Bushcraft IS for everyone

[Celt_Ginger]

Recently, a group of us here in Northern Ireland were contacted by the Cedar foundation, a charity for people with disabilities, and we were asked if we would be able to provide a Bushcraft themed day for a group of disabled people, which would include wheelchair users. We immediately agreed and planned a day filled with Bushcrafty activities.
Here's a few pictures.

Some of the people who joined us for the day.

Activities included striking sparks using flint and steel.

Getting stuck in with the Bannock making.

Making skewers for the Bannock twists.

Baking the Bannock twists over the embers.

Trying out the Hammocks

And we finished off by having a go at bursting some balloons using a blow pipe. the competition was fierce but great fun was had by all.
We also made some wood sprites and went on a bit of a forage, trying some blackberries and having a look at the woods and fields around us.
All of us at the NIBA would like to say what a great day we had with the Cedar foundation and take our hats off to them, not only for being game enough to come out to us for a day in the woods, but for all their dedication and hard work with the people they help to look after. They really are an inspiration.
__________________

 

[Tengu]

OMG! You got hold of a person in a wheelchair!

They are so hard to find these days.

Most of the time you have to make do with a loser like me.

 

[Celt_Ginger]

OMG! You got hold of a person in a wheelchair!

They are so hard to find these days.

Most of the time you have to make do with a loser like me.

Thanks for your Comments Tengu.

 

[robin wood]

This is one of the best most inspiring forum posts I have seen for some time. These are clearly really well thought through appropriate activities with a mix of fun and stuff that requires concentration and hand eye coordination. Looking at the pictures I can feel the fun of the day but also the effort and deep concentration. Hats off to you all.

 

[Celt_Ginger]

Thanks Robin. The point of this post is to perhaps encourage more of us to use our Bushcraft skills to help people enjoy some activities that they may not normally get a chance to do.

 

[The Big Lebowski]

Hats off to you... the smiles say it all!

I bet every second was relished.

TBL.

 

[iboga]

Looks like it was a great day out for all involved!
All the best with future projects.

 

[Retired Member southey]

Fantastic job there fella, a day well spent.

 

[johnboy]

The point of this post is to perhaps encourage more of us to use our Bushcraft skills to help people enjoy some activities that they may not normally get a chance to do.

Hi CG what a great post


As Robin says you really thought through the activities for this group. Everyone looks to have had a great time...

Nice one...

 

[Man of Tanith]

excellent photo's!
really well thought out ativities as well i work in the care industry and i can tell that these activities whislt to us they are only run of the mill things will stay with the folks for many years.

 

[Paul_B]

A good few years ago my canoeing club did something similar. We had permission to go on a small reservoir near us and the club got out its canoes and tied together to make more stable rafts out of two of them. We got a local maker of inflateable canoes, duckysand rafts to lend us some. We got nice two seaters. It was very good of them to do that. Although it would have been better if they lent us a pump too. Seriously it took about 6 fairly fit whitewater/freestyle, slalom and sea kayaking blokes a long time and some very light heads to get them up.

Then we had about 4 hours wait during which we got to play. Then just when we thought they wouldn't come a minibus turned up. A group of kids with a very wide range of abilities. All of them really nice kids. Some were very timid. It was fun watching them come round and enjoying themselves. Must count as one of my best days in a kayak. We got a lot out of it too. Although just seeing one kid dip her toes into the water was brilliant. Sounds daft but that was equivalent to her Everest. We really don't know how hard things can be for people until...

Anyway, from someone who gained a lot from helping out (still remember it from over 18 years ago) all I can say is if you get the opportunity to help in something like Celt_Ginger did I really recommend you take it up. A bit of time and effort brings rewards to all involved IMHO.

Good on you guys CG.

 

[Celt_Ginger]

Hi Folks, just to point out that I wasn't on my own, There were 4 members of our group,(all members here) who organised everything. Credit also to Combatblade, Mouldsy and Luresalive

 

[Toddy]

Not everyone can so effectively create an event for a group with so many challenges
Very well done

I did quite a lot of work a few years ago with a organisation here who co-ordinate Summer play provision for similar groups, but of primary school age.
I think I had the advantage of having a week to work with each group. This meant that structures, such as the woven triangular panels for tepees and dens could be an ongoing thing. The sheer delight of those children I worked with though is still a very, very good memory.

I agree wholeheartedly, very worthwhile and much to be encouraged

cheers,
Toddy

 

[drewdunnrespect]

bravo mate well done i think what you hve done is amazing cos as everyone has said it will stick with the kids for ever and will help them in what ever they do welldone drew

 

[Tengu]

Im sorry I was so cynical.

Your right, there is very little for disabled people, yet a lot would like to do it.

When I was at St loyes the main activity seemed to be football. We did Kayaking for a while (thanks to a very insistent learner) but the local group were not keen...after all day with kids they didnt want to give up their evenings for adults.

 

[MartinK9]

Great post, well done gents.

 

[Loenja]

This is one of the best most inspiring forum posts I have seen for some time. These are clearly really well thought through appropriate activities with a mix of fun and stuff that requires concentration and hand eye coordination. Looking at the pictures I can feel the fun of the day but also the effort and deep concentration. Hats off to you all.

im goint to have to agree wholeheartedly to this statment

 

[slammer187]

The smile on the guy's face when he's striking the firesteel is priceless

 

[malente]

That sure looks FUN! What a great idea, thanks for sharing.

The smiles on the faces say more than a thousand words.

BIG thumbs up!

Mike

 

[Robbi]

nice one C-G and NIBA, i did quite a bit with an organisation called PHAB some years ago, i can understand you feeling of satisfaction and the joy on the kids faces, well done guys.

Robbi