What We Aim to Support

At Welcome to the Lion’s Den, we offer child-focused bushcraft sessions that build on each child’s strengths, interests and abilities.

Guided by Georgia’s Approach, we begin with connection and listening. Through practical outdoor activities, we aim to support children’s confidence, emotional regulation, communication and independence, giving them time to learn and practise at their own pace.

Opportunities to Learn and Grow

Our sessions aim to support:

• Confidence and self-belief — trying new things, recognising strengths and taking pride in progress.

• Emotional regulation — noticing feelings, communicating needs and exploring what helps when things feel difficult.

• Communication — expressing ideas, making choices and asking for help, through words or other ways of communicating.

• Resilience — practising how to respond to setbacks, try another way and accept support.

• Independence — taking responsibility for manageable tasks with the right level of guidance.

• Problem-solving — exploring options, making decisions and learning through practical challenges.

• Positive relationships — building trust, sharing tasks and showing consideration for others.

• Engagement — finding activities that spark curiosity and encourage participation.

How Outdoor Activities Can Help

Den building, fire lighting, outdoor cooking and woodland tasks create natural opportunities to practise these skills.

Building a den might involve sharing an idea, choosing materials or finding another solution when something does not work. Preparing food can offer opportunities to follow steps, ask for help and complete a useful task. Learning to light a fire can encourage focus, patience and careful decisions.

We adapt each activity to the child. A meaningful step might be joining in, communicating a preference, taking a break when needed or completing part of a task more independently.

Progress at the Child’s Pace

Every child brings different experiences and needs. We offer calm encouragement, clear boundaries and space to practise without pressure to keep up with others.

We involve children in choices and, where appropriate, work with families, schools and services to understand what matters to them. We recognise effort as well as achievement and adjust support as we learn more about the child.

Our Aims and Expectations

Our sessions provide opportunities for learning and personal development. Each child’s experience will be different, and we do not promise particular or guaranteed outcomes.

Bushcraft sessions are not a treatment for mental health conditions. They can form part of a child’s wider support by offering practical activities, supportive relationships and opportunities to practise everyday skills.

Our aim is for each child to feel heard, recognise their strengths and have opportunities to grow in confidence—with patience, encouragement and enjoyment along the way.