Bushcraft
A great sensory activity that encourages independence, teamwork and hands-on learning
Bushcraft at Calvert
Bushcraft is an activity that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. Although perhaps traditionally thought of as a survival skill, learning bushcraft is a great sensory activity that encourages independence, teamwork and hands-on learning.
At Calvert Lakes our bushcraft sessions take people through the basics of fire lighting and fire safety as well as teaching about the fire triangle and how to keep a fire going. We use flints and tinder to create sparks, then encourage participants to find kindling nearby to build a fire that they can use to cook on. Exploring the woodland on lets people enjoy nature and teaches about the surrounding landscape, combining physical activity with problem-solving and creativity.
Roasting marshmallows on a fire is a firm favourite, as is popping corn and making hot chocolate. We use Kelly Kettles to contain the fire sometimes, especially when bushcraft sessions are offsite. Our experienced instructors build in all sorts of challenges to this popular outdoor session, such as leaf printing, stamp making and crafting activities.
We have a covered bushcraft shelter towards the top of the site that is accessed by outdoor steps, or via a lift in our pool building that exits near the sensory room. From here it is a short distance along a flat path to the shelter. In the centre is a huge firepit with seating around and a short walk or push away is a loose path to our wheelchair challenge course, which is hidden amongst the trees.
Bushcraft is great for:
Developing problem-solving skills
Adaptive bushcraft equipment:
Check out the adaptive equipment which allows all of our guests to experience our incredible activities.
Large flints for easier fire lighting
Sessions can be shorter as required
Level, easy access areas
Fire trays and bowls to bring the experience of fire lighting closer
Outdoor clothing keeps wheelchair users warm
Blankets to bring the experience of fire lighting closer
“The activities were fantastic- it gave me the opportunity to participate in activities that didnt think i could do :)”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“Just the right amount of helping us to do things a little out of our comfort zone. So a great sense of achievement.”
Name
“Our leader Ben was excellent. Great variety of activities with flexible adaptation for our group.”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“We always enjoy the activities and certainly appreciate the chance to try all the activities, but rock and ropes maybe wasn’t best for our group as a whole as many not able to participate in rock climbing due to the disabilities they have.
Calvert Lakes Guest
Bushcraft FAQs
Take a look at our most frequently asked questions.
Who can enjoy bushcraft?
Bushcraft is often pitched as a survival-themed outdoor session, but we think it’s more of a sensory activity. Even those with limited mobility can enjoy the sounds, sensations and smells of building and cooking over fire.
Those with more limited movement can still take part, experiencing the smell of popcorn, heat from the fire and taste gooey roasted marshmallows. More assertive characters might also enjoy directing others! We have a few tools that are adapted to make those first sparks more successful too.
We can adapt sessions to the needs of a group based on the required level of interactivity.
Where does bushcraft take place?
Bushcraft can take place in our dedicated bushcraft shelter onsite. It sits at the top of the site, above the pool and games rooms, but below the high ropes course and zip wire.
Alternatively, it can be built into canoeing sessions where a group can paddle to a location, do the activity and paddle back. We also use the land by the boathouse as a great location for bushcraft sessions, or further down the lake at One Tree, depending on group suitability.
We are lucky to benefit from exclusive access to local forests and trails through partnerships with landowners and the Forestry Commission.
How long is a bushcraft session?
A bushcraft session lasts no longer than 2 hours but can be shortened or expanded depending on the needs of an activity group. People who are keen to get involved enjoy lighting the fire, cooking popcorn, roasting marshmallows, making hot chocolate (or tea/coffee) and making shelters. Those with more limited mobility may not get as much out of the activity although the sensory elements such as the smell of popping corn, smoke and heat from the fire, along with eating of goodies are all enjoyable.
With all our activities, we work with the needs of each individual group to ensure maximum enjoyment and benefit.
Is bushcraft educational?
As with many of activities, we can tie it into a learning or curriculum theme. The fire triangle is a great example of how we, or teachers, can reinforce science education into bushcraft sessions – although this entirely optional.
Do you qualify for financial support?
At Calvert Lakes, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joys of outdoor adventure. We also understand that the cost of a residential stay can be a barrier. Thanks to the hard work of our fundraising team, we have regular releases of bursary funding that can further help support your residential stay with us.
Stay in touch
Sign up for news, accessible adventure breaks, fundraising updates, and updates about the impact of your support.
