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May 30 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
£10 – £85
This May half term week, give your family the gift of adventure with a whole day of real outdoor skills for parents and kids. This one-day experience is perfect for the family that wants to inject a little more ‘wild’ into their lives.Want to introduce your kids to the secrets of making fire, building shelters and the joys of campfire cooking. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip or simply want to gain confidence in wilderness-living skills then this is for you.
Show me a child who doesn’t love the idea of building dens out in the woods, lighting their own campfire and getting to grips with sharp tools. You will learn how to do these things effectively, safely and responsibly, whilst having a fun and rewarding day out in the woods together.
We’re told as children not to play with fire, but if we discover it’s secrets and learn how to be safe when lighting fires outdoors then it can be our best friend. It warms us, cooks our food, lights our way and hypnotises us whilst campfire tales are told. We believe that kids should know not only know how to light fires, but also learn to manage their risk and be responsible for their own safety and have an awareness of their impact on the environment. If children never get to “play” with fire then they’re missing out on a whole lot of what a real childhood should be about.
Test your mettle in our axe throwing range and weave your own cord using the plants around you. All the above skills will be presented in a fun and engaging way that will appeal to both adults and children. You’ll go away feeling confident and with the right tools to be able to have wilderness adventures of your own with your kids. Our goal is for all children to get the chance to develop a love of nature and the outdoors.
“Such a great day, we’re going to be headed out to Snowdonia later this summer for our own family adventure and this day has given us a load of ideas. The kids won’t stop talking about what they want to cook on the campfire :-)”Joanne Hall
All this will take place against the backdrop of mixed woodland, wetland and open meadows of Park In The Past, with 120 acres of wild space to explore and the site of the UK’s only full-size reconstructed Roman fort.
- Create your perfect woodland getaway, using tarps, hammocks & natural materials
- Develop sharp tool skills; safe techniques for knife, axe & saw
- Play fun games that introduce your kids to key bushcraft skills
- Identify and gather a range of natural tinders & building materials, right from the forest
- Craft & create with “woodland lego” to make useful camp gadgets
- Throw axes in our target range (height restrictions apply)
- Choose the best wild campsite; gain awareness of hazards to look out for
- Light fires that will stay lit and keep you toasty
- Cook up a storm, with tasty treats over the campfire
- Make your own string from nettles; craft a bracelet or necklace
- Dare you take the “Rain-Proof Challenge” with your finished shelter?
- Leave no trace of your camp in the wilderness
Your Tutor: James Kendall
James is the Head Bushcraft Instructor at Woodland Classroom, having worked in outdoor education & conservation for over 10 years. James’ approach to teaching steers students toward fostering a deeper connection with nature through understanding the landscape around us; “Bushcraft skills are an effective way to do this as we learn how to make use of natural materials and live lightly with the land, whilst also connecting with our own ancient past by seeing the land through the eyes of our ancestors.”
In 2017 James received the Bushcraft Competency Certificate awarded through the Institute for Outdoor Learning after 2 years of teaching experience and practical study. He is also a member of the IOL Bushcraft Professional Practise Group. The group aims to promote best practice in the growing industry of bushcraft activity providers.
Skills you will learn
Over the course of the day you will learn a range of skills, including…
Book now
The day costs £85 for up to 2 adults and 2 children. Additional children (aged 6 and up) can join you for an extra £10 each. Activities are suitable for children aged 6 years and over. Younger children are welcome to join us at no extra charge. You can read our Event Terms & Conditions here.
