Nature Connection Guernsey
We have teamed up with Ross Torode, pioneer of the exciting new venture ‘Nature Connection Gsy’ and son of Jane Barnes, co-founder of Camp de Reves Glampsite. Ross will deliver immersive nature experiences which inspire young people, aged 7-11, to form respectful connections with our natural world and one another.
The sessions are held on the grounds of Camp de Reves Glampsite. The whole group works together to gather wood and tinder for lighting a central fire, around which stories with strong morals are told and children are given a chance to share, talk, craft or help prepare and cook food. The opportunities given are adapted to the interests of the group. Learning bushcraft based skills: whittling – spoons, sticks etc, knot tying, making low rope courses, shelter building, various fire lighting methods.
Alongside that, we often go on walks to forage for food or to make natural paints, printing, weaving, dreamcatchers, felting, ointments – are just some examples. All of which help to demonstrate the power of nature and the symbiotic seasonal life cycles.
Sessions also include time playing nature-based games inspired by the characteristics and calls of our local wildlife as well as calmer time at their own personally chosen ‘sit spot’ – a place to simply listen and observe the nature they are immersed in.
It is Nature Connection’s intention that through these regular experiences children will begin to form caring friendships, learn the names of the wild flowers, trees, birds and insects that live around the site and develop the respect to nurture nature and understand the benefits this can bring to their own mental health and wellbeing.
“No one will protect what they don’t first care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced” - David Attenborough
Cost
Sessions available for June half term.
£30 per child for a 2.5 hour session.
Get £5 off each session if a child is booked into 3 consecutive activity days.
What gear
You Bring: Clothes suited to the weather forecast and that you don’t mind getting dirty. Suitable footwear for walks and stream/beach play. Walking boots are recommended, or alternatively a combination of trainers and wellies. No sandals, flip-flops or uncovered footwear. A snack, lunch and water.
We Provide: All necessary tools and learning resources.
Bad weather
Activities will be adjusted accordingly, get wet, postpone or refund.
Ross Torode
Ross left the island to study Primary Education and after getting his degree spent 4 years working in the Ashdown Forest with CultivatingCuriosity.co.uk delivering bushcraft and nature connection sessions.
He then went on to become a qualified Forest School leader which he taught in mainstream primary schools. In Guernsey Ross is a teaching assistant and supports the learning of behaviourally challenged children through the use of creative and outdoor learning techniques. He also works at Le Rondin, leading offsite Nature Education sessions.
