Regional Meeting report by Simon McLean- member of North Coast Region

Dynamism: 1. Great energy, force or power; vigour. 2. Any of various theories or philosophical systems that seek to explain phenomena of nature by the action of force. (Retrieved from Dictionary.com)

Everyone gathered for the main presentation and workshop which was ‘outdoor work and play’ by Sandra Frain. Before the hands-on work we were treated to an inspiring talk by Sandra on the benefits of creating and utilising bio-dynamic composting with children in our outdoor environments. Sandra’s dynamism will have you running back to your gardens and outdoor playgrounds at great speed to eagerly dive head-first into the mud and muck!

The roles played by the four elemental realms of earth, air, water and fire when entering into this partnership with mother nature to create compost were vividly brought to life by Sandra, and this word (and feeling of) dynamism became the central theme of the day. The changing of the season into autumn and the mood of decay experienced through natural cycles seemed the perfect time to be considering the importance of enabling young children to connect with the forces of nature. For children who have not had a lot of opportunity to get their hands into the earth, experience the potent smells of decomposing matter, or witness first-hand, natural processes occurring in the garden, composting is a wonderful way of engaging children with the outdoors.

The all-important nurturing of the senses is so beneficial for young children. There is nothing intellectual about getting dirt under fingernail’s, it is a soul experience that can be nourishing, satisfying and even healing for children (and adults) on a deep level. With these thoughts in mind we enthusiastically made our way to the kindergarten playground where we participated in making two preparations – “physics in a bucket” as described by Sandra.

In one copper pot we stirred horn silica into water (501) for the air, and in the other, horn manure (500) for the earth. After this we began “organising” a large compost pile, alternating wet and dry materials beginning with sticks and branches, then layering decomposing plant and vegetable matter (kindly contributed by the kindergarten families), leaves, a variety of animal manures, lime and plenty of water. The pile was completed by covering the “body” of it with hay, making several deep holes in places which represented various organs and depositing golf-ball sized measures into them of yarrow (502), chamomile (503), nettle (504), oakbark (505), and dandelion (506).

The following week the kindergarten children stirred a valerian (507) preparation in a bucket and added it to the pile. As a parent of a child currently attending the school, to witness approximately 30 colleagues performing this task with such a gesture of love and care was moving in a powerful way that is hard to describe.

The outdoor workshop concluded by everyone taking a cup and choosing either the 500 or 501 liquid preparation to spread about the school’s air, gardens and grounds.

After lunch we gathered again for the final session of the day providing an opportunity to share examples of working outside with children that had made a significant impact. The afternoon surprisingly turned into an impromptu day-spa whereby foot baths and hand massages with essential oils were offered and received willingly by all attending.

I am sure that most would agree that catching up with friends and former colleagues, and the opportunity to meet new like-minded allies at these regional meetings is just as enjoyable and beneficial to our work as the workshops themselves. The regional meetings are vital in the way that they connect us all, sometimes from out-of-the-way-places in our

states, to remind each other that we are not alone in the ways we work with young children. There is much knowledge, experience and wisdom to share, and we always have a wonderful time when we do get together. So, thank you to Sandra and the kindergarten staff from Cape Byron for hosting such an enjoyable, nourishing and inspiring day.