We have recently been contacted by many Secondary School asking if we can offer something for some of their pupils who are struggling with settling into school, who are suffering from anxiety, or are vulnerable and need some escapism. Our answer was "absolutely, forest school is for everyone"

 

For teens struggling to attend school, Forest School can offer significant benefits by providing a less pressured, outdoor environment that promotes increased confidence, improved social skills, better emotional regulation, a sense of accomplishment through hands on-learning and a deeper connection to nature, which can all contribute to a more positive attitude towards learning and overall wellbeing.

Key benefits for struggling teens:  

• Reduced anxiety and stress:

  The open, natural setting can alleviate the anxiety often associated with traditional classroom environments, creating a more relaxed space for learning.  

• Increased self-esteem and confidence:

  Forest School encourages risk-taking in a safe environment, allowing teens to build self-efficacy and a sense of achievement through hands-on activities.  

• Improved social skills:

  Collaborative activities in the outdoors can foster positive peer interactions and communication skills.  

• Enhanced emotional regulation:

  Being in nature and engaging in physical activity can help teens better manage their emotions and develop coping mechanisms.  

• Greater motivation and engagement:

  The hands-on, exploratory nature of Forest School activities can spark curiosity and intrinsic motivation to learn.  

• Improved focus and concentration:

  Spending time outdoors can improve attention span and focus, which can be beneficial for teens struggling in the classroom.  

• Sense of connection to the natural world:

  Forest School promotes an appreciation for nature and environmental awareness, which can be a positive motivator for learning.  

• Development of problem-solving skills:

  Activities often require teens to think critically and creatively to overcome challenges, building problem-solving abilities.  

Important considerations:  

• Individual needs:

  Forest School programs should be tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of each teen.  

• Qualified facilitators:

  Experienced instructors are essential to provide a safe and supportive environment while guiding meaningful learning experiences.  

• Collaboration with school staff:

  To maximize benefits, communication between Forest School leaders and school staff is crucial to ensure a coordinated approach to support struggling teens. 

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If you scroll amongst all the photos this will give you an idea of what your "young people" will get up to when they are with us. There is something for every one and many of our teens like to sit at the camp fire, whittle a stick and chat with our staff and peers. We will give them tasks to do every week too but most importantly they get to make their own choices and we wrap up with cooking at the camp fire and reflecting. We like to get feedback from them so we can plan the following week, so they look forward to coming to see us. 

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Where are we located?

We are located in a private woodland in Lyne near Chertsey. We are tucked away in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church, Lyne Lane, Lyne, Chertsey KT16 0AJ - our entrance is opposite the carpark. We are sandwiched between Chertsey, Addlestone and Woking and we are 5 minutes away from the M25 junction 11 turn off.

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• We are located in a private woodland

• We have a beautiful woodland and we are very lucky to have use of the carpark and we have indoor facilities if needed. 

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