Spend the day reconnecting with our hunter gatherer past on these one-day courses for children (no accompanying adult).

The adventure starts by finding out about ancient hunting methods and learning to utilizing the materials around to make a primitive 'quickie' bow. This involves selecting and harvesting a sapling, learning about knife safety, basic carving, and cordage - all of which leads up to participants being able to shape and personalize the sapling they've selected to make their very own 'fun bow'.

We then go through what to use as a bow string and how to twine your own to fit the 'fun bow'.

In turn, this is followed by learning about arrow making and discussion of the different types for various game. However, we actually make soft tip ones specially designed to hunt humans!

The day also involves discovering the ancient art of stalking and silent movement, all of which is preparation for playing a classic game of 'capture the flag'. And, of course, we also hunt each other with our own primitive bows!

This course is run by Adam Hendley, our resident Bushcrafter, whose kind, calm approach to teaching puts everyone at ease and assures a good day is had by all. Guy Mallinson assists.

Essential Information:

The course cost is £95 + VAT (£111.63) per child, including materials and morning and afternoon soft drinks and snacks. Tools are also supplied for use during the course within this price.

The course is held for two different age groups, 8-11 or 10-14. No accompanying adult is required.

The days run from 9.30 for a 10.00 start. We supply tea, coffee, soft drinks biscuits and cake for the morning and the afternoon breaks but children need to bring their own packed lunch.

We aim to stop at 4.00 p.m and children should be collected then.

Sturdy footwear should be worn. together with clothing suitable for walking through the woods - including in the rain if necessary. (However, if the weather turns very bad we can do many activities under shelters.)

If you have any questions or need further details, please feel free to contact me, Guy Mallinson, direct: guy@mallinson.co.uk. Full directions are supplied on booking.

Course Day Gallery

Photos taken during the first 'Wild Child
Adventures' course, April 2010.