Wildspirit Bushcraft has originated in Switzerland, and slowly made its way over to this country. School children in Switzerland are sent on forest school weeks during the half term to be educated on the great outdoors — forest are also an excellent place for children to explore, and use up excess energy. Research has shown that people who are anxious can reduce their anxiety within 3 minutes of being in a forest environment. The Japanese call this Shinrin Yoku.
On the weekend of the 20th and 21st Claire Harris from Milestone Activities took 16 teenagers to Merthyr Mawr where they experience Bushcraft survival skills with Richard Rees from Wildspirit Bushcraft. The children were shown skills that they would need if they were in a survival situation.
They first question that was asked by Richard was “what would you do first in a survival situation? — Look for water, build a shelter, forage for food or make a fire?” Most people said look for water, but was that the answer? No it was make a fire.
As well as being shown how to make a fire – which was very interesting, and the children with the most determination really set their sights on getting this to work, the children were shown knife skills, and how to work with a knife. It was surprising how many didn’t know how to use a knife properly, but once shown they were away. They made flints for the fire, made whistles, and many other instruments. There were 3 boys out of the whole lot, who just spent hours and hours carving wood. It was fantastic to see them all enjoying themselves in such a simplistic way.
Among other things the children were taken on a tree identification walk, and food foraging walk. Richard made this so interesting — with his eagerness to pass on the information, his knowledge and motivation the children were enthralled.
Over night the children either slept in the hammocks that they had put up, or in the Tipi’s. All the food was simplistically cooked over the fire, we had beef stew for lunch, corned beef hash for tea, and a full English breakfast.
Feedback from the children and some of the parents was fantastic. The parents couldn’t believe how enthusiastic and tired the children were coming home. Some parents would like to book their children’s next birthday party with Milestone Activities. The children’s feedback was enthusiastic also — they found the weekend very interesting, and it was great to run around in the forest, using the knives, and building the fires.
As you see Bushcraft is not only great for your health as we eat healthy but simplistic, we are active, using the great outdoors and an added bonus which not all activities can boast about is that Bushcraft is fun and educational which is great for your health and well-being.
