Explorers works with children and young people aged between 5 and 12 in the outdoors over a 12 week period. Groups are normally divided into the 5 to 8 or 9 to 12 age range and there are normally a maximum of 8 children in each group. There is usually at least 3 staff members in each group and at least one will be a qualified Forest Leader. Each session runs for half a day and will either be in the morning or afternoon and will be on the same day each week.
A mini bus is used to collect children and permission is obtained from your school so that you can be collected and/or dropped off during school. The group will continue running over school holidays but then you will be collected and/or dropped off at a home address or somewhere agreed by your parent or carer.
Explorers is exciting and great fun and you will get to explore forests, climb trees and get to use tools to build shelters and dens. You may learn how to use fires safely, sometimes cooking food on them. You will meet other young people and will get opportunities to make new friends. All the outdoor equipment and clothing you need will be provided for you.
Being involved in an Explorers Group will let you experience a healthy life style in a natural and wild setting. You will learn practical and personal skills that will help you get healthier, become more confident and learn to manage in groups better. This will not only make you feel good about yourself, it can help you manage better at school.
If you are lucky enough to be selected for an Explorers Group, a group leader will come to your home and explain to you and your parents or carers, what it is all about. They will answer any question you have. Parents and carers get an opportunity to come along on the last day too and there is an awards ceremony once the programme has ended.
If you are selected and can't wait to know more, ask your social worker or phone Angus Hutcheon at the Williamson Family Resource Centre on (01224) 692428.