Wild Rescue ideas for OSHC
11 DIY activities for a wild rescue at before and after school care or vacation care, usually run around Winter or 11 April (National Pet Day). Pick and mix, or build a balanced day in one click.
Animal Sanctuary Diorama
Children build and decorate a wildlife sanctuary in a shoebox for toy animals, thinking about the food, water and shelter animals need.
Bug Day · Science Week · Science Day +3Caterpillar Growing Habitat
Children care for caterpillars in a habitat and record how they grow and change, watching the life cycle unfold over days or weeks.
Lost Creatures · Threatened Species Day · Environmental Day +3Extinct Animal Research
Children research an extinct or endangered animal and present their findings to the group.
Polar Day · Winter Wonderland · Wild Rescue +2Frozen Animal Rescue
Children free toy animals frozen in ice blocks using salt, droppers and warm water. A sensory science rescue mission.
Pet Day · Kindness Day · Cooking Day +2Homemade Dog Biscuits
Children mix and bake simple oat and pumpkin dog biscuits to donate to a local animal shelter. Cooking with kindness built in.
All About Australia Day · Animal Theme · Aussie Outback Day +3Kangaroo and Koala Masks
Younger children paint and decorate paper plate masks of kangaroos or koalas, talking about the features of each native animal.
Wild Aotearoa · Threatened Species Day · Animal Theme +1Native Creature Fact Cards
Children research an animal native to Aotearoa and make a trading-card style fact card with a drawing and key facts.
Pet Day · Dramatic Play Day · Careers Day +3Pretend Vet Clinic
Children run a vet clinic for soft toys, taking turns as vets, nurses and pet owners. Rich role-play about caring for animals.
Wild Rescue · Threatened Species Day · Environmental Day +1Save a Species Poster
Children create a campaign poster to help protect an animal, with a strong message and a picture.
Threatened Species Day · Wild Rescue · Animal Theme +1Threatened Species Fact Files
Children research a threatened Australian animal and create a fact file covering its habitat, diet, threats and how people can help.
Threatened Species Day · Nature Play Day · National Tree Day +3Wildlife Habitat Building
Children build a small habitat from sticks, leaves and natural materials for a threatened species, thinking about shelter, food and water.