Group Programs
“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 during school term 4:15pm-5:30pm
Group 2: Lower Primary Age (approx. 4-7 years old)
Thursdays fortnightly during school term 4:15pm-5:30pm
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 contact us to discuss the estimated fee for this group. As a ‘Program of Support’ fees for each group vary based on the overall ratio of participants to staff. Discounted fees may be available for those who are not able to access funding and/or experiencing financial hardship.
* Please note that groups are subject to bookings/availability
Social Chefs - School Holiday Social Group
This small group program is designed to be a fun and supportive way for children to build confidence in the kitchen, develop practical cooking skills whilst providing plenty of opportunities for supporting social interactions with peers.
With the help of our early intervention therapist, participants will follow simple recipes, learn food preparation and kitchen safety skills, collaborate with peers and engage in activities that support their therapy goals.
Groups will be running the following days:
Tuesday 14th April and Wednesday 15th April
· 9.30am – 11.30am (4–7 year olds)
· 1.30pm – 3.30pm (8-12 year olds)
Attendance at both sessions is requested as this maximises the overall benefits of group social goals. The exact cost per participant is dependent on the number of participants, so will be confirmed closer to the date once bookings have been confirmed. Discounted fees may be available for those experiencing financial hardship.
Spaces are limited to ensure each child receives plenty of support, so we encourage you to email our admin at baobabtherapy@gmail.com as soon as possible to express your interest.
If you have any questions about the program, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to cooking up some fun these holidays!
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
