It has never been more important to allow children time to learn in, and build a connection with, nature.

In the words of the last KS2 group who came to our Forest Camp with Mrs Jones today:

Joe “Forest Camp Means fun!”

Scarlett “Forest Camp is discovery”

Toby “Forest Camp is where I look after my pet shield bug”

Albert “Forest Camp is a place of freedom”

Oscar “I like Forest Camp because I get to come here and play with my friends”

Jago “Forest Camp is so cool”

Ella “Forest Camp means you get to do different activities”

Sylvie “I like the swing”

Freddie “Forest Camp means exploring, climbing and falling in nettles”

Louie “Forest Camp means food”

and Olivia “Forest Camp gives us all the freedom we need away from the classroom”

In just one session, they climbed trees, made clay models, floated walnut shell boats, dug in the mud, built a den that everyone could get in, sang songs (including one they thought too young as one friend wanted it), ate and talked around the (unlit) fire, played on the swings and learnt about different tree species and shield bugs, identified feathers and worked out that a sparrow hawk had eaten a pigeon from the feathers left.

We look forward to more of the same next year!