a Beach Kindy in Kingscliff, NSW, called Growing Coastal, where we spend days exploring various creeks and beaches in the local community. A key part of this program is working closely with Dune Care and Coast Care to build children’s knowledge of the environment. I believe nature play is essential for children to develop a love of nature and to learn through hands-on experiences in their coastal surroundings. The slow-paced, child-led approach nurtures confidence, independence, resilience, self-esteem, and a genuine appreciation for the outdoors, encouraging children to embrace sustainability.
My favourite part of being in nature (outside the preschool environment) is that you only need minimal resources, and children naturally engage with what the environment offers. It feels like you could take them anywhere, and they would find something fun and creative to do. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll discover—so far, I’ve encountered amazing people in the community and even spotted a camel at the creek and peacocks at Fingal Head.
I love sharing the benefits of nature play with other educators and exploring the possibilities of outdoor learning, hoping to see more children and educators immersed in nature.
RITA PONTES
As a fierce PLAY ADVOCATE, I believe the right to play must be protected, preserved, and promoted in ways that represent all children and allow them to participate according to their abilities, respecting the cultural relevance of the land they inhabit.
As an EDUCATOR, I strive to become an expert observer and listener alongside children, ensuring favourable conditions for play—providing time, space, and relational opportunities—while honouring Indigenous and other cultural knowledge systems.
I have long been involved in nature and outdoor play, and I also co-manage Conscious Kids in New Zealand, offering children opportunities for free play in nature within a framework of respect for themselves, others, and the environment.
My happy place is walking among majestic rainforest trees or swimming in the ocean on a sunny day. My favourite thing at Bush Kindy is witnessing children take ownership of their play and form deep connections with nature and the land they explore.
CONTACT US
Have a question for the Bush Kindy Australia team?
Please submit an online enquiry form via our website or contact us directly using the details below.
Email: hello@bushkindyaustralia.com.au
Phone: 0473 021 887