Whether groups are preparing for local group/district camps or beginning preparation for Common Ground, with the arrival of spring, it really is the perfect time to get outdoors and participate in activities that are more challenging in the colder/darker months.
We recently shared useful educational peace resources and activities for groups, youth leaders and schools to use when supporting young people as they sought comfort during these difficult times. The resources were well received by our supporters and due to their popularity, we have decided that every term we will share resources featuring themed activities and action ideas for our groups and supporters to utilize.
We list below useful links to educational resources and activities on exploring the great outdoors and connecting young people with nature!
Spring has sprung!
With the days getting longer and warmer and nature putting on a stunning show for us, we are focusing on the theme of the outdoors for this termly resource. See below a list of outdoor and adventure activities for young people of all ages. Additional outdoor/nature themed activities and ideas can be found in our activities catalogue under the adventure filter. The Wildlife Trusts and RSPB also have a range of handy spotting guides and outdoor themed activity sheets for young people. PlantLife list a selection of climate action campaigns and wildlife surveys for some of our older young supporters to get involved with.
Elfins
Pioneers
Camping season
With camping season around the corner, now is the perfect time to practice putting your tents up! Don’t forget to check out our centres when thinking of booking your trip, which offer stunning locations and essential facilities plus a range of fun activities from canoeing to abseiling for campers. From being able to sleep under the stars in the Burrow at Biblins, to exploring breathtaking scenery at Lockerbrook, located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, our centres really do have something for everyone.
Taking action
Through our work we encourage understanding, enjoyment and protection of our environment, locally and globally. It has been widely proven that spending time outdoors boosts young people’s wellbeing. Just as we rely on nature, it also needs our help too. 56% of species in the UK alone have declined. Here are some actions you can share to encourage young people to get excited about the outdoors along with links to campaigns that will inspire them to support nature.
- Involve young people in decision making about camps/residentials. Can they make the menu/plan the programme etc? Planning trips together can help young people get excited about adventures and see the potential in the outdoors.
- Litter pick – now that the weather is improving, can you brighten your area and collect litter in the local community.
- Book your Common Ground ticket. Our event will include 10 days of camping with lots of outdoor activities on offer and workshops on the environment to get involved with. The last date to buy tickets is the 2nd May!
- The Big Plastic Count – Count your plastic for one week from 16th-22nd May to help Greenpeace gather the evidence we need to push for proper action to tackle the plastic crisis.
- Climate action now – A Woodcraft Folk toolkit exploring how we can learn about and respond to the Climate Emergency through practical activities.
Thyme for planting
One of the ways young people can support nature is through wildlife gardening which is a rewarding and engaging activity. Wildlife gardening can include sowing wildflower seeds, growing produce, starting a compost heap or creating a minibeast hotel. You don’t even need a garden to get involved – make a window bird feeder or sow seeds and grow them on the windowsill indoors.
In Newham, Pioneers have been planting peas and sweet peas! They have been using toilet roll tubes as planters by filling the toilet rolls with compost and sowing two/three seeds into the top and then patiently let Mother Nature take care of the rest.
Once the plants start to outgrow the tubes, they will then be transplanted in gardens either into the ground or a pot. Using toilet roll tubes as pots is a great way to reuse and recycle instead of throwing them away. You can also use yogurt pots or milk cartons as planters. Upcycling is a creative way for young people to explore being eco-friendly in the garden, such as using old sinks for mini ponds or lollypop sticks as plant labels.
Why not try making and planting seedbombs together in your local group.
Don’t forget to tag us on social media or share photos and news with us of what outdoor activities you get up to this term – whether you are inspired to try our ideas or come up with your own we would love to hear!
