Quick start guide to Family Nature Clubs

Quick start guide to starting your own Family Nature Club.

1. Create a plan
   When, where, what, how often and how long? Enlist some help – it might be the grandparents, a neighbour, or the parents of your children’s school friends. Over a morning tea, you can decide how often you might want to meet and what sort of activities you might want to undertake. If you put a few ideas down in writing, it’ll be easier to plan things and keep people informed. If you circle a couple of dates on the calendar, you’re well on your way.
2. Check it out
   It’s a good idea to check out each location before you invite people to come along. That way, you can work out if there are any tricky areas for very young or old people, and the availability of things such as toilets and picnic spots. Also you can decide where everyone should meet and what to do once there. Check out if you need permission for a large gathering.
3. Invite as many people as you like
   Invite a couple of friends to join you for a family bushwalk. You could also involve neighbourhood families, classmates, local playgroups and community groups like the scouts and guides.
4. Make it easy
   Informed and prepared parents are happy parents. You’ll make it easy to say ‘Yes’ when you minimise prep-time and maximise fun by giving parents a checklist for hassle-free outings.
5. Ready, set, go!
   When you arrange to meet neighbours and other groups, don’t forget to start your adventure 10 or 15 minutes after the advertised start time to allow time for latecomers. Record the number of participants at each event and collect contact information for new participants.
6. Spread the word…
   When you arrange to meet neighbours and other groups, don’t forget to start your adventure 10 or 15 minutes after the advertised start time to allow time for latecomers. Record the number of participants at each event and collect contact information for new participants.