Muddy adventures for region’s kids
A new community group has been launched to allow children to have fun outdoors while learning new skills.
Muddy Adventures is the brainchild of Malissa Bell, who has set up the forest school in Strathclyde Park for kids to engage with nature.
The group was started 10 weeks ago with help from an Awards for All grant of £8,000 from the National Lottery.
Since opening, the success has been overwhelming, and in less than three months Muddy Adventures now welcomes 60 children every weekend.
Malissa (33) said:“When I first had the idea I thought to myself if I get five kids for the first session that would be great.
“But within an hour it had sold out – it was amazing. So I added an extra session and it sold out too.
“I now run three sessions every Saturday.”
Children aged four to 12 from across North Lanarkshire and further afield enjoy getting dirty in the great outdoors and learning how to build dens, use tools safely and make fires.
But it’s not all child’s play, as the adult volunteers love to get involved with helping the kids learn more about nature, make new friends and take part in team-building activities.
Malissa, who has a degree in environmental science, is hoping the success of the group will continue to grow and enable her to create a community interest group.
This will help volunteers take part in training courses as all money raised from the sessions will be used within the business.
Malissa said:“A lot of the parents have given me great feedback saying their kids love it and it is teaching them new skills they wouldn’t be able to teach.
“Many families use Strathclyde Park to go for walks or picnics during the summer but Muddy Adventures teaches the kids to love nature and get outdoors all year round.”
To find out more and to book a place, visit Muddy Adventures on Facebook.