Steph Thompson is an experienced, qualified Forest School and Beach School Leader and Bushcraft Instructor. She has over 15 years experience of working with children and young people in various settings. And most recently, setting up and running her own company, Bushcraft Adventures.
Blog
Dr Coral Harper biography
Dr Coral Harper has worked in and studied the field of Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties for the last 24 years. This has been a teacher and senior leader in mainstream, special and independent specialist provision. And latterly as an adult trainer and consultant.
Bushcraft and banter
Arrival of the cowgirls
I met the group as they pulled up to our site in their minibus. And was greeted by a group of 15 cowgirls all in fancy dress. I knew instantly that we were in a for a fun session!
My favourite fire lighting method
I think most people know from coming to parties and events that I love fire. I often sit and watch fire. It has got to be the most mesmerising thing, and possibly more so when it is a fire that you have lit.
The satisfaction that comes from lighting a fire, for me is second to none. I love it when I work with groups – kids and adults – and you take them through the process of building a fire and then letting them light it with whichever means they have chosen. The look on their faces when they know that it has taken and they have done it is amazing!
Can we bring snacks to a children’s birthday party?
Parents often ask us if they can bring snacks to a children’s birthday party. So we’ve put this post together to help answer your queries.
25 reasons archery is good for kids
Archery is good for kids. It requires focus, concentration, dealing with pressure, learning how to fail and much more.
Archery is a fun and accessible sport for all ages and abilities. We run archery activities for children’s birthday parties. But it’s also a great activity for schools as part of an outdoor learning session or fun school trip. It’s great for practising mental arithmetic, team work and more. We get to see these benefits first-hand, ‘in action’ when delivering archery sessions for kids.
And we love the infographic (below) by Target Crazy which gives 25 reasons why archery is good for kids.
Gift ideas for young bushcrafters and Bear Grylls fans
We’ve put together a few ideas for those looking for present inspiration and gift ideas for young bushcrafters and Bear Grylls fans.
The perfect gift for someone who’s feeling stressed
Life can be stressful. And the stats show that the number of people in the UK seeing their GP about stress is increasing.
What can you do for someone who’s stressed?
It can be hard to know what to do for someone you know who’s stressed. But you want to do something. That’s why we think that the Buddy Box is a simple, brilliant idea.
A hug in a box
Blurt is a social enterprise which developed the ‘Buddy Box’. We all need a little pick-me-up sometimes and a reminder to focus on our wellbeing. And the Buddy Box is full of products focused on self-care; to help the receiver to de-stress, relax, pamper themselves a bit, or just for fun.
You can buy a one-off box or a monthly subscription for someone to receive a ‘hug in a box’. It would make a special, personal gift for a loved one or a good, timely boost for a colleague.
Read more
Explore our other blogs about health and wellbeing.
How just 5 minutes in nature can improve your health and wellbeing
We feel better when we spend time outdoors in nature. It’s good for our physical and mental health.
Ever wondered how nature is good for us?
Florence Williams explores this in her book: The Nature Fix – why nature makes us happier, healthier and more creative.
Watch Florence’s short video below to see what happens to our bodies when we spend just 5 minutes in nature (hint: it’s incredible!)
Views of trees through office windows can help lower employee stress
We know that the outdoors is good for us. But research shows that even looking at trees and nature has health benefits.
What the research shows
A study in Seoul looked at workers who could see forest views from their workplace, and those who did not have a forest view.