Discover our story, mission, and the team behind Kids in Nature Network
Our Vision
Our vision is for all kids to have every opportunity to experience, love and look after nature.
Our Mission
Kids In Nature Network is a catalyst for rebuilding children’s connection with the natural world. We bring together initiatives, people, and organisations that promote nature play to support children’s wellbeing, development, creativity, and sense of belonging in nature.
We empower, connect, and grow a diverse movement dedicated to getting kids back outside. Our network spans health, education, environment, urban planning, outdoor recreation, community services, government, business, the arts, and more — united by a shared vision that all children can experience the benefits of nature.
Our Story
Kids In Nature Network began in 2010 as a seminar and networking series created by three fellows of the Centre for Sustainability Leadership in Melbourne. The founders interviewed more than 40 community leaders across Victoria who were working to reconnect children with nature, revealing both the passion in the sector and the need for stronger collaboration.
The organisation was formally established in 2011 by Dr Cecile van der Burgh, Dr Dimity Williams, Sanne de Swart, and Christine Joy with the support of David Strickland (former department of Sport and Recreation) and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
In 2014, the network launched its first Nature Play Week — now Australia’s largest celebration of outdoor play and nature connection. Since then, Kids in Nature Network has grown into a powerful collaborative force spanning multiple sectors, initiatives, and communities.
Our work
Kids In Nature Network provides a unique platform for collaboration and capacity building, enabling members and partners to share ideas, research, experiences, and practical approaches to connecting children with nature.
Since 2011, we have delivered seminars, workshops, networking events, and conference presentations on topics ranging from the health benefits of nature play to urban nature connection, First Peoples perspectives, and creative approaches such as music and art.
A key initiative is Nature Play Week, developed collaboratively with organisations and individuals across the network. The week showcases activities of all sizes that reconnect children with nature and the outdoors.
None of this would be possible without the generosity, expertise, and enthusiasm of our members, partners, volunteers, and communities.
Our Achievements
Years of Nature Play Week
Network Partners
Events Supported
Organisations Per Year
Our Values
All activities promoted or organised by the network will have the well-being of children involved as a shared first shared priority
All activities promoted or organised by the network foster stewardship for and look after the well-being of the intrinsic natural and cultural values of places and our environment as a first shared priority
The network values collaboration between people and initiatives over competition
The network values equal opportunities and input for people from all backgrounds and cultures
The network values sharing and learning. It will foster capacity building across our entire network and seeks to create leverage for all individuals, families and groups involved
The network values long-term outcomes over short-term gains
We believe diversity (both in nature and in ways to get kids outside) is good and builds resilience
Key drivers and/or funders of the network will not have a vested interest in a business, initiative or activity which is in conflict with our values
Respect for others, other opinions and different ways of doing things
Our Team
Partners
Strategic Plan 2023- 2028
Strategy & Annual Reports