Youngsters twig on to woodland scheme
Youngsters from Warwickshire have been having fun in the forest thanks to Positive about Young People.
The group of 8-12 year-olds have been exploring and den building in the woodlands of Brandon Marsh as part of Positive about Young People’s ‘Forest School’.
Positive about Young People is a partnership between Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire Police and runs hundreds of programmes for young people over the summer holidays. Its aim is to promote better quality of life for young people in high impact areas.
‘Forest schools’ are an innovative scheme where children learn woodland skills to boost their self-confidence and raise self-esteem. Positive about Young People have a trained ‘forest school’ leader, supported by sessional workers to ensure the sessions are safe, structured and enjoyable.
Youngsters taking part in the scheme, who might not otherwise get the opportunity to visit woodlands, learn about the natural habitat first hand. They have been building campfires, making dens, collecting materials and learning a range or rural crafts such as furniture making from wood and creating pictures from leaves.
Parneet Kang of Positive about Young People at Warwickshire County Council explained: “It’s not just about den building, it’s about team building and boosting self esteem among young people. Forest Schools are a wonderful way of engaging and motivating children in an outdoor setting.”