Connecting to Nature Day Stay

The Connecting to Nature programme combines nature-based activities with ways to develop mindfulness skills.

These are designed to connect or reconnect young people to the natural environment, helping them learn the steps to nature connectiveness.

This opportunity is provided by YHA (England & Wales).

How to apply

Essentials

Type: Day visit
Dates: Various - see below
Locations: Various - see below
Cost: Free (fully funded)
Suitable for: Groups aged 7 - 14 years

About this opportunity

This day stay is offered at 10 different YHA locations across Cumbria, Derbyshire, East Sussex, Gloucestershire, North Yorkshire and Surrey. It will offer an afternoon and morning of outdoor activities (these will vary by location).

The programme will include a short briefing to the group to set the scene for the day. It will then usually be split into three distinct 90-minute activity periods, with one delivered in the morning and another two sessions delivered in the afternoon.

The activities will aim to immerse participants in sessions that use nature at the core of the activity. This day visit will provide opportunities for young children to focus and reflect on how the activities and experiences make them feel.

Need to know

How it works

Activities vary by location and may include:

shelter building
fire lighting
guided walks
team challenges
habitat studies (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall only)
environmental art
natural craft activities (YHA Holmbury St Mary, YHA South Downs and YHA Truleigh Hill only)
mindfulness activities

Learning outcomes

Participants will learn the five steps to nature connectiveness and a range of mindfulness techniques.

What to bring

Packed lunch is provided.

As a guide, all participants should bring the following:

day bag (small rucksack) to carry items out on activities
warm hat and gloves
old shirts or t-shirt
pair of old trousers (possibly old tracksuit, not jeans)
jumper or warm top (2 thin ones are better than one thick one)
warm and waterproof coat with hood and waterproof trousers
old trainers for use on wet or muddy activities
walking boots and ideally a pair wellies (especially for YHA Boggle Hole)
spare pair of socks
suncream and insect repellant
water bottle

There is a strong possibility that participants will get wet and muddy during their stay, so new and expensive items of clothing are best left at home.

All medication should be handed into the group leader with a note stating what it is, what it is for and the method and frequency of use. Medication should not be left in the bunkrooms or around the centre.

All valuables should be kept with participants or handed in at reception. We encourage participants not to bring valuables with them and to keep pocket money to a reasonable level, in small denominations if possible.

Access guidance

Please refer to YHA accessibility statements for individual hostels.

Most, but not all, activities are suitable for all level of physical needs, however, this is hostel and activity dependent. Where possible we will do our best to alter activities or practices to make them as accessible as possible.

In terms of activities, none of the projects or grounds are likely to be suitable for participants with a physical requirement. We will endeavour as much as possible to offer bespoke opportunities.