Nature Connection & Immersive Education for all ages
CEL offers a variety of nature connection programs for schools and community organisations, facilitated by experienced and passionate mentors – some of whom participated in our programs as young people themselves.
What is Nature Connection?
Nature connection goes beyond simply spending time outdoors. It involves fully engaging our senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and even taste—while tuning our attention to the world around us.
We are nature. Reconnecting with the natural world brings us back to our animal bodies, offering profound mental, physical, and emotional benefits, just as it has for tens of thousands of years.
Nature connection takes many forms. Whether it’s a child exploring the outdoors, a teen developing leadership skills in the wilderness, or an adult practicing mindful sit spots in nature, these activities are essential for nurturing our well-being and challenging a system that thrives on our disconnection from the wild.
Our relationship with the Earth has the power to spark wonder and curiosity, placing us in a state of awe and bringing us closer to our ecological identities. This process of becoming reconnects us to the natural world, deepening our bond with the wild. In turn, it inspires a greater commitment to taking meaningful action on its behalf.
Our Nature Connection programs have their roots in the Bellingen EYE (Environmental Youth Experience).
EYE began in 2007 when a group of young people asked two of their former teachers to help them “go bush.” After organising a series of bushwalks and weekend camps, the energy of this group quickly spread, and soon other teenagers joined in — not just for fun, but also to develop valuable leadership and bush skills.
As their connection to the natural world deepened, they felt inspired to do more. Through self-education on environmental issues and mentorship from passionate community leaders, the group grew into an active environmental youth collective.
Over the years, these events and camps have evolved, with hundreds of young people participating and deepening their love for the planet and their sense of agency.
While CEL now offers programs for all ages, working with young people remains a core focus.
Nature connection during this pivotal stage of life often sparks a lifelong commitment to understanding and contributing to the healing of our planet.
Make A Difference (MAD) Walks
More recently, we launched Make A Difference (MAD) Walks, a program funded by the Coffs Harbour City Council. The program has been a great success, offering diverse opportunities for young people to connect with Country, engage in nature connection activities, and learn essential bush skills.
In 2024, activities included three coastal bush walks in Bongil Bongil National Park, an overnight camp at Station Creek in Yuraygir National Park, and two canoeing days on the Kalang River. Participants learned about traditional and sustainable food sources, guided by local Gumbaynggirr elder Micklo Jarrett.
The program attracted 65 participants from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including youth from refugee families, students from the Environmental Group at Bishop Druitt College, homeschoolers, students at the local Steiner school, and Indigenous students from Toormina High School.
Due to the positive response and growing interest, CEL mentors are currently planning more exciting nature connection activities for 2025.