How My Spirited Child Inspired Urban Adventurers: A Journey Beyond the Competitive Field

Today, I'm sitting down to share a story very close to my heart – the journey that led to the creation of Urban Adventurers. It's a tale of a young kid with boundless energy and big emotions.

The Spark: An Energetic 8-Year-Old

Let me introduce you to my daughter, the spark behind Urban Adventurers. At 8 years old, she is a whirlwind of energy, constantly on the move, and happiest when she is outdoors.

But here's the twist – my daughter isn’t into competitive sports. The structure of basketball, for example, with its competitive shouts, the pressure to win – it just doesn’t resonate with her spirit. She is a talented dancer but feels too shy to be in the performances. She craves movement and adventure but in a space where she can be herself, where her big emotions are not a hurdle but a part of her vibrant personality.

It dawned on me that some kids need a different kind of space. A space where the sky's the limit, not the scoreboard. A place where energy is directed towards exploration and self-discovery, not just towards goals and finish lines.

Inspiration came from different places

During our family travels we experienced places I wished were on offer in Melbourne, our permanent home. In 2022, we spent a term in Bali, where my daughter attended the Wood School: a nature-based learning school. Around the same time, our close friends, and owners of Part & Parcel, moved to North NSW where nature-based holiday programs abound. And over holidays in Anglesea, my daughter attended the Y’s fantastic Kids Go Bush program. It frustrated me that nothing like it exists in urban Melbourne.

That’s why Urban Adventurers was born. I envisioned a place where kids like my daughter could channel their energy into exploring the natural world - without having to travel hours to do it. Where climbing trees and studying bugs were the day's highlights. A place where big emotions were celebrated and understood, not suppressed.

Our Philosophy: Embrace the Adventure 🌍

At Urban Adventurers, we believe that every child has a unique spark. We're not here to dim that spark to fit into a specific mold. Instead, we’re here to let it burn bright. We provide a canvas for kids to paint their adventures, guided by their curiosity and joy.

Learning Beyond Competition

We focus on non-competitive, physical, and adventurous activities. It's not about being the fastest or the strongest; it's about being your most authentic self. It's about learning resilience when you slip in the mud, teamwork when you're building a den, and respect for nature as you navigate a bush reserve.

A Safe Haven for Big Emotions

Big emotions are a big deal at Urban Adventurers. We understand that children express themselves in various ways. Our team is trained to guide these emotions positively, helping children learn and grow from them.

To All the Parents 🌼

If you have a child who doesn’t quite fit the competitive sports mold, or who loves competitive sports but could do with something more, know that you’re not alone. There's a world of adventure waiting for them, a place where they can be their wonderful, wild selves. That's what Urban Adventurers is all about.

So, here's to all the spirited, adventurous, and wonderfully unique children – may you always find joy in nature.

x

Shelley, Joint Founder and CEO of Urban Adventurers