During this program, suitable for children aged 11 to 15, we offer an inspiring experience of scientific phenomena where they can be the scientists, and there is no prescriptive outcome to the experiments. Science begins in the natural world; laboratories and textbooks are useful, but first, we need to engage in the activities with our will, observe, feel, and reflect on the phenomena, and finally unpick the story through curiosity, discussion, and reflection.

Learning Activities will include:

Building a Lime Kiln

During this very large-scale experiment, there will be very dramatic endothermic and exothermic reactions.

This process runs right through the week culminating in the grand opening of the kiln on the Friday morning of the camp.

The Carbon Cycle

Another large-scale experiment exists in the form of our ‘retort’ charcoal maker, overseen by Charky the caterpillar, who represents the amazing metamorphosis that takes place inside the burner.

Food Education

Working in the garden, harvesting, cooking in our part wood-fired kitchen and exploring what it is that we need to maintain a healthy diet.

For those who wish, an opportunity will be presented to prepare a rabbit that has been shot by the local gamekeeper. As well as experiencing the true nature of what is involved in the consumption of meat, young people will gain a visceral insight into the anatomy of mammals.

Physics

We have various projects that require the use of levers and pulleys, offering a practical experience of some core principles of mechanics. A large tree trunk may have to be hauled out of woodland where there is no vehicular access.

Rural Craft & Creative Practice

We will engage in alchemical processes with botanical inks and natural dyes, and working with wood, wool, clay, and fire craft. 

Free Time & Play

We value making time for play, and games are a vital part of this program, as well as creative participation through music.

We also encourage time to just be, and for children to have the free time needed to unwind and relax with their peers without adult direction.  The land and inside the cob barn offer spaces to chill out, play table tennis, hang out on the net, or play on the rope swing.

Reflection and quiet time are built into a daily practice of a sit spot, an important part of the daily recipe of this camp.

And More...

Weather permitting there is also an opportunity to sleep out around a fire under the stars in a bivy bag and to walk to the river for a splash about if it's hot.

To conclude

The Experiential Science Program gives the children learning experiences - opportunities that involve real-life phenomena in the great outdoor laboratory, where discoveries are experienced and digested in such a way that the newfound knowledge becomes truly embodied.

''Learning is experiencing, all the rest is just information''
Albert Einstein

Cost

The cost per person is dependent on the number of young people attending on a scale from £350 - £400. A sibling rate of 50% is available for those who need it.

Instalments are welcomed - just pay the non-refundable deposit and we will be in touch to arrange the balance in a way that makes sense for you in the coming months up to the programme start.

We can accommodate up to 50 young people.

We aim to recruit from a variety of schools, learning communities, and home-educated children to keep the cost per head at the lowest tier. The more people sign-up, the lower to cost to all.