Chloe Messner has a background in education, is a mum and has created a non-linear career where Nature and Play are the golden link. Chloe has inspired the staff to make a difference environmentally as the Manager of the Quiksilver Foundation, delved into experiential learning with Geelong’s Kids at Risk and has held the very local Lorne Candle and Castle Competition for the last 20 + years. The importance of nature play, is a key component in her research masters and a few years ago in conjunction with the YMCA she created S.O.A.K. ‘Surfcoast Outdoor Adventure Kids’. A school holiday program that connects kids to nature and the community and allows them to be free to be a kid, something she would want to send her kids to. She is a qualified teacher with outdoor experience and a deep understanding of how children learn in nature, she loves enabling adventures from the whimsical to the deep from yabbying to sailing and all the fun stuff in between. Natur.ed is a continuation on from S.O.A.K an attempt to get even more kids connected to their local natural environment while being active and healthy.
Sarah Bolus is a registered Secondary and Early years’ teacher, is first aid trained and has a BA in Nature Tourism. She has spent the last 20 years working in the outdoor and environmental education sector as a guide, program designer, and teacher. This has enabled her to work with a wide range of age groups and abilities.
She has always had a love of the outdoors and adventure and enjoys spending time with her family traveling, hiking, biking, camping, and snorkeling. Much of this has stemmed from her own childhood whereby she grew up climbing trees, exploring the nearby national park, and playing in the local creek. These early experiences have had a deep effect on Sarah’s teaching philosophy and leadership at Natur.ed, where she has become a passionate advocate for the importance of play and time spent in the natural environment as a crucial element in children’s health, development, and wellbeing.