A School Holiday Program with a difference: The Possum Patch

Definitely a holiday program with a difference. Photos: Supplied.

Imagine a world where your child has the opportunity to explore 28 hectares of natural environment, wandering through olive groves, orchards and market gardens. A place where they could learn where their food really comes from, how to grow it successfully and make tasty dishes using fresh produce, which they can harvest themselves!

That dream can now become a reality for local Canberrans with the opening of Pialligo Estate’s newest project – The Possum Patch.

Learning about food can be educational as well as fun.

A study by Medibank in Australia found that one in five children believe that their food originates from the supermarket. The Possum Patch aims to change this statistic, offering children unique, fun and educational experiences that inspire them to share the true science and wonder that is growing and farming.

The Possum Patch is about to revolutionise the concept of ‘learning by doing’ with children learning about the origins of the food they eat and cook through a hands-on approach. Picking fruit from the orchard and vegetables from the market garden, children will create a tasty meal using the produce they have just harvested from the tree or ground.

Understanding and experiencing fresh produce at The Possum Patch.

Launched on 1 July 2019, just in time for the school holidays, The Possum Patch will offer a host of different experiences for children and family with options including birthday parties, school excursions and a school holiday program.

All programs align with the National Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework so teachers and parents can be assured that the learning is relevant and consistent with school-based education.

The school holiday program, running weekdays from 8 July to 19 July, provides children aged four to thirteen years with the opportunity to participate in full day cooking classes, learning about kitchen safety, healthy food and how to cook lunches and treats using farm-fresh produce from Pialligo Estate. A highlight of the day will be the farm tour where children will be taken on farm buggies to pick their own produce and ask questions of the Estate’s Market Gardener, Peter Anderson.

Different themed days such as Introduction to Cooking, Christmas in July, High Tea and Winter Warmers will keep your budding chef busy these school holidays as they learn new skills from the Estate’s chefs and educators.

While they wait for their meals to cook, children will have plenty of room to experience nature-based play within a purpose-built natural play space.

Book in to a great holiday program during the school break.

Feedback already received from families highlight the significance of the already successful school holiday programs run by Pialligo Estate.

“The girls had a great time [at the school holiday program] and the recipes are on the fridge. We now have a cafe being run from home,” says one delighted parent.

“My ten-year-old daughter thought it was the best holiday program she attended; on par with tennis boot camp. She thoroughly enjoyed the farm tour and came back with lots of happy stories,” says another appreciative parent.

The Possum Patch is a further addition to the Estate’s suite of family programs and is situated on Beltana Road, Pialligo. Bookings are currently being taken through the website. Get in quickly to secure your booking. www.thepossumpatch.com.au.