Tees Active are piloting a new activity which will enable children and young people to have a greater appreciation of their environment and have vital bushcraft skills to equip them to feel confident and knowledgeable when sampling the great outdoors.
Tom Rogers a Duty Manager at Tees Barrage International White-Water Centre has developed the Barrage Bushcraft Adventures programme and as part of the development of the programme Tom has invited several groups to sample a free session so Tom and the team can obtain valuable feedback and make any adjustments to make the session as beneficial and as enjoyable as possible.
Pupils from Kiora Hall, a group of Stockton Care leavers who are part of a Care Leavers Forum called ‘Lets Take Action’ led by Sophie Haste, Stockton Councils Childrens Participation Manager, and a group of young people from BCT Aspire who are in the process of working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award have all been developing their bushcraft skills and passing on their recommendations and thoughts on the sessions.
Tom ‘Bear’ Rodgers said “The pilot sessions have given us the perfect opportunity to gain invaluable feedback from all the young people participating. This has enabled us to understand what the young people have found most beneficial and enjoyable.”
Tom added “The sessions aim to teach participants a number of skills which include shelter building, fire lighting using flint and steel followed by roasting marshmallows. This is completed whilst working with the backdrop of being on a desert island. These are just a sample of the bushcraft skills we are able to introduce young people as well as reinforcing the need for teamwork and an appreciation of their natural environment,”
For further details of the Barrage Bushcraft Adventures programme contact [email protected]
Find out more about how Tees Active are working with partners to drive positive change in the community.
