Wild things

when did your club members last look closely at the earth, smell long grass or even sit quietly in natural surroundings? It could be time to get back to nature with a wilderness adventure.

Environmental play, adventure play and outdoor education are all terms used to describe group activities that take place in natural environments such as woodlands and meadows. The terms encompass diverse activities, from hill walking to building campfires...in fact anything that offers the opportunity for challenge outdoors.

Some clubs may have ideal grounds for environmental play, while others will need to organise trips to suitable locations. Naturally, risk assessments must be carried out for all trips and activities, and clubs must be insured to undertake them. (See 'Risky business' and 'Well balanced' on risk assessment in Out of School, 12 June 2003). For some activities (such as mountain biking or rock climbing) you should have a qualified instructor leading the group for safety reasons. You can hire one to accompany your group, or you could consider visiting a staffed Outdoor Centre, where the price of a visit will include an instructor and the loan of any special equipment necessary. (See 'Open Spaces' Out of School, October 2001).