Bushcraft for Kids in the Classroom 

Introducing bushcraft skills to children in the classroom is a fantastic way to engage them with nature and teach valuable life skills. While nothing compares to the immersive experience of learning bushcraft in the wild, there are plenty of activities teachers can conduct within school grounds to spark students’ interest. For a full bushcraft adventure, a school trip with The Bushcraft Company provides the ultimate experience. Here are some ideas for teaching bushcraft skills in the classroom and how they can prepare students for an unforgettable trip.

Introduction to Bushcraft

Introduce students to the basics of bushcraft, including its history and importance.

Activity:

• Class Discussion: Explain what bushcraft is and why it’s important. Discuss how it helps people survive in the wild and connect with nature.
• Video Presentation: Show a short documentary or video clip about bushcraft skills and survival techniques.

Preparation for The Bushcraft Company Trip: This introductory session builds excitement and curiosity, preparing students for the hands-on experience they will get on the trip.

Knot Tying

Teach students basic knot-tying skills used in bushcraft.

Activity:

• Knot-Tying Workshop: Demonstrate a few essential knots, such as the square knot, bowline, and clove hitch. Provide ropes and allow students to practice.
• Challenge: Organise a knot-tying relay race to make the learning process fun and engaging.

Preparation for The Bushcraft Company Trip: Mastering these knots will give students confidence and a practical skill they can use during their outdoor adventure.

Shelter Building Basics

Teach students the fundamentals of building a simple shelter.

Activity:

• Miniature Shelter Models: Use natural materials like sticks, leaves, and twine to create small-scale models of shelters. Discuss different types of shelters, such as lean-tos and debris huts.
• Group Project: Divide students into small groups and assign each group to design and build a miniature shelter.

Preparation for The Bushcraft Company Trip: Understanding the principles of shelter building will help students when they construct real shelters on their trip.

Fire Safety and Building

Introduce the basics of fire safety and fire-building techniques.

Activity:

• Fire Safety Lesson: Discuss the importance of fire safety, including how to build and extinguish a fire safely.
• Fire-Building Demonstration: Demonstrate how to build a fire using a fire steel and tinder (without actually lighting it in the classroom).
• Hands-On Practice: Allow students to practice striking a fire steel to create sparks.

Preparation for The Bushcraft Company Trip: Practicing fire-building skills in a controlled environment prepares students for safely starting fires under supervision on their bushcraft trip.

Outdoor Cooking

Teach students the basics of outdoor cooking and nutrition.

Activity:

• Cooking Lesson: Discuss simple, nutritious recipes that can be made over a campfire.
• Classroom Cooking: Prepare no-cook trail snacks or use a portable camp stove to demonstrate cooking techniques.
• Recipe Cards: Have students create their own bushcraft recipe cards to use on their trip.

Preparation for The Bushcraft Company Trip: Learning about outdoor cooking in advance makes students more comfortable and excited about preparing their meals in the wild.

Nature Identification

Help students identify local plants, trees, and wildlife.

Activity:

• Nature Walk: Take students on a nature walk around the school grounds to identify different plants and trees. Use identification guides and apps.
• Scavenger Hunt: Organise a nature scavenger hunt where students find and identify various natural items.

Preparation for The Bushcraft Company Trip: Familiarity with nature identification enriches the bushcraft experience, allowing students to engage more deeply with their surroundings.

Survival Scenarios

Teach problem-solving and critical thinking through survival scenarios.

Activity:

• Scenario Discussion: Present various survival scenarios and discuss how students would handle them using bushcraft skills.
• Role-Playing: Have students role-play different scenarios, such as finding water, building a shelter, or signalling for help.

Preparation for The Bushcraft Company Trip: These scenarios encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, skills that are crucial for real-life bushcraft situations.

The Ultimate Bushcraft Experience with The Bushcraft Company

While classroom activities are a great introduction, nothing compares to the hands-on experience of learning bushcraft in a natural setting. A school trip with The Bushcraft Company offers:

• Expert Guidance: Students learn from experienced instructors who provide personalized guidance and support.
• Real-World Application: Opportunities to apply classroom-taught skills in real-world situations.
• Immersive Environment: A chance to fully disconnect from the everyday and connect with nature, building resilience and teamwork.

By preparing students with these classroom activities, you set the stage for an unforgettable adventure with The Bushcraft Company, where they can truly immerse themselves in the art of bushcraft.