Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Nature-loving families head down to the forest for school’s inaugural event
Adventurous pupils at St Andrew’s Primary tested their skills in the wilderness at an inaugural forest family fun day.
And, during the event, the young Airdrie nature lovers and their families created dens and took part in a scavenger hunt, as well as orienteering in the wilds of Whinhall Moss.
The creative kids also engaged in nature art and toasted marshmallows around the campfire; and afterwards tucked into a pizza in the school hall.
Colette Lambie, the school’s principal teacher, told the Advertiser: “Through outdoor learning, our children are being given the opportunity to learn about nature first hand.
“Learning in different areas of the curriculum, such as maths, literacy, art and music, can all be delivered through outdoor learning.
“As well as this, children learn how to identify hazards and manage them safely.
“We believe that the positive physical and mental health benefits of regular outdoor experiences are so important in helping young children to develop.
“We really wanted to share these outdoor experiences with our parents and families, so we decided to hold our first forest family fun event; it was a tremendous success, enjoyed by over 30 families.
“There was a great community atmosphere, with families coming together around the campfire, working in teams to build dens and competing in some orienteering.
“Feedback from parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive and this is sure to become an annual event.”
The school have also been in consultation with North Lanarkshire Council to develop an outdoor classroom facility, with plans in the process of being approved.