We may have been experiencing torrential rain but this recent deluge doesn’t put the children off getting outside. They took the opportunity to practice making lashings, whilst giving the water-sodden Forest School some respite from the trample of feet. Lashings are used to join together poles or spars to enable the construction of objects and structures. In Scouting this activity is called pioneering.
Pioneering is deeply seated in Scouting tradition and involves the process of designing and constructing equipment for practical uses from bridges to swings to shelters. Pioneering is often used to build camp gateways as well as functional objects such as tables and benches. It is good for learning practical skills as well as developing teamwork and problem solving skills.
Through patience and good communication all the teams managed to create a free-standing tripod. They could immediately see how useful this skill will be when working in the woods and some teams began to lay small fires (pretend only) under the smaller ones. Others began adding more poles, carefully laying them onto the sturdy tripod to create the frame for a tent. A very satisfying mornings work.
Principle 1: Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
Article 28: We all have the right to a good quality education.
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- More hands make this stage easier.
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- This team had the idea to lay theirs on the floor which can make the tying easier.
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- This is a good technique if you are alone.
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- Getting the legs spaced correctly brings optimum stability.
