A Different Way to Learn
Education does not have to look the same as it did generations ago. At The Bushies Initiative, learning grows from curiosity, connection and the world around us. Based in Sydney, NSW, Bushies is an outdoor homeschool community created for families who want their children to learn with purpose, freedom and joy.
Our guiding belief is simple: it takes a whole village to educate a child. Parents, children, guardians and educators each bring valuable knowledge, experience and encouragement. Together, we create rich learning experiences that nurture the whole person—building mind, body and spirit in harmony.
Learning Together in the Australian Bush
The current Bushies community brings families together through outdoor learning, shared activities and meaningful relationships. Children can explore nature, ask questions, develop practical skills and grow in confidence, while parents find support among people walking a similar path.
Learning outdoors offers more than fresh air. It invites children to notice seasonal changes, understand their environment, solve problems collaboratively and develop a lasting sense of care for the natural world. These everyday discoveries become part of a broader, more human approach to education.
A Vision for the Future
Bushies is also the umbrella for future projects, including an eco hub, excursions, courses, workshops and other education initiatives. Our long-term vision is a living place where families, children and parent-educators can learn, live, grow and share together.
The future eco hub is distinct from today’s homeschool community, but both are connected by the same purpose: creating better opportunities for children and a healthier future for everyone. It is a vision grounded in sustainability, cooperation and the belief that education should evolve with the world.
Join the Village
Whether you are exploring homeschooling, already part of a learning community or simply passionate about children and the environment, there is a place for you at Bushies. Come along, share your ideas, support the vision and help build something hopeful for generations to come.