In the heart of Hervey Bay, something exciting is hopping into action at the Hervey Bay Women’s Shed. Recently, the shed hosted a Frog Hotel Workshop, and the results were nothing short of ribbit-ing!
The workshop was a significant stride towards the future of their Shed. Held within the idyllic venue of The Neighbourhood Hive, the workshop brought together a dedicated team of volunteers, creating an atmosphere buzzing with positivity and learning opportunities. With the sun shining down, participants dove into the hands-on activities with enthusiasm, soaking in the rays and the joy of creation. Attendees engaged in lively conversations, forging new connections, and strengthening existing ones. It was a testament to the inclusive and welcoming environment fostered by the Shed.
Central to the success of the workshop was the generous donation from Reece’s Plumbing. Their contribution of PVC pipes made it possible for participants to build over a dozen new frog hotels. These cozy abodes for our amphibian friends will not only provide shelter but also contribute to the local ecosystem, making a tangible impact on the environment.
There are many free guides available online for your women’s shed to create your own “Frog Hotel” workshop: https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/how-to/hop-in-hotel/13399132
How to host a Frog Hotel Workshop in 10 steps:
1. Assess Interest: Gauge interest among members to determine if there is sufficient enthusiasm for a Frog Hotel Workshop. Who has interest and skill set to lead and organise the workshop?
2. Plan Workshop Goals: Define the objectives of the workshop. Is it primarily educational, aimed at teaching participants about local wildlife and conservation efforts? Or is it more focused on hands-on construction, with participants building frog hotels to be placed in the community (with appropriate pre-approvals) or simply to have at their homes? Will you do a ‘basic frog hotel’ or a ‘5 star frog hotel’?
3. Secure Resources: Identify the materials and resources needed for the workshop. This may include PVC pipes, wooden boxes, soil, plants, tools, and educational materials about frogs and their habitats. Consider reaching out to local businesses or organizations for donations or sponsorships to offset costs. How much are members prepared to contribute to the workshop for materials, will they bring their own materials, or do you have a pre-approved budget to work with? Hervey Bay asked their members to “bring their own large pot” to offset the costs and logistics of the largest piece of kit for the workshop. See the associated ABC article for a set of materials depending upon the type of hotel you’d like to build.
4. Choose a venue, date and time: Select a suitable venue for the workshop. Ideally, choose a space that can accommodate hands-on activities and has access to outdoor areas if participants will be building frog hotels on-site. Determine the date and time for the workshop, taking into account the availability of leaders, volunteers, participants and any seasonal considerations related to frog activity or weather.
5. Promote the Workshop: Spread the word about the workshop to your members through various channels, such as social media, email newsletters, flyers, and word-of-mouth.
6. Develop Workshop event order: Create a workshop agenda outlining the activities, presentations, and hands-on exercises planned for the day. Consider inviting guest speakers, such as local wildlife experts or conservationists, to enhance the educational component of the workshop. Take care of logistical details, such as arranging for transportation, setting up registration and check-in stations, and ensuring access to restroom facilities and refreshments for participants.
7. Train Volunteers: If volunteers will be assisting with the workshop, provide them with training and guidance on their roles and responsibilities. Assign tasks such as assisting participants, setting up equipment, and managing workshop materials.
8. Execute the Workshop: On the day of the workshop, ensure everything is set up and ready to go. Welcome participants, provide an overview of the agenda, and facilitate the planned activities. Encourage active participation, questions, and discussions throughout the workshop.
9. Collect Feedback: After the workshop, solicit feedback from participants to gather insights into what went well and areas for improvement. Use this feedback to inform future workshops and initiatives.
10. Follow-Up: Follow up with participants after the workshop to thank them for their participation and provide any additional resources or information related to frog conservation and habitat enhancement.
We hope that Hervey Bay Women’s Shed has inspired you and this article will help you hop to it to successfully organise and host your own Frog Hotel Workshop!
