“The clearest way into the Universe is through a Forest Wilderness”
JOHN MUIR
WHAT IS A FOREST SCHOOL PROGRAMME?
A Forest school programme is a nature-based community where children of all ages visit the same local woodlands, once a week, ideally throughout the year for 36 weeks in full. Outdoors, in all weathers (except high winds) children will be supported by trained Forest School leaders to have meaningful experiences in a natural environment. Through play, activities, and the use of full-sized tools and outdoor equipment; Forest school leaders nurture a learner-led exploration and discovery to support the physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual development of each child. Children learn about the natural environment they are in with their peers, they learn about the plants, trees, and animals while also learning to handle risks and understand appropriate boundaries. By using their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others, they develop self-confidence, self-esteem and inner resilience.
Sarah Blackwell – UK FS Trainer for 17 years and Founder and CEO of Forest Schools Education, Forest Schools Kindergarten and Archimedes Earth
WHAT IS A FOREST SCHOOL PROGRAMME?
A Forest school programme is a nature-based community where children of all ages visit the same local woodlands, once a week, ideally throughout the year for 36 weeks in full. Outdoors, in all weathers (except high winds) children will be supported by trained Forest School leaders to have meaningful experiences in a natural environment. Through play, activities, and the use of full-sized tools and outdoor equipment; Forest school leaders nurture a learner-led exploration and discovery to support the physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual development of each child. Children learn about the natural environment they are in with their peers, they learn about the plants, trees, and animals while also learning to handle risks and understand appropriate boundaries. By using their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others, they develop self-confidence, self-esteem and inner resilience.
Sarah Blackwell – UK FS Trainer for 17 years and Founder and CEO of Forest Schools Education, Forest Schools Kindergarten and Archimedes Earth
About Jenny
Jenny Hayden is a qualified Youth & Community Worker from NUI, Maynooth, graduating in 2014. A trained Forest School Leader, Level 3 Certification, in 2020. She has worked directly with early years, youth and community programmes, mental health education and anti-racism programmes in primary and secondary schools for 10 years, employed with Barnardos, Jigsaw Youth Mental Health Service and the Irish Traveller Movement’s Yellow Flag programme.
Jenny is Garda vetted, trained in child protection and Rec 3 first aid certified
“It is incredible to observe children completely immersed and excited in a natural, outdoor environment… engaged in adventurous play and the discovery of nature, trees and life all around us through Forest School practice. Forest school has grounded me as a parent and as an educator, it has opened me up to the wisdom of children in play and the instinctive relationship we all have as children with the natural world and how we engage with it” – Jenny Hayden
Our Ethos
The natural world is our first habitat. By rediscovering our relationship with the outdoors we can find a balance, both physically and mentally, that helps to foster love and respect for our environment.
On Green Ground integrates the values of Forest School principles into our programme. These are based on respect for children and young people and for their capacity to instigate, test and maintain curiosity in the world around them.
Our projects are built on the belief that all children and young people have the right to:
– Access quality play experiences with other children
– Experience the outdoors in the natural world
– An ecological education
– Access outdoor experiences that challenge them and build future resilience for their mental health and well-being
"She loved it! Best Camp she ever did"
"My daughter absolutely loved her time at the recent forest camp. Her favourite things were learning about mother trees, starting fires, exploring woodland and spending some thoroughly enjoyable time in the outdoors. The camp was excellently run and even when it was wet or stormy weather the children hardly seemed to notice as the camp leaders adapted activities in fun ways. I would highly recommend Jen and her forest school. Particularly when our children spend so much time indoors these days during school term – it’s great to see them connect with nature and spend time learning outdoors in new ways".
"Willow and Aria had a wonderful time at the Halloween forest camp and they came home on a high every day. They learned so many invaluable life skills and thoroughly enjoyed being submerged in nature! They would definitely be interested in returning to any future Forest camps. Thank you!"
"Our son really enjoyed the camp. Everyday he got up to something new and exciting and was looking forward to another day. Id happily send him again and would recommend the camp to other parents"
Keep in touch
Phone
+353 86 727 6111
hello@ongreenground.ie
Follow Us
GET IN TOUCH
Phone
+353 86 727 6111
hello@ongreenground.ie