Experiential Learning Network Australia

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from both individuals and organisations who would like to work hands on with horses in Southern Adelaide.
Primary aged children- maths and literacy development
High School and young adult- communication and body awareness.
I have an interest registration form for anyone who may be interested.

We’re often told that learning happens at a desk.

But we believe some of the deepest learning happens elsewhere —
In the paddock.
In the dirt.
In conversation.
In real-world challenges.

We’re working toward creating opportunities where young people can build confidence, resilience and real-life skills through hands-on experience.

Because experience changes us. And when we’re given the space to reflect on that experience, that’s when knowledge is truly created.

That’s the heart of what we’re building.

Ever noticed how much more effective learning can be when it’s not done alone?

In Cast Away, Tom Hanks names the volleyball “Wilson” — not because he’s lost it, but because humans solve problems, cope, and keep going better when they have a companion.

At WildQuest, animals aren’t a gimmick or a replacement for peer learning. They’re a bridge.

For learners who need regulation, confidence, or a sense of safety before joining peers, animals provide:
• non-judgemental presence
• no pressure
• clear, honest feedback
• calming, grounding support

Once that foundation is in place, peer learning and collaborative experiences become much more effective.

Learning is relational — and sometimes the safest place to start has four legs.

I wonder what learning might be going on in the paddock Alkira Adina Equestrian?

✨ Calling kind-hearted changemakers ✨
Coffee, cake & community – Monday 14th July

I’m quietly building something that’s been growing in my heart for a while now — a charity called Experiential Learning Network Australia. It’s all about real learning, for real people — the kind that happens outside the classroom, in the paddock, the garden, the kitchen, or with your hands in the soil and your heart switched on.

And now… I’m looking for a small crew of good humans to help bring it to life.

Nothing fancy or high-pressure — just kind, passionate people who believe in education that feels like something. If you’ve got lived experience, ideas, or a gentle fire in your belly for making things more inclusive, I’d love to meet you.

I’m hosting a super relaxed coffee and cake morning:
Monday 14th July
68 Easton Road, Chandlers, If it rains, we’ll cosy up at the community centre — I’ll let you know if you RSVP.

For those who can't make it I'd love to chat over zoom.

This is just a starting place. A yarn. A warm invite.
If you’re curious and want to know more (or even feel the tiniest nudge of a “maybe this is for me?”), here’s where to register your interest:
👉 https://www.featheredstoryweaver.com.au/general-8

Let’s make something beautiful together. 💛

I’ve finally got more detailed info about the charity project I’ve been working on! 🎉 If you’ve already been in touch, I’ll reach out tomorrow with the link (or feel free to check it out now—I promise I haven’t forgotten you 😂).

I’ve got an informal meet-up planned (cake and coffee ☕️) or we can chat over Zoom.

I’m passionate about educating all children—those who fit in the classroom and those who don’t, those with funding (like NDIS) and those without and all those children and young people in between.

Excited to share more:
👉 https://www.featheredstoryweaver.com.au/general-8

🌿 Now Calling for Founding Board Members! 🌿
Are you passionate about equity in education, mental health, and hands-on learning that reconnects people to the natural world?

Experiential Learning Network Australia (ELNA) is a new charity in development with a bold and beautiful mission:
To make nature-based, animal-assisted, and experiential learning accessible to children and young people who need it most.

We believe that learning doesn’t just happen behind a desk — it happens in paddocks, gardens, kitchens, on horseback, through art, movement, storytelling and connection. And for too long, many young people have missed out on this kind of learning because of barriers like cost, diagnosis, or postcode.

We’re now seeking volunteer board members to help guide ELNA in its early steps toward becoming a registered charity — and a movement.

⸻

✨ Who we’re looking for:
People who care deeply about young people and believe in creative, strengths-based learning.
Experience in any of the following areas is especially valued (but not required):
✔ Education
✔ Disability or allied health
✔ Grant writing or fundraising
✔ Governance or law
✔ Community development
✔ Lived experience as a parent, carer or youth advocate
✔ Small business or nonprofit leadership

⸻

🧡 This is a volunteer role with purpose.
You’ll be part of shaping something new and needed from the ground up.
Perfect for someone who wants to contribute their heart, head, and a few hours a month to something that matters.

📩 If you’re curious, reach out via DM and I’ll send you some info. No pressure — just a conversation to start.

Let’s build something extraordinary, together.

Back when I was teaching in an ELC as an ECT I embraced experiential learning. I have since created my own business for families whose children do not fit into the mould of traditional classroom settings. This is my information page to help educators think deeper about experiential learning.

When I was teaching I used bantam chooks who generally lived inside (came home with me on the weekends) and they were an active part of teaching social and emotional awareness, maths, literacy, art and science. Now I use horses but the underlying concepts remain the same.

If you want to know how animals can be partners in learning, please follow along 🙂🐴

Every co-facilitator needs a foundation.
In this photo, our yearling horse pauses to sniff a stepping stone — a small moment, but a meaningful one. Before animals take part in animal-assisted learning, they must be supported through purposeful exposure, ethical training, and calm, consistent interactions.

Just as we scaffold learning for our students, we scaffold experiences for our animals — introducing new stimuli, building emotional regulation, and supporting confidence over time. This slow and steady approach honours both trauma-informed practice and our duty of care — ensuring that animals are not just included, but genuinely prepared and supported.

Effective experiential learning happens when all participants — human and animal — feel safe, respected, and ready to engage. That’s where the learning truly begins.

Every co-facilitator needs a foundation.
In this photo, our yearling horse pauses to sniff a stepping stone — a small moment, but a meaningful one. Before animals take part in animal-assisted learning, they must be supported through purposeful exposure, ethical training, and calm, consistent interactions.

Just as we scaffold learning for our students, we scaffold experiences for our animals — introducing new stimuli, building emotional regulation, and supporting confidence over time. This slow and steady approach honours both trauma-informed practice and our duty of care — ensuring that animals are not just included, but genuinely prepared and supported.

Effective experiential learning happens when all participants — human and animal — feel safe, respected, and ready to engage. That’s where the learning truly begins.