One of the biggest challenges for parents of carers of young children is finding 'mutually beneficial spaces'.
So often the groups and spaces for young families can focus exclusively on the children and ask adults, who are already often forgoing their own needs at home, to take a back seat.
At our toddler groups we are aiming more and more to provide community, activities and benefits to the children AND ADULTS who join us.
Our sessions start with around 15-20 minutes for people to arrive and make their way down to the camp.
Often starting with a welcome circle and a game to get us moving, we then break off into crafts or activities. Taking part in activities at our sessions is entirely optional, so a child who wants a session spent in the mud kitchen is as valuable to us as one who joins in with all the games and crafts on offer. We believe in free play!
The sessions then end with 10 minutes or so of singing around the fire. Help yourself to tea, coffee or hot chocolate in the kitchen at any time.
We ask that all our participants, children and parents, follow three simple principles: To look after themselves; To look after each other; To look after the Forest. We will explain this in detail in the session and go through safety information.
Over time we hope to build a community together where all our of needs for play, conversation, crafts and rest are equally values and facilitated.