“Baobab Bushrangers” Nature-based Social Groups - Castlemaine

Our programs provide children with the opportunity to engage collaboratively, connect with peers, work as a team, find joy in being a part of a group, and practice navigating challenges that may arise in social situations in real life.

We offer a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed and play-based approach based on the DIR-Floortime model, which is supported by a strong evidence base. We incorporate concepts and vocabulary from the “Social Thinking® Curriculum” as a way of offering options or ‘tools’ that we may want to draw on to help us take part in social life.

We understand that socializing and self-expression looks different for everyone and so rather than ‘teaching’ a specific set of prescribed behaviors and phrases, we aim to help young verbal learners develop the skills they need to be flexible social thinkers and social problem solvers.

We aim to empower children to express their needs, embrace their differences, and find tools to help them regulate their emotions and sensory differences in a group setting, to prepare them for social interactions in the real-world. For this reason, our groups are likely to be suitable for children with Autism, anxiety, ADHD and PDA and trauma.

Our Program

Our groups offer engaging and fun activities that are tailored to suit the children’s specific interests, skills and challenges. Each session includes group games and collaborative activities interwoven with opportunities for problem solving and collaboration, offering opportunities to develop their ‘Social Thinking’ skills.

Activities may include:

  • Shelter building

  • Art and craft

  • Fire-making

  • Cooking

  • Sensory play

  • Rope skills

  • Making swings or tools

  • Structured group games

  • Supported collaborative play

Location

Our nature-based groups will be offered at a nature reserve, 5kms from central Castlemaine. At this location we will have access to toilets, shelter, fireplaces, as well as wild forest to explore, wildlife, flowers and plants. A full risk assessment has been completed and children will be constantly supervised at a maximum ratio of 1:4.

Facilitators

The groups are led by Nicola Stampa (Occupational Therapist) and Becky Walls (Teacher & Nature-based Facilitator). Both have extensive experience working therapeutically with neuro-diverse children across a range of ages.

Group Dates & Times

Group 1: Upper Primary Age (approx. 8-12 years old)
Wednesdays fortnightly 4:15pm-5:30pm
Feb 3rd, Feb 18th, March 4th, March 18th, April 1st

Group 2: Lower Primary Age (approx. 4-7 years old)
Thursdays fortnightly 4:15pm-5:30pm
Feb 4th, Feb 19th, March 5th, March 19th, April 2nd

Allocation to a group is determined according to personality, skills and developmental level rather than purely based on chronological age, so please call to discuss which group may be most appropriate for your child.

If your child is not a current client with Baobab Therapy, we will need to first book in an initial assessment session with you to assess your child’s needs and skills in depth, and tailor the program to support their goals. We charge our standard therapy fees for this session.

Please use our contact form below to express interest in this group or call Nicola on: 0401 682 416 to discuss suitability

* Please note that groups are subject to bookings/availability

NEUROSPICY PARENTING CIRCLE - CASTLEMAINE

If you're a parent or carer of a neurodivergent child looking for connection, real talk, and practical strategies, this is your space.

Neurospicy Parenting Circle is a supportive parenting group led by an experienced speech and early intervention therapist. It is a modified program based on principles of ‘DIR Floortime’ and ‘Circle of Security - Parenting’ using evidence-based tools and strategies to guide parents through discussions about their children and how the model relates to their own lives and child's unique profile starting with self and co-regulation as a primary focus.

Aims to:

  • Empower parents to turn everyday moments into an opportunity for enhanced regulation, communication and an opportunity to reach their greatest potential in a social world.

  • Enable parents to recharge, upskill and empower themselves with practical strategies and emotional support.

When:
Group is currently paused. Please fill out our contact form if interested in participating next time it runs.

Where?
Baobab Clinic Castlemaine
Room 48 (top level)
1 Halford Street
Castlemaine

Details:
Tea, coffee and light snacks provided
NDIS funding accepted
5 fortnightly sessions in total per term