SEND Nature Programme – Week Three: Confidence, Creativity and Campfire Connections

The SEND Nature Programme, delivered by Time to Connect CIC in partnership with Forest Frontiers and supported by Bolton CVS, continued this week with another joyful session focused on creative play, gentle risk-taking, and family connection around the campfire.

As the programme progresses, it’s becoming increasingly clear how powerful nature can be when children are given the freedom to explore, create, and connect in their own time and in their own way.

This week’s activities brought together crafts, sensory exploration, and a little campfire magic.

Campfire treats and moments of independence

One of the highlights of the session was the opportunity for children to make campfire treats, including toasted marshmallows and “smooshes” — a simple but much-loved combination of biscuits and melted marshmallow.

Charlotte, who has become a familiar and enthusiastic participant, had been asking every week if the group could toast marshmallows.

“This week was the week we finally did it,” Julie shared.

Charlotte absolutely loved the experience, confidently helping to toast the marshmallows over the fire and clearly enjoying the responsibility that came with the activity.

Another child, who is non-verbal, spent much of the session returning to the fire to toast marshmallows. Interestingly, he didn’t want to eat them himself — instead, he happily toasted them and fed them to his parents, which became a lovely moment of shared connection and communication.

These moments highlight how participation doesn’t always look the same for every child — and how meaningful engagement can take many forms.

Learning through risk and responsibility

Working safely around a campfire also offered an opportunity for the children to explore risk awareness and independence.

With their parents close by, the children were able to follow simple instructions around the fire, demonstrating that with the right support and trust, they were capable of navigating these situations safely.

Julie reflected on how powerful it was to see the children move confidently between activities:

“They were going off, coming back, exploring — there were no restrictions, just open-ended play.”

Some children wandered down to the nearby river before returning to the group, while others stayed closer to the fire and craft activities. The freedom to move and choose their own pace allowed the session to feel calm and natural.

Creative crafts and caring for nature

Alongside the campfire treats, the children also took part in a creative activity making bird feeders for the forest beds.

Using simple materials, the children crafted feeders that will help support local wildlife during the colder months.

Activities like this help children build a sense of care and responsibility for the natural environment, while also strengthening fine motor skills and creativity.

Conversations that support families

While the children played, the session also provided space for important conversations between parents.

Julie spent time talking with some families about non-verbal communication and the benefits of using simple sign-supported language to help children express their needs.

After the session, she shared resources and links with parents so they could continue exploring these strategies at home.

These conversations are an important part of the programme, helping parents feel supported and giving them practical tools that can make everyday life a little easier.

Small moments that matter

Of course, no session is complete without a few light-hearted moments.

One child remembered that he didn’t enjoy the hot chocolate from the previous week because it was “too weak”.

Determined to get it right this time, Julie made a richer version with marshmallows and cream.

He still wasn’t convinced — but when offered just whipped cream with marshmallows, he was suddenly very happy, carefully picking the marshmallows out of the cream.

It was a small moment, but one that perfectly captured the relaxed, responsive nature of the programme: listening to children, adapting, and finding what works for them.

A growing programme

Although Julie had to leave slightly early to deliver a talk at a college, the session continued with families enjoying the space together.

Due to poor weather affecting one of the previous sessions, the team has now decided to extend the SEND programme for a further couple of weeks so families can benefit from additional time together in nature.

Looking ahead, the next phase will introduce a family session running after school from 4:30pm to 6pm, opening the opportunity for even more families to experience the benefits of outdoor learning and connection.

Why these sessions matter

Week by week, the SEND Nature Programme is demonstrating that when children are given the right environment — one that values curiosity, movement, creativity, and calm — they thrive.

From toasting marshmallows to exploring the forest, crafting bird feeders to sharing conversations between families, each session builds confidence, trust, and connection.

As Julie summed up perfectly:

“It was just a delight. It really, really was.”

And with the programme now extended, there are more wonderful moments like this still to come.