Hello, I am Sara Schmude, a passionate advocate for connecting our children, the future custodians of this land with the natural environment, the one we are all dependent on for clean food, water and air.  To make this connection we need learning environments, outdoor classrooms that inspire children to explore, experiment and wonder about the true needs of this earth.  Frog Dreaming is that classroom.

Frog Dreaming began over a cup of tea with my friend and colleague, Bec Smith back in 2007. Through Bec’s involvement in high school teaching and the National Parks Discovery program we were aware that children were becoming disconnected from the natural world and in particular understanding the value of biodiversity and the healthy ecosystems that support sustainable agriculture. And so with the help of a local farming family, the Taylor's from Kentucky in Northern NSW, we now have Frog Dreaming the annual award winning conference that has been experienced by over 600 children from across the region.



The two day conference itself caters to 100 year 5/6 students from rural & urban schools, together with mentors from Armidale High School (past frog dreamers) and specialist educators from the natural resource management sector and the University of New England. Frog Dreaming is a festival of storytelling. We use Aboriginal Heritage themes and the kids teaching kids methodology to successfully engage with the students, breakdown barriers, build confidence to rise to challenges – all this coupled with workshops over two days on a local farm leaves a lasting impression.

The ultimate goal of this program is to develop a connection between the younger generation and the land we live in. Our children are the future land managers & decision-makers – let’s play a part in making their education meaningful and relevant. Become a part of Frog Dreaming.
To find out more about the Frog Dreaming Conference following the following Facebook link...

Thank you,
Sara

We also receive on-going valuable support from Uralla Shire Council, Kentucky P&F, Uralla Arts and the Northern Inland Regional Waste group.

Also a big thank you to Evelyn, Clara, Molly, Renee, Linden, Zac and Cameron - the UNE Agriculture Extension students for putting together this crowd funding campaign. 

Past Frog Dreaming Conferences

$10 000 raised will go towards running Frog Dreaming this year including accommodation, venue/equipment hire, catering costs and resources/materials.

If we raise $15 000 it will cover the cost of running Frog Dreaming this year & allow us to continue working with the schools and their participants after the event.

If we raise $20 000 it will allow us run this years program and build future programs. 

The real strength of the Landcare movement is that at the grassroots level we make things happen -  and we are proud to provide this valuable program to the schools for no charge - as this we believe gives the opportunity for all to access. However if in the event we are stuck for funding support then the schools will be required to pitch in for catering & venue hire ... we also look for opportunities for our local supporters to help out i.e. borrow the local fire brigade's generator & BBQ.