Learning new skills
Thrive
The last session of a year-long programme with a small group of young people marked a real milestone. It was an emotional ending with one participant in care travelling from Ayr to be able to spend some time with what has become their friends. They said:
“throughout all these changes Thrive has given me something to look forward to each week. This has kept me going.”
The group left Thrive with certificates, positive letters for future referral, and a hammock donated by DD Hammocks for future adventures and time in nature. Over the course of the year, these young people have managed to attend sessions with 86% attendance, even throughout the difficulties of Covid and the significant challenges of their everyday life. Most importantly, the young people are taking away friendships and positive experiences and the knowledge that they can be successful. We are so proud of the special squad.
Green Shoots
We were delighted to have 2 groups successfully complete their programme this week: one from Firrhill High School and the other from Forresters. The programmes have been a great success with all young people achieving their John Muir Award. They worked really hard, completing lots of conservation tasks and learnt new skills over the weeks. It was wonderful to see their confidence and self-belief grow during the programme whilst working brilliantly as a team.
Green Schools
Green Schools have been very busy since mid-May. We worked with 5 schools, completed 27 sessions and worked with 175 children over 7 weeks.
We did 6 sessions with an S1 group at Tynecastle High School for the JASS award in the school wildlife garden. We explored the garden, weeded the raised beds, planted wildflower seeds, make birdfeeders and helped our mini beasts by creating bug hotels. We also planted trees in the wildlife hedges.
“I really enjoyed it, thank you, I thought it was really fun and good for my esteem, I enjoyed being in the sun and gardening with friends.”
With Oxgangs Primary School we worked with 45 young people from the P6 class completing their John Muir Award. Activities included river dipping, a litter pick, a bug hunt and making mini bug hotels. On our last session we enjoyed learning how to light a fire safely and then toasted marshmallows.
We supported Dean Park Primary School’s Primary 6 class to learn how to use their new Kelly Kettles,
“this is the first time I had a marshmallow”
Two P6 classes at Corstorphine Primary School had a morning on Corstorphine Hill, engaging in adventure activities for the JASS award. We supported them with lighting fires safely and how to implement a “leave no trace” philosophy when out and about.
At Parsons Green, we worked with 17 P1 and P2 pupils as part of a nurture group. We explored the school wildlife garden and Meadowfield Park, on the slopes of Arthur Seat. Activities included making mini dens, pond dipping, bug hunts, fire lighting and lots of exploration and child led play.
As always, our trusty cargo bike was used to transport equipment with every project, even carrying wood and water up Corstorphine Hill.
Green Angels
Green Angels had a wonderful day at Easter Craiglockhart. We helped manage the erosion of the pond bank by building a wall along the bank. Our next Green Angels is at Dalkeith Country Park on 28th August. Click here to register.
Home Education Group
The Home Education Nature Group for 8-12’s is taking a break for the holidays but will be back on 2nd September. Tickets will be available from 5th July at 9am.
