Ever wondered what a day in OOSH (Out of School Hours Care) is like? Well, come along on an epic adventure with Laurence and the amazing team at West Wollongong Fun Club as they take the children on a fun-filled excursion to Stanwell Park Beach Reserve!
Getting Ready for an Adventure
Meet Laurence, the fearless leader of the Fun Club, who’s been part of the Big Fat Smile team for over six years and the Director at West Wollongong Fun Club for the last three. He arrives early, full of energy, ready to lead the crew on a day packed with exploration and fun.
“A typical day during Vacation Care kicks off with a bunch of exciting activities set up for the children at the service, while we get everything and everyone ready for take-off,” Laurence explains.
Now, most of the planning for an excursion happens months before the big day—think risk assessments, bookings, transport, and staffing. But on the day, there are still some last-minute checks to make sure everything runs smoothly.
“For safety, we always have a list of the children and educators attending, along with emergency contact info, medical plans, medication, and a trusty first aid kit,” says Laurence.
The Beach Adventure Begins
Around 10 am, the Fun Club jumps onto the bus, and they’re off to Stanwell Park Beach Reserve, where the legendary Ranger Jamie is waiting to lead them on an adventure.
“We teamed up with Ranger Jamie because the children have expressed an interest in sea animals and the ocean, and we know from past experiences that Range Jamie is amazing at making learning about local habitats a blast!” Laurence shares.
As the children hop off the bus, Ranger Jamie greets them with a huge smile. The adventure kicks off with a fun introduction to Aussie native animals and their habitats, and then it’s time to dive into creek explorations, deep net fishing, bug-catching, and all sorts of wild discoveries.
“The educators are right there with the children, totally getting stuck into deep net fishing,” says Laurence.
“The environment at Stanwell Park Beach Reserve is perfect for sparking both children and educator’ curiosity, and by playing alongside each other, we’re able to create memorable, rewarding learning moments and fun conversations.”
Beach Fun: Sand, Sun, and Creatures
After a delicious lunch break, it’s time for some beachy fun! The children and educators head over to the sand for some serious habitat-building action. Ranger Jamie teaches them all about the creatures hiding in the sand, and the Fun Club team is not afraid to get their hands (or feet) dirty!
“It’s so rewarding to see the children light up with excitement when they discover something new, especially when they’re knee-deep in sand and totally immersed in nature” says Laurence.
Heading Back with Full Hearts (and Full Bellies!)
By 2 pm, it’s time to head back to the service, but the fun doesn’t stop there! In the afternoon, Laurence and the team have lined up a whole bunch of STEM and creative art activities that tie back to everything the children learned at the beach. Of course, the children can always relax, rest, or pick from a variety of other activities if they prefer a more laid-back afternoon.
What Makes Laurence and the Team Smile Every Day?
When you’re working with children, fun comes with the territory. And at West Wollongong Fun Club, it’s all about giving children a day full of laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments. “Seeing the children challenge themselves, discover new things, and grow in confidence is hands down the most rewarding part of being an educator here,” says Laurence.
So, there you have it—a sneak peek into the heart of Big Fat Smile, where passionate Fun Club educators bring a spark of adventure and joy to every single day!
We’re always looking for OOSH educators to join our Fun Club Team. Right now, we’re looking for an experienced educator to team up with Laurence at West Wollongong Fun Club as the Second in Charge. Whether you’re formally qualified or not, this is a great opportunity to get a head-start in your childhood education career.
Check out our current job opening here, or learn more about the benefits of working at Big Fat Smile here.
