May Half-Term Nature Explorers
This May half-term was full of adventure, curiosity, and creativity for our young Nature Explorers, who joined us at Harmony Woods for two exciting outdoor sessions—The Gruffalo Trail and Freshwater Adventures. Here's a look back at what they got up to and a big cheer for the brilliant youth leaders who made it all happen!
Nature Explorers - Gruffalo Trail
Tuesday morning saw our explorers don their adventure hats (and later, crowns!) as they set off on a magical journey along the Gruffalo Trail. Surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of the woodland, they collected natural treasures—sticks, leaves, feathers, and more—to craft their own Gruffalo crowns, each as unique and wild as the woods themselves.
The day was packed with woodland games and free exploration, sparking imaginations and connecting everyone with the natural world. The woods came alive with stories, laughter, and muddy boots!
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and a massive congratulations to Matt, Natalia, and Hebe—who not only planned but delivered their own sessions for the first time! Matt and Natalia, both graduates of our Youth Team, are now fully-fledged Youth Leaders with ATU. This was a huge milestone, and they absolutely smashed it.
Nature Explorers - Freshwater Adventures
Thursday morning brought warm sunshine and fresh excitement as we headed back to Harmony Woods for our Freshwater Adventures session. This time, it was all about exploring the watery world of our pond.
Our Nature Explorers grabbed nets and trays for a pond dip, discovering an underwater universe teeming with life—from dragonfly larvae and diving beetles to the magical sighting of newts! After a snack and a bit of shade, the children used their discoveries as inspiration to create their own pond creatures using craft materials.
The fun didn’t stop there—there were more games to play, including the ever-popular "Meet the Trees", a game that combines nature connection with sensory exploration and teamwork.
Again, a huge thanks to our brilliant team—Matt, Natalia, and Hebe—for leading another incredible session. Their enthusiasm, planning, and energy made the event a hit!
Looking Ahead
Both sessions were a testament to the power of nature, play, and youth-led leadership. We’re so proud of the team and grateful to all the families who joined us. Keep an eye out for more Nature Explorers sessions over the summer—there’s plenty more adventure to come!
Want to be part of it? Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, and don’t forget to follow our journey through the woods, water, and beyond.
See you next time, Nature Explorers!