Connect with Nature Through Play

We have created a magical haven within our surrounding woodlands for outdoor learning. We closely follow the forest school ethos in our facilitation which promotes the holistic development of the child through play while being child led/centred .

"The philosophy of Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences." - ( https://irishforestschoolassociation.ie )

When children are free to play in nature they build resilience, self confidence, improved problem solving skills , teamwork, independance, increased creativity, improved gross/fine motor skills and better communication among many more skills that will follow them into adulthood.

As the focus of our workshop is child-led, the children are free to choose what they partake in but most even if they say no to craft/activities initially, join in later when they see the wonderful creations.

We all take part in circle time at the beginning and at the end of the session to introduce and then to reflect on our day.

What will your child/children be doing at our workshop?

*Below is a list of most activities we offer. (The activities offered will depend on the capabilities of the whole group and will be decided on the weekend).

- Natural art/crafts - using where possible natural local materials

- Den building. This includes fairy and animal dens also (smaller!)

- Light tool use (hand drill)

- Foraging. Making tea from foraged plants and learning about edible wild food

- Whittling (very dependant on ages and capabilities within the group)

- Hammocks (quiet area)

- Ropes. May include high/low ropes, swing, ladder (depending on suitable trees)

- Fire lighting, flint and steel.

- Games. Learn about our native flora and fauna through play

- Nature walk. Using our senses we will explore our woodland

- Bug hunt. Using magnifying glasses we will meet our little friends up close.

- Camp fire. Cooking snacks (weather depending)

- Mud kitchen. Magic potion making

What to bring ?

Please send appropriate clothing with your child.

- Older clothing as with the forest environment rips and staining can occur

- Rain jacket/hat, rain pants, appropriate footwear: wellies, waterproof shoes

- No sandals, open toe shoes. Closed footwear only .

- Long sleeves and long pants are important as ticks are a risk with forest play

- Spare clothing if required (if it's wet, mud will be present!)

- Suncream. Apply if necessary in the morning (can be reapplied after lunch if needed).

- Bug protection (again very weather dependant but prepare for all cases)

- healthy snacks and water  (lunch is 1.30 -2.30 but we will do snack time mid morning)

Please note:

- We operate under the "Leave no trace policy " so all personal food waste and rubbish must be taken by the child and disposed of properly at the centre or at home.

- All children must have a fully completed consent /permission slip filled out so your child/children can partake in our forest camp.

- Participating children must be independant and ok within a group with no direct 1:1 supervision.

(Our adult to child ratios are 1:6)

- Please inform us of any allergies/medications or relevant info prior to camp commencement.

- This weekend is most suited for 5-11 yr olds