Training and INSET
Birch are able to facilitate and deliver training in an outdoor setting. As well as INSET days, team building, Forest School taster sessions and outdoor play, we have worked with “dads and lads”, scouts, childrens centres, playgroups, youth groups and people with learning differences to promote best practice and a positive attitude to being in the outdoors.
Case Study: Introduction to Youth Work
Birch Forest Schools were invited to facilitate the outdoor element of the Introduction to Youth Work programme delivered by Hexham Youth Initiative from Winter 2009 to Spring 2010. This comprised planning and delivering a series of day long sessions to existing and prospective youth workers.
The participants were introduced to Forest Schools ethos and the importance of risk taking within a managed environment. The sessions balanced educational and play work theory with practical activities designed to show the value of the theory in practice.
Introduction to youth work using Forest Schools >>
Forest Schools Weekend December 2009 evaluation >>
Forest Schools Weekend March 2010 evaluation >>
Comments from the evaluation sessions:
"“Getting in touch with the outdoors in a very relaxed way. Meeting lots of great people, being encouraged to gain new skills both physical and mental and looking at different approaches to teamwork/group skills.”
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“Loved the way we learnt things with seemingly little effort- thanks! ”
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“Deni helped me face my fears about being in the woods. She made it enjoyable and a lovely experience.”
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“I enjoyed just being outdoors, it reminded me of being young and stress free.”
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