Forest School Holiday Club – A “Grow Your Own” Approach to Nurturing Young Leaders
Overview
The Forest School Holiday Club offers a unique and enriching experience for children aged 5 to 11 during school holidays, with a special focus on emotional intelligence, practical skills and a deep connection with nature. Over the past two years, the club has successfully delivered Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) places, providing a supportive environment where children can follow their interests and develop essential life skills.
Approach and Activities
The Forest School’s educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning is most effective when it is self-directed and takes place in a nurturing environment. Set against the backdrop of beautiful outdoor surroundings, the club offers a diverse range of activities that cater to different interests and learning styles.
Children can engage in various pursuits such as:
- Wildlife and Nature Exploration: Learning about local flora and fauna.
- Practical Skill Development: Building shelters, using tools, and safely managing fires.
- Creative Expression: Using natural materials and other mediums to explore their creativity.
This flexible approach allows children to relax, explore, discover, and “just be” themselves, leading to a deeper connection with the environment and their own learning journey.
Long-Term Engagement and Leadership Development
While the Forest School Holiday Club primarily serves children up to the age of 11, the programme’s flexibility allows for continued participation beyond this age. Several children who started attending the club at a young age have chosen to remain involved into their teenage years, initially as volunteers and in some cases, progressing to paid staff roles. This continuity has supported their development into confident, self-assured young adults.
“Grow Your Own” Team Approach
The “Grow Your Own” approach has had a significant impact on both the children and the overall Forest School community. By nurturing young leaders from within, the club benefits from having staff who deeply understand the Forest School ethos, rules, and boundaries. These young leaders, who have grown up with the programme, bring a unique energy and perspective that enhances the entire staff team.
Their ability to relate to the younger children in ways that even the most experienced adult leaders may not be able to is invaluable. They bridge the gap between the age groups, helping to create a more equitable and inclusive environment where every child feels understood and supported.
Impact and Benefits
The impact of the “Grow Your Own” approach extends beyond just the individual young leaders. The younger children benefit from having relatable role models who have walked in their shoes and who can demonstrate the long-term benefits of participation in the Forest School programme.
For the young leaders themselves, the opportunity to take on responsibility, earn their own money and contribute to a community they care about has been transformative. It has increased their self-esteem and provided them with practical experience and skills that will serve them well in the future.
Moreover, the overall staff team is strengthened by the inclusion of these young leaders, who contribute fresh ideas and a dynamic energy that enhances the learning environment for everyone. This approach has proven to be a win-win situation, enriching the Forest School experience for all participants and fostering a strong sense of community.
Conclusion
The Forest School Holiday Club’s commitment to a “Grow Your Own” approach has not only provided continuity and development for the children involved but has also enriched the entire programme. By allowing children to stay connected with the club beyond the typical age range and by nurturing them into leadership roles, Forest School has created a sustainable model that benefits all participants. This approach exemplifies how investing in young people’s long-term development can have a profound and positive impact on the broader community.