A typical day

Soon after greeting and checking in with one another, we play a game to warm up for the day and to come together as a group.  These group games are designed to foster cooperation, communication and to release plenty of energy and have fun!  They often involve connecting with our senses and the nature around us too. 

We gather for a welcome circle where with a drink and a snack we share personal stories in relation to a theme, the week behind us, or the day ahead. We encourage the young people to listen and speak from the heart, and may use this circle to share ideas on a challenge that the group wants to resolve.  We remind ourselves of our agreements: looking after ourselves, each other, nature and things. 

Morning activities include a choice of nature-based crafts and practical activities, or projects of their own making. Children harvest materials, forage for ingredients, share discoveries as we roam, cook on the campfire, embark on team challenges, care for the land, light fires, use tools, create or tell stories, and much more over time. We listen out for birds, identify trees and flowers, spot signs of animals or investigate a seasonal aspect through experiencing it through our bodies and senses.

Lunch is mostly eaten together, at a location where the mood, weather and group take us! 

Lunch time is followed by free choice.  They may continue with an interest or a project from the morning, relax in hammocks or around the fire, whittle, do crafts, or simply play.  In doing so, they move through the landscape, using the base area, open areas and many nooks and crannies of our wonderful site.

Near the day’s end, we tidy up, play a final game if time permits, and then gather together to hear what everyone enjoyed, and what they would like to do more of.