About me
My name is Helena Douglas. I am 33 years old and have been involved in scouting for 33 years (both of my parents were leaders) so I have grown up in the outdoor world and have seen the benefits and practices used throughout the years. Not only this but I have pursued a career working with children and young people which lead me to complete an NVQ in activity leadership, in the outdoors, at 19 years old, went on to work in activity centres around the world and return to take up a degree in Education. I have worked in SEND (special education and disability) schools, mainstream schools, nurseries and forest schools which has opened my eyes to the needs of the community.
What is my aim?
I would like to open up a forest school for all. Aimed primarily at children up to 5 and their parents/guardians to encourage outdoor, creative play. I would also like it to be a safe natural place for elderly to come and interact with young people (see benefits below). I have found a wonderful piece of woodland which will cost around £245,000 with the rest going towards making it safe and being set up for outdoor play.
On the evening I would hope to open it up a little to local scout and youth groups to use as safe natural space.
Things we would have.
Sensory play area which would include balance beams, tyres, mud/sand/water pit and hammocks
Outdoor Kitchen with cupboards, pots and pans, utensils and "ingredients"
Vegetable garden, greenhouse and compost heap to help with being self sustainable through using the vegetables on site or selling them to help fund the forest.
Access walkway, parking and toilets will need to be worked out and installed. There is currently no plumbing to the woodland.
Benefits to children in the community
Forest school offers a unique educational experience by using the outdoor environment as a learning space. It helps children develop many skills that are hard to teach indoors, as they learn to assess, appreciate and take risks, and make sensible, informed decisions about how to tackle the experiences they encounter. Children also benefit from the simple act of being outdoors, with improved mental and spiritual health, communication skills and relationships. Parents/guardians would have an outdoor, safe and understanding place to bring their pre-school age children to gain some much needed time away from screens and technology with the knowledge that the people there care and are there to help.
Benefits for the elderly
Volunteering, working with and being around children can help seniors stay active and improve their cognitive abilities, which can help lower the risk of falls, slips, and other injuries. It can also increase sensory stimulation, provide a sense of purpose, and help seniors build new relationships.
Mutual benefits
Learning new skills: Seniors can share their wisdom and help children develop academic skills. as well as the children keeping the elderly cognitively active.
Bonding: Children can bond with seniors and learn about their history and life experiences, this can help future relationships as well as current ones each party may have
One-on-one attention: Seniors are often patient and great listeners, and can give children their full attention, this patience is seen and learnt by the child.
Intergenerational relationships: Children who may not have grandparents, or vica versa, of their own can benefit from spending time with them.