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August 13, 2022 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
£10 – £85
A whole day of real outdoor skills for parents and kids. This one-day course is designed for an adult to accompany their child(ren) whilst you learn together. It’s perfect for parents or grandparents wanting introduce their kids to the secrets of making fire, building shelters and the joys of bushcraft. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip or simply want to gain confidence in wilderness-living skills then this course is for you. You will even receive your very own fire-steel set to take away.
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.
If it’s raining, no problem. James will show you how to find dry firewood in the forest and start a campfire, even on a wet day. 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.
We believe that today’s children need to see that the outdoors is not a scary, uninviting place but a place that they can (with the right skills) make a perfectly warm and dry home away from home, enjoying everything nature has to offer. Our goal is for all children to get the chance to develop a love of nature and the outdoors.
All this will take place against the backdrop of the National Trust’s beautiful Chirk Castle estate with ancient woodland, parkland and footpath network.
- Craft your own real leather drawstring pouch; to keep your firelighting kit safe and dry
- Create your perfect woodland getaway, using all natural materials
- Develop sharp tool skills; safe techniques for knife, axe & saw
- Find, identify and gather a range of natural tinders & building materials, right from the forest
- Choose the best wild campsite; awareness of hazards, habitats and weather
- Light fires that will stay lit… no need for damp matches ever again
- Cook traditional damper bread over your own campfire
- Make your own string from nettles
- Witness the ancient art of Fire by Friction, and have a go for yourself
- Dare you take the “Rain-Proof Challenge” with your finished shelter?
- Leave no trace of your camp in the wilderness
- Understand the law relating to wild camping & firelighting
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.
Craft Your Own Firelighting Kit
Each adult & child will receive a brand new fire-steel set, maya stick and petroleum jelly. You will craft your own real leather drawstring pouch; to keep your firelighting kit safe for future outdoor adventures. These will be the beginnings of your very own firelighting kit that you will learn how to use here, add to throughout the day with natural tinders and take away at the end of our time together.
Skills you will learn
Over the course of the programme you will learn a range of skills, including…
Book now
The course costs £85 for an adult and child. Additional children can join you for an extra £10 each. Activities are suitable for children aged 7 years and over. You can read our Event Terms & Conditions here.
