About BushWise Kids
Reconnecting children and families with nature through bushcraft, outdoor learning, and meaningful shared experiences.
Who We Are
BushWise Kids is a nature-based learning community focused on helping children develop confidence, resilience, practical skills, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Through guided bushcraft experiences, outdoor education, and community learning, we create opportunities for children and families to slow down, reconnect, and grow together in meaningful ways.
Our programs are designed to encourage curiosity, responsibility, teamwork, and hands-on learning in outdoor environments that inspire exploration and self-discovery.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide safe, meaningful, and enriching outdoor experiences that help children develop confidence, resilience, independence, and practical life skills through bushcraft, nature connection, and hands-on learning.
In a world where children are increasingly disconnected from the outdoors, we aim to create opportunities for families and young people to reconnect with nature in a way that is engaging, grounded, and deeply rewarding. Through guided experiences in natural environments, we encourage curiosity, creativity, responsibility, and a sense of belonging within the natural world.
We believe outdoor education has the power to strengthen emotional wellbeing, inspire self-confidence, and foster important life skills that extend far beyond the bush itself. Our programs are designed not only to teach practical knowledge, but also to nurture capable, thoughtful, and resilient young individuals who feel connected to themselves, their community, and the environment around them.
At BushWise Kids, our goal is to create experiences that children will carry with them for life — experiences that inspire growth, connection, and a lasting respect for nature.
Educational Philosophy
We believe children learn best through direct experience, exploration, and meaningful challenges. Our approach combines practical bushcraft skills with experiential learning, encouraging children to become capable, resourceful, and connected individuals. Rather than focusing only on instruction, we create environments where curiosity, observation, teamwork, and problem-solving can naturally develop through interaction with the outdoors.
We aim to nurture confidence, responsibility, resilience, and respect — both for others and for the natural environment.
Meet Our Leaders
Ramana Dean
Douglas Ponsonby (Doug)
Ramana Dean (BA, Dip Ed, MTeach) is a teacher with experience in both independent and public primary and secondary schools. He currently teaches primary school aged children in a Steiner school where he is able to offer children opportunities to learn through the 'out-door classroom' that focused on hands-on nature-based learning experiences. Ramana is the creator of Bush Wise Kids and is passionate about teaching children bush craft skills. Ramana has assembled a small team of leaders and volunteers and is very excited to be working with children in this unique bush setting.With nearly a decade of experience, this CERES excursion leader specializes in outdoor facilitation and environmental education across the UK, Australia, and beyond. Having worked in Forest Schools, Montessori settings, and mainstream classrooms, he excels at designing programs that blend bushcraft skills with technical learning for all ages. Doug's particular focus centres upon "well-supported risk"— using nature-based challenges to help students develop judgment and problem-solving skills. By fostering resilience and independence through hands-on experience, he helps learners build a lasting sense of responsibility toward the natural world.
Sylwen (Sasha) Edwards
Sylwen (B. Ed. Science, Cert III Permaculture Design) is passionate about helping children reconnect with the Earth through hands-on, student-led learning and deep nature connection. Sylwen works closely with Claire Dunn on the Nature Based Leadership Training and is an avid re-wilder and bush-crafter. Sylwen also works as a nature-based educator and facilitator at CERES where she incorporates movement, therapeutic horticulture, meditation, and wellbeing practices with children.
