forest school training cohort 2022
it was momentous occasion for us this autumn as, after months of concocting plans and preparations, we saw the trainees on our first training in collaboration with richard skrein of the garden classroom enter through the k.i.n gates and make their way down the path and into the forest to embark on their year long journey to becoming forest school facilitators!
in the log circle our central hearth fire is lit, kettles are on the boil and crumpets are being passed around to be toasted. throughout the week, many things happen in this space; burning questions are asked, songs sung, treasures crafted from natural materials, jokes cracked, enquiries made, reflections shared, tears shed…
the training is such a special experience that even three of our team who are already trained decided to participate in the training again. we were all blown away by the depth, passion, enthusiam and willingness that each participant brought to the experience. trainees get to experience firsthand on this initial training week the forest school ethos in action and possibly one of the most important elements of forest school; how to hold a space, create a sense of belonging and community, making people feel safe, welcomed and comfortable. it is as if they get to reexperience the world as a child for that week, feeling what it is like to experience a learning process and space where each person is recognised as a unique individuals, is offered unconditional positive regard in an atmosphere of community, kindness and respect. this is such a different way of being with each other than most of us experienced in our own education and upbringing as children that it affects each of us personally and can be a powerful and emotional experience.
there are also more theoretical aspects to the training with teachings and small group and whole group discussions on topics such as play, holistic development, learning theories etc. then there is the practical skills based learning where we will build dens, playing games, learning lots of practical skills, fire, cooking, ropes, swinging etc.
children need opportunities to connect with nature and access to safe spaces in nature where they can simply experience and explore freely for their healthy development and children in london are not getting enough of this. this is not always for lack of green space; we are blessed to have the sprawling and ancient epping forest in east london!) but is largely due to the reality that these spaces are not always safe and a culture who has lost touch with how vital our connection with the natural world is and is exposed to myriad of diversions away from nature. this is why intentions and concerted efforts have to be made connect with nature ~ 'forest school' sessions can really counteract this disconnect. we want to see the web of people doing this transformational work grow in the world so that more children can access it and the culture we currently have around the natural world and education can evolve.
we were lucky enough to receive funding to offer four fully funded funded places for our traineeship which included a place on this training for those who would otherwise not be able to access it.
all details of our trainings can be found here.
