If you’re keen for your kids to engage in something fun, creative and not within WIFI range during the April school holidays, consider booking them into some of the Ginninderry Conservation Trust’s nature-based art workshops.

A collaborative program between Ginninderry and Strathnairn Arts as part of the Heritage Festival, there will be four separate full-day workshops running between 18 and 26 April.

Each day will see the kids focusing on something different, with mornings consisting of participants spending time with the Ginninderry Conservation Trust team in the Conservation Corridor. What they see and experience on their walks will then inspire what they create in the afternoon with the various artists who will be running different workshops.

Ginninderry Conservation Trust Officer Ariana Strmota said the Trust has run a number of successful holiday programs over the last few years, encouraging young people to get outside and experience nature as well as First Nations culture.

“We use elements like art, music and games to create a fun and educational experience for all. We always receive positive feedback from participants and parents, even from those who were apprehensive at first. It is a great way for young people to get away from their screens for a time and connect with the world around them.”

Thursday 18  April will focus on landscapes, with artist Sally Black leading a workshop teaching participants how to create their own unique monotype artwork inspired by plant life, insects and animals they see in the corridor.

Wednesday 19 April will be all about clay, with artist Gemma Brown helping participants explore slab-building techniques in clay, using templates to form ceramic cups.

Wednesday 24 April will focus on water bugs, with artist John Hart teaching participants how to use watercolours to paint very small swimming creatures!

Friday 26 April is the final day, and will concentrate on birds, with artist Tom Buckland and Canberra Ornithologists Group member, Chris Davey. Chris will share his expertise with participants in the morning with Tom guiding them to use recycled cardboard to sculpt a three-dimensional and free-standing bird.

These days are aimed at young people aged 9-15, who love nature, art or both. There are limited places (10 participants per day) so that they can fully experience all that is on offer both in the corridor and in the studio.

And not to leave out the younger kids, Ginninderry Conservation Trust will also be running two small programs for younger children and their parents these holidays including Music In The Bush (ages 3-7) and Junior Rangers (ages 4-10).

More information on the workshops can be found here.