Better Together Get Out There (2011)
A 6-week bushcraft programme for disaffected teenagers
This project demonstrates the impact of a regular 6-week programme of learning on a group of young people with issues around school attendance, anti-social or offending behaviour.
Starting by getting to know local nature spots the programme ended with an overnight camp in woods further afield at Goblin Coombe. They reported enjoying the freedom the natural environment offered them, learnt to assess and manage risk and developed bushcraft and communication skills.
Our partners Better Together also reported:
* Increased trust and respect of the local Police Community Support Officer.
* All young people are still in school
* 6 months later all young people are well engaged with learning and keep in regular contact.
* Follow up Bushcraft sessions have moved on to riskier aspects such as using an axe and using flint and steel to light a fire to cook on and preparing a pigeon to eat.
* Young people have requested that accessing nature events be a bigger part of the activities that the Better Together project provides.
* 2 Family Bushcraft events have taken place since, with parents wanting to attend further courses. This has boosted the element of the project that was keen to engage with father figures.