Beyond the Four Walls

Fire

Having a place to warm ourselves, to come together and feel comfortable are important. The fire circle is at the centre of our space, where we meet for our group times.

From collecting firewood to lighting fires and putting them out safely, these are all important to our comfort and feelings of security. Not only does the fire create warmth, but also a focused gathering time, and a means for cooking food.

Because of the pizza oven that Phil built, we have even more options for cooking together. From pizzas and breads to baked apples and jams made from the fruits harvested from our woodland site.

Woodwork and Tool Use

Woodwork is foremost about doing, and less about the final product or outcome. This is an invaluable life lesson in itself - appreciating the value and art of making, repairing and reusing, over consuming and disposing. But beyond this, the process of doing woodwork fosters an immense sense of pride and self-confidence among children.

Children feel empowered by the responsibility and trust imparted to them in using real tools. They have agency over their decisions and actions, which they can then begin to apply to their understanding of their role in the real world. They find huge satisfaction in taking on what at first feel like difficult physical challenges, and persisting, through trial and error, to problem-solve “mistakes” and setbacks.

They think and act creatively and independently about their self-directed, self-managed projects. And ultimately, they take pride in accomplishing their aims, whatever those might be.