Surfboard Santa brings Christmas magic to Beach Kindy 

Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS) has brought festive cheer to the great outdoors this  winter, with children celebrating Christmas in July through its Beach Kindy program  alongside a very special visitor – Surfboard Santa. 

The mid-year celebration transformed the shoreline at Decker Park, Brighton, into an  engaging outdoor classroom, where children from Chermside Early Education Centre and  The Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre explored the beach, connected with  nature and celebrated the festive season through meaningful, hands-on learning  experiences. 

QCCS General Manager Laura Faalili said the celebration showcased how nature-based  learning can inspire curiosity, creativity and a lifelong appreciation for the environment. 

"Our Nature Play and Healthy Bodies programs inspire children to get outdoors and explore  their environment and learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences," Ms Faalili said. 

“Adding a little Christmas magic to these adventures made the experience even more  special, showing children that the greatest gifts can be found in nature and shared  experiences. 

"Welcoming Surfboard Santa to the beach created a sense of wonder and excitement while  encouraging children to connect with one another and build lasting memories through play.” 

Across Queensland, QCCS services embraced the festive spirit with unique Christmas in  July celebrations that reflected their individual nature-based learning programs. 

At Lockyer Valley Early Education Centre, Farm Kindy welcomed a special visit from Santa,  who arrived in true country style aboard a tractor. The festive experience complemented the  centre's outdoor learning program, where children explored the farm, interacted with animals  and learned about the farm-to-plate journey. By developing an understanding of where their  food comes from, children celebrated the season through meaningful, hands-on play. 

At Winston Glades Early Education Centre, Bush Kindy children celebrated Christmas in  July by embracing their right to play, learn and explore safely in nature while enjoying the  beauty of the Australian bush.

Ms Faalili said QCCS' nature-based programs provide children with rich opportunities to  learn beyond the traditional classroom. 

"Whether children are discovering the beach, exploring farmland or adventuring through the  bush, our nature-based programs provide meaningful experiences that foster confidence,  resilience and a genuine appreciation for the natural world," Ms Faalili said. 

"Christmas in July reminds us that learning can happen anywhere. When children feel  supported and connected to their environment, every experience becomes an opportunity to  learn and create lifelong memories.” 

To learn more about Queensland Childcare Services' commitment to high-quality early  childhood education and nature-based learning, visit the QCCS website.