Demi-digital detox for the Easter holidays
Feeling overwhelmed with the holidays coming up? Cost of entertainment, how to get the kids off devices or interested in an alternative. Check out this guide that will help you strike a balance you'll both like.
Last year, Kurt Jones was named the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Award, Young Citizen of the Year for tackling conservation from a different angle and engaging kids in a fun way.
He founded Co-Exist, an organisation that uses outdoor recreation activities such as canoeing and snorkelling to encourage young people to engage with the environment and while they're having fun, they learn.
If you feel like you're fighting a losing battle with getting kids interested in something other than their devices, how about getting a little of what you both want.
There are lots of ways to engage in and enjoy our Sunshine Coast Biosphere. Check out these ideas for the school holidays, and if you know a young person like Kurt, nominate them for a Biosphere Award by April 30, 2025.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun, outdoor recreational activity where participants use GPS devices or smartphones to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches," at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world.
- Find a Geocache: Use a geocaching app or website to find geocaches near you. Each cache has GPS coordinates and a description.
- Navigate to the Cache: Use your GPS device or smartphone to navigate to the coordinates.
- Search for the Cache: Once you reach the location, search for the hidden container. Caches can vary in size and difficulty.
- Sign the Logbook: Inside the cache, there is usually a logbook. Sign it with your geocaching username and the date.
- Trade Items: Some caches contain small trinkets. If you take something, leave something of equal or greater value.
- Log Your Find Online: Log your find on the geocaching website or app to keep track of your adventures and share your experience with others.
Geocaching makes going for a walk fun, it's a great way to explore new places, enjoy nature, and engage in a global treasure hunt.
Language lovers
Apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Busuu use gamification and interactive features to make learning a new language a fun and engaging experience.
With short, gamified lessons that cover vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, users earn points, unlock levels, and maintain streaks by completing daily lessons.
To test it out, find a cafe or restaurant with international speakers and get the kids to order a treat in their new language.
Music maestro
If music is more your jam but the cost of lessons feels prohibitive, these apps offer a great way to use technology to provide interactive, engaging, and effective music lessons.
Free apps like Yousician, Flowkey, Piano Marvel and Music Tutor offer interactive lessons for various instruments. They listen your playing and provides feedback.
The gamified approach, with challenges and rewards, makes learning feel like a game. It’s great for keeping both kids and adults engaged.
Get the kids to learn the skill, then showcase their new skill by busking for family or money.
Content Creators
The best content comes from real experiences. Negotiate by using devices to capture the experience which can be turned into great content once the sun goes down.
Apps like CapCut make content creation easy for everyone.
Use intuitive editing tools to trim, split, and merge clips. You can also adjust the speed, reverse footage, and apply filters to enhance your videos.
Add background music or sound effects, or import your own audio files. Adjust the volume and sync the audio with your video.
Once you’re satisfied with your edits, export the video in your desired resolution and share it directly to social media platforms.
Tips for Creating Content on the Go
- Plan Ahead: Have a rough idea of the shots you want to capture and the story you want to tell. This will make the editing process smoother.
- Keep It Simple: Focus on capturing clear, steady shots. Avoid overly complex scenes that might be difficult to edit on a small screen.
- Use Natural Light: Take advantage of natural lighting to enhance the quality of your videos. Shoot during the golden hour for the best results.
- Stay Organized: Keep your clips organized within the app to make the editing process more efficient.
Adventure Sunshine Coast
This is your Sunshine Coast go to platform for all sorts of adventures from walking, riding, paddling or horse riding, you'll find all the best adventures on the website.
Extension activities
Scavenger Hunt
- Create a list of items for kids to find in nature, such as different types of leaves, rocks, or insects. Give them a bag to collect their treasures.
Rock Stars
- Find some pebbles and grab the paints or pens
- do a little research if you need some help deciding what to paint. Pinterest is a great resource for ideas
- decorate, paint, design rocks of choice including a hashtag or a place to post pictures
- hide the rocks, then track where they turn up using the hashtag you created
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