Punk Caterpillar hand-drawn caterpillar logo
Punk Caterpillar: Bush SchoolWild Nature for Kidsest. 2021
Mentor Login

Punk Caterpillar

Our mentor team

The trusted adults who hold our crews around the fire - wild, warm and full of stories, diverse skills, passion, imagination and wonder! We are so grateful!

The Punk Caterpillar mentor crew together in the clover at The Punky Place
Our Spring-Summer mentor crew

Punk Homies Team

Georgie-Spider

Georgie-Spider

Georgie is a Gippsland grown local play/speech therapist with an insatiable love of kids & nature-connection ! Will be spotted looking for fairies and goblins, making little bushcrafts and shelters and searching for the next fun group game to learn or create together! Georgie has been mentoring on Punk Catperpillar programs as well as Firekeepers Mentor programs and has a magnetic, warm, silly, fun and warm rapport with children. Loves to notice and quietly befriend those folks and kiddos who are maybe a little wary or shy to join in with the larger group. She knows first-hand that big social gatherings can be overstimulating and challenging and she loves to make sure everyone feels welcome and included, no matter their communication, movement and regulation needs.

Laura

Laura

Hello! I’m Laura - a Danish-Australian artist nature-loving type person. I love foraging (especially for tasty mushrooms), writing music, and being silly with my friends. I’m new to the Punk Caterpillar crew and I’m really looking forward to nurturing curiosities and supporting wildness and creativity, outside on beautiful Djaara Country. I’m inspired by living the question: what becomes possible when we listen deeply to ourselves, each other, and all that surrounds us?

Maya - Dragonfly

Maya - Dragonfly

My name's Maya and I'm an artist and permaculture gardener from Daylesford. I'm passionate about folk art and reconnecting people with nature - I believe in magic and am on a quest to re mythologise the world! I'm inspired to be learning from the kids at Punk Caterpillar - they know all about magic and how to be curious in nature.

Michael-Flaming Eagle

Michael-Flaming Eagle

I'm a nature lover and artist at heart. My background is in fine art and sculpture (I've been drawing since I was three, and the TV show Art Attack was a huge inspiration growing up in the 90s). I've spent my recent career years as a counsellor. If I had to sum myself up, I'd say I'm a friendly, thoughtful contemplator with a creative twist, the type of person who loves to fly free like a bird or an eagle, following the gentle breeze and glide in spirals with companions from high above. I grew up in Melbourne, in a sleepy beachside suburb I love people and the slower rhythm of life that comes from living close to the land and staying connected to spirit. My days are shaped by the same threads art, reading, contemplation, meditation, time with friends, ceremony, listening to the birdsong and simply being with nature. I love singing songs together, dancing, and the small pleasures too, like a good piece of licorice. And I love noticing the small beings we share this planet with, the ones easy to walk straight past if you're not paying attention. What inspires me most about Punk Caterpillar is the chance to hold space and learn from everyone I sit with, not just guide. There's something I find really meaningful about building community around the fire, creating a place where people can feel truly connected, where a sense of belonging grows between us and with the natural world around us.

Little Pillars Team

Katelin

Katelin

I moved to Bendigo this year, from Melbourne, to study outdoor and sustainability education at uni. Outside of school I love volunteering, I dedicate a lot of time to scouting in Castlemaine. I was inspired to become a Punk Caterpillar mentor by others in my course, and believing that it seemed like a really amazing program for youth.

Maya - Dragonfly

Maya - Dragonfly

My name's Maya and I'm an artist and permaculture gardener from Daylesford. I'm passionate about folk art and reconnecting people with nature - I believe in magic and am on a quest to re mythologise the world! I'm inspired to be learning from the kids at Punk Caterpillar - they know all about magic and how to be curious in nature.

Mitch - Serval

Mitch - Serval

Mitch was planted in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, watered in WA on Wadjuk Noongar boodja, and now pollinating on Djaara djandak. He has an environmental science and community development background and loves deeply listening and connecting with country, trees and wildlife, and sharing the wisdom of animals. He loves waterways and various landscapes, fire building and singing silly/sacred songs to the land and sky. Mitch mentored on Punk Caterpillar programs last season and is looking forward to re-joining, connecting and learning with the Little Pillars after some adventures in the UK and Ireland !

Tully - Eucalyptus

Tully - Eucalyptus

My name is Tully/Eucalyptus (Euki for short). I grew up in Naarm, Melbourne immersed in youth movements, leadership programs and community initiatives as a child and a teenager. As a young adult, I've lead myself to the deep and rich waters of nature-based initiatives; volunteering on Firekeepers Village Camps, Blue Gum Bushcraft Camps (NSW), working as an assistant Educator in local alternative primary schools, and practising a conscious and nature connected life in my day-to-day. I have nearly completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, and hold the questions close to my heart; How can we move towards a simpler, more authentic way of educating? How can we truly honour the holistic needs of a child in this day and age? This is why Punk Caterpiller is important to me - and it's why I'm here to play, sing, cook, craft and be with the elements of the Wild and the elements of each and every Wild Child!

Big Punks Team

Dan-Yellow Gum

Dan-Yellow Gum

Dan is a wide-eyed boy disguised as a man. He is curious about what the birds are talking about, why plants choose to grow where they do, and what we can glean from the abundance of the bush. He is also a father, hiker, bushcrafter and tanner. He particularly loves nutting out projects with young people and watching their natural ingenuity shine

Finbar

Finbar

I’m Finbar, I live in Kyneton, but grew up in Canberra and rural NSW. My parents have always taken me hiking, camping and adventuring/exploring since I was really little, so I’ve developed a love for all things outdoors! I’m keen to improve my survival skills and learn along with the kids. I’ve had some experience in mentoring in similar environments and programs (that’s actually how I met Nectar!) and I love doing that, so am looking forward to experiencing a new program founded on similar principles!

Fionn

Fionn

Hi! Im Fionn, I’m from Djanduk/Castlemaine. I love spending time in the garden, learning the language of birds, exploring in the bush for flowers, trees, creatures and adventure. I also enjoy playing music with friends and wood calving.

Georgie-Spider

Georgie-Spider

Georgie is a Gippsland grown local play/speech therapist with an insatiable love of kids & nature-connection ! Will be spotted looking for fairies and goblins, making little bushcrafts and shelters and searching for the next fun group game to learn or create together! Georgie has been mentoring on Punk Catperpillar programs as well as Firekeepers Mentor programs and has a magnetic, warm, silly, fun and warm rapport with children. Loves to notice and quietly befriend those folks and kiddos who are maybe a little wary or shy to join in with the larger group. She knows first-hand that big social gatherings can be overstimulating and challenging and she loves to make sure everyone feels welcome and included, no matter their communication, movement and regulation needs.

Punky Crew

On the ground where ever they are needed

Grace

Grace

Art therapist and counsellor living and working around Castlemaine on Djaara Country. Loves making things with clay and beeswax, painting, wandering in nature and spending time with her therapy dog, Jimmy. Drawn to meditation and the quiet sense of connection found in nature and creativity. Passionate about nurturing children’s imagination and creating space for them to explore, express themselves and feel at home in who they are.

Marie - Wave

Marie - Wave

French-native educator and mum of two, passionate about bringing children together through play, songs, nature and adventure. With a background in education, Montessori-inspired learning and play therapy wisdom, here to create joyful, hands-on experiences where children can get messy, explore, imagine, connect and discover the magic of the world around them.

Nectar Connector

Nectar Connector

I'm passionate about creating spaces where people can connect and community can grow around the fire. I love spending time with kids! I'm a qualified primary teacher with more than 20 years' experience working with children in diverse settings, along with a background in PE, yoga, nature connection and outdoor education. Over the years I have gathered skills that directly feed Punk Caterpillar — living on an 8-month residential program called the Wild School, graduating from Nature's Apprentice (Nature Based Leadership Training), mentoring on Firekeepers camps, studying with Nature Philosophy and the Helpers Mentor Society, and being involved with Castlemaine Rites of Passage along with vision quests and other nature-based immersions. I've been fortunate to learn alongside wonderful mentors and communities who have deepened my understanding of what it means to live, learn and play in relationship with the natural world. My path has included parenting, permaculture, regenerative and community living, bushcraft, fire-making, so much travel, catering, event and volunteer management, teaching, nature philosophy, natural dyeing, carving, ceremony, seasonal practices and nature-based education. More info on the "Our story" page.

Sylwen

Sylwen

I am a wilding passionate about nurturing children’s imagination and creativity in the outdoors. Originally from Whadjuk Noongar Country (Perth), I spent much of my childhood frolicking in nature and believe in maintaining the magic, wonder and great mystery of Mother Nature. I studied secondary science education at university and was inspired to venture beyond the classroom to nurture children’s curiosity about biology and life in the true classroom. I am a trained yoga, meditation and breath work facilitator and current student of Nature’s Apprentice through Nature based leadership training. I have also completed a PDC and I am presently completing an internship through Peace Farm (an organic community led farm). I’m currently an educator at CERES and a bush mentor with Fire and Ferns and Bushwise. I have also mentored with Bluegum Bushcraft. I’m super excited to be a Punk Caterpillar mentor and nurture that sparkle of love for nature!

Tali - Lilly Pilly

Tali - Lilly Pilly

Wrapping up my 3 years living on Djaara Country I'm moving back to Naarm, alongside the Merri Creek. I'm excited to revist Djaara Country when Punk Caterpillar needs an extra helping hand throughout the term. I spend my days at a kinder teaching little ones how to garden and care for Country. I love riding my bike, feeling the sun on my face and looking at teeny tiny things (bugs, moss, and really far away stars). I'm inspired by the young people at Punk Caterpillar and the beautiful Country that holds the space for us each week.

Special guests

To be announced

Visiting elders, makers and storytellers will be shared here.

All mentors

Dan-Yellow Gum

Dan-Yellow Gum

Dan is a wide-eyed boy disguised as a man. He is curious about what the birds are talking about, why plants choose to grow where they do, and what we can glean from the abundance of the bush. He is also a father, hiker, bushcrafter and tanner. He particularly loves nutting out projects with young people and watching their natural ingenuity shine

Finbar

Finbar

I’m Finbar, I live in Kyneton, but grew up in Canberra and rural NSW. My parents have always taken me hiking, camping and adventuring/exploring since I was really little, so I’ve developed a love for all things outdoors! I’m keen to improve my survival skills and learn along with the kids. I’ve had some experience in mentoring in similar environments and programs (that’s actually how I met Nectar!) and I love doing that, so am looking forward to experiencing a new program founded on similar principles!

Fionn

Fionn

Hi! Im Fionn, I’m from Djanduk/Castlemaine. I love spending time in the garden, learning the language of birds, exploring in the bush for flowers, trees, creatures and adventure. I also enjoy playing music with friends and wood calving.

Georgie-Spider

Georgie-Spider

Georgie is a Gippsland grown local play/speech therapist with an insatiable love of kids & nature-connection ! Will be spotted looking for fairies and goblins, making little bushcrafts and shelters and searching for the next fun group game to learn or create together! Georgie has been mentoring on Punk Catperpillar programs as well as Firekeepers Mentor programs and has a magnetic, warm, silly, fun and warm rapport with children. Loves to notice and quietly befriend those folks and kiddos who are maybe a little wary or shy to join in with the larger group. She knows first-hand that big social gatherings can be overstimulating and challenging and she loves to make sure everyone feels welcome and included, no matter their communication, movement and regulation needs.

Grace

Grace

Art therapist and counsellor living and working around Castlemaine on Djaara Country. Loves making things with clay and beeswax, painting, wandering in nature and spending time with her therapy dog, Jimmy. Drawn to meditation and the quiet sense of connection found in nature and creativity. Passionate about nurturing children’s imagination and creating space for them to explore, express themselves and feel at home in who they are.

Katelin

Katelin

I moved to Bendigo this year, from Melbourne, to study outdoor and sustainability education at uni. Outside of school I love volunteering, I dedicate a lot of time to scouting in Castlemaine. I was inspired to become a Punk Caterpillar mentor by others in my course, and believing that it seemed like a really amazing program for youth.

Laura

Laura

Hello! I’m Laura - a Danish-Australian artist nature-loving type person. I love foraging (especially for tasty mushrooms), writing music, and being silly with my friends. I’m new to the Punk Caterpillar crew and I’m really looking forward to nurturing curiosities and supporting wildness and creativity, outside on beautiful Djaara Country. I’m inspired by living the question: what becomes possible when we listen deeply to ourselves, each other, and all that surrounds us?

Marie - Wave

Marie - Wave

French-native educator and mum of two, passionate about bringing children together through play, songs, nature and adventure. With a background in education, Montessori-inspired learning and play therapy wisdom, here to create joyful, hands-on experiences where children can get messy, explore, imagine, connect and discover the magic of the world around them.

Maya - Dragonfly

Maya - Dragonfly

My name's Maya and I'm an artist and permaculture gardener from Daylesford. I'm passionate about folk art and reconnecting people with nature - I believe in magic and am on a quest to re mythologise the world! I'm inspired to be learning from the kids at Punk Caterpillar - they know all about magic and how to be curious in nature.

Michael-Flaming Eagle

Michael-Flaming Eagle

I'm a nature lover and artist at heart. My background is in fine art and sculpture (I've been drawing since I was three, and the TV show Art Attack was a huge inspiration growing up in the 90s). I've spent my recent career years as a counsellor. If I had to sum myself up, I'd say I'm a friendly, thoughtful contemplator with a creative twist, the type of person who loves to fly free like a bird or an eagle, following the gentle breeze and glide in spirals with companions from high above. I grew up in Melbourne, in a sleepy beachside suburb I love people and the slower rhythm of life that comes from living close to the land and staying connected to spirit. My days are shaped by the same threads art, reading, contemplation, meditation, time with friends, ceremony, listening to the birdsong and simply being with nature. I love singing songs together, dancing, and the small pleasures too, like a good piece of licorice. And I love noticing the small beings we share this planet with, the ones easy to walk straight past if you're not paying attention. What inspires me most about Punk Caterpillar is the chance to hold space and learn from everyone I sit with, not just guide. There's something I find really meaningful about building community around the fire, creating a place where people can feel truly connected, where a sense of belonging grows between us and with the natural world around us.

Mitch - Serval

Mitch - Serval

Mitch was planted in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, watered in WA on Wadjuk Noongar boodja, and now pollinating on Djaara djandak. He has an environmental science and community development background and loves deeply listening and connecting with country, trees and wildlife, and sharing the wisdom of animals. He loves waterways and various landscapes, fire building and singing silly/sacred songs to the land and sky. Mitch mentored on Punk Caterpillar programs last season and is looking forward to re-joining, connecting and learning with the Little Pillars after some adventures in the UK and Ireland !

Nectar Connector

Nectar Connector

I'm passionate about creating spaces where people can connect and community can grow around the fire. I love spending time with kids! I'm a qualified primary teacher with more than 20 years' experience working with children in diverse settings, along with a background in PE, yoga, nature connection and outdoor education. Over the years I have gathered skills that directly feed Punk Caterpillar — living on an 8-month residential program called the Wild School, graduating from Nature's Apprentice (Nature Based Leadership Training), mentoring on Firekeepers camps, studying with Nature Philosophy and the Helpers Mentor Society, and being involved with Castlemaine Rites of Passage along with vision quests and other nature-based immersions. I've been fortunate to learn alongside wonderful mentors and communities who have deepened my understanding of what it means to live, learn and play in relationship with the natural world. My path has included parenting, permaculture, regenerative and community living, bushcraft, fire-making, so much travel, catering, event and volunteer management, teaching, nature philosophy, natural dyeing, carving, ceremony, seasonal practices and nature-based education. More info on the "Our story" page.

Sylwen

Sylwen

I am a wilding passionate about nurturing children’s imagination and creativity in the outdoors. Originally from Whadjuk Noongar Country (Perth), I spent much of my childhood frolicking in nature and believe in maintaining the magic, wonder and great mystery of Mother Nature. I studied secondary science education at university and was inspired to venture beyond the classroom to nurture children’s curiosity about biology and life in the true classroom. I am a trained yoga, meditation and breath work facilitator and current student of Nature’s Apprentice through Nature based leadership training. I have also completed a PDC and I am presently completing an internship through Peace Farm (an organic community led farm). I’m currently an educator at CERES and a bush mentor with Fire and Ferns and Bushwise. I have also mentored with Bluegum Bushcraft. I’m super excited to be a Punk Caterpillar mentor and nurture that sparkle of love for nature!

Tali - Lilly Pilly

Tali - Lilly Pilly

Wrapping up my 3 years living on Djaara Country I'm moving back to Naarm, alongside the Merri Creek. I'm excited to revist Djaara Country when Punk Caterpillar needs an extra helping hand throughout the term. I spend my days at a kinder teaching little ones how to garden and care for Country. I love riding my bike, feeling the sun on my face and looking at teeny tiny things (bugs, moss, and really far away stars). I'm inspired by the young people at Punk Caterpillar and the beautiful Country that holds the space for us each week.

Tully - Eucalyptus

Tully - Eucalyptus

My name is Tully/Eucalyptus (Euki for short). I grew up in Naarm, Melbourne immersed in youth movements, leadership programs and community initiatives as a child and a teenager. As a young adult, I've lead myself to the deep and rich waters of nature-based initiatives; volunteering on Firekeepers Village Camps, Blue Gum Bushcraft Camps (NSW), working as an assistant Educator in local alternative primary schools, and practising a conscious and nature connected life in my day-to-day. I have nearly completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, and hold the questions close to my heart; How can we move towards a simpler, more authentic way of educating? How can we truly honour the holistic needs of a child in this day and age? This is why Punk Caterpiller is important to me - and it's why I'm here to play, sing, cook, craft and be with the elements of the Wild and the elements of each and every Wild Child!