To Approach a Controversial Subject

[THOaken]

Thoaken, I've been involved in our forest school for quite a while now, prior to my arrival and instructing, it was run by a woodland ranger and a high school teacher.
The students were 'forced' (part of the curriculum for the kids struggling academically) to attend by the local schools.
These students weren't engaged in any way. Because it's student lead, there was nothing for the kids to do, they were bored and so were the instructors. They weren't allowed sharps (behavioural problems) and could only watch a fire being lit.
They basically didn't enjoy it, outdoors, in nature or not.

I replaced the high school teacher.
Since then, the kids have been given more responsibility. They now carve tent pegs, tri sticks, spoons and a spot of bow tillering thanks to volunteers who demonstrate on several days.
The kids are transformed. They are eager to come, and a fully engaged.

It's all about engaging with the kids, speaking on their level. You can't judge them on appearance or reputation, just be right with them.

Several times I've been down the woods and come across youths trying to burn rubbish. I used to scare them away. I now sit with them, chat and most of the time these same youths will turn up to our woodland events cause what o told them sounded interesting.
They can be from all walks of life, but once their bravado had gone, they do and will listen if they respect you.

What I'm getting at is if you want this to happen, find a way of getting these youths together, have a chat, explain what you can offer and let them decide what they want to do. If they only spend an hour a week more outdoors, then you've made a difference. Don't try to make them put their joy sticks away forever.

Best of luck with what your doing.

Steve

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

Thanks, Steve, I appreciate the advice and the insight.

 

[raskusdrotti]

I've not joined in on any of your threads yet, but I think this time I have to.

I think it is fantastic that you have found out that there is more to life than computers. I am really pleased that you are so happy about it that you want to show others how good it can be. But:

From your other posts and threads, I had the impression it is new to you. The thread the other day about how best to carve a spoon sums it up for me, there is only one way to carve a spoon - carving it. If you want to spread the gospel of the outdoors, you have to first live it. No-one is saying you cannot be excited about the prospects of your hobby and talk to as many people as you like about it, but there is a difference between that and "turning" people.

It is a great idea, getting people out more and respecting the environment is fundamental to the future of this country. But, get some experience first - maybe volunteer at your local scout group and preach to the converted, learn some skills and enjoy yourself.

You need to concentrate on getting out there and doing it, this is another way of talking about it.

 

[ammo]

Good luck. You could start on BCUK, as I'm sure there are many, who spend more time on the forum than in the woods.
(not being sarcastic )
I think a good way may be to act as a middle man of sorts. Where you introduce them to the likes of Ivan or S Wright, or other experienced elders, mentors, instructors.
I'm sure a lot more people would be getting out if they were with someone with experience to fall back on.
You will need to be pro active, as the people your targeting will proberly need encouraging, they maybe shy or just not inclined to try new things.
Good luck

 

[THOaken]

Is this your assessment of your brother or a professional opinion?
I have a mate who books several days off every time a new game he plays comes out (halo possibly? )
To me thats not healthy but to him it's fine.
He doesn't understand why I would want to be out in minus fifteen temps with minimal kit.
But we respect each others hobbies. And agree to differ on those parts.

Makin sweeping judgements about whats best for other folk never works out that well

I respect him and he respects my hobby. We're very close. I know how these judgements sound. I couldn't be clearer in my intention that all I want to do is enthuse a certain small number about the very basics of nature, not berate them for doing what they do.

 

[Mesquite]

I think that's just it, basically, the bottom line of it. Actually, I'd actually only write to them to encourage to think about the outdoors and then maybe they'd give it a try one day. No force, no degrading speech.

It's a great idea but one I think is doomed because as MoT said, people will make their own minds up as to where they want to spend their money.

The other thing I think, and don't take this the wrong way as it's my opinion, is you aren't the best person suited to currently write anything to encourage people.

I find the way you phrase things and write is very stiff and stilted and I don't feel a passion or warmth come through from what you say about nature, bushcraft etc. Because of that I just don't think your message would get through to your target audience.

 

[Man of Tanith]

Perhaps the best approach would be to get out and do some yourself then do write ups and share with mates?
But actually get out and do rather than converse about it

 

[THOaken]

I've not joined in on any of your threads yet, but I think this time I have to.

I think it is fantastic that you have found out that there is more to life than computers. I am really pleased that you are so happy about it that you want to show others how good it can be. But:

From your other posts and threads, I had the impression it is new to you. The thread the other day about how best to carve a spoon sums it up for me, there is only one way to carve a spoon - carving it. If you want to spread the gospel of the outdoors, you have to first live it. No-one is saying you cannot be excited about the prospects of your hobby and talk to as many people as you like about it, but there is a difference between that and "turning" people.

It is a great idea, getting people out more and respecting the environment is fundamental to the future of this country. But, get some experience first - maybe volunteer at your local scout group and preach to the converted, learn some skills and enjoy yourself.

You need to concentrate on getting out there and doing it, this is another way of talking about it.

Yes, you're absolutley right. I do need more experience, there's no doubt about that. I just feel eager, is all. I have half a years voluntary experience, but that doesn't count for much does it?

Look, I think some people are actually misjudging what I want to do. I'm not trying to be a forest school instructor of Bushcraft. I'm no expert. I'm a complete beginner. I'm not trying to do what Steve does or anyone else for that matter. I mearly want to speak to some of these people online about the benefits of nature. I know I couldn't teach Bushcraft because I'm a complete beginner.

 

[Dave-the-rave]

If you really want to make a difference consider volunteering for the scouts...http://www.beargrylls.com/index.php/philanthropy/scouts/

At some point you'll realise you can't save the world but sometimes you can make a difference to some individuals by being a good teacher, role model, friend etc. That's all. Don't tell me I'm negative or I'll cry.

 

[THOaken]

Perhaps the best approach would be to get out and do some yourself then do write ups and share with mates?
But actually get out and do rather than converse about it

There seems to be this opinion of me that I have no experience whatsoever. I'm a complete beginner, that's for sure, but I have been places, I have volunteered for a ranger service and got down and dirty in the mud. I actively read nature guides and am genuinely enthused by nature. Your advice is sound, however.

 

[THOaken]

If you really want to make a difference consider volunteering for the scouts...http://www.beargrylls.com/index.php/philanthropy/scouts/

At some point you'll realise you can't save the world but sometimes you can make a difference to some individuals by being a good teacher, role model, friend etc. That's all. Don't tell me I'm negative or I'll cry.

I don't want to save the world because I don't think I can. Do you remember my earlier post? I said I didn't want to sound like a lone crusader. Please refer to my second most recent post as it deals with this.

 

[Clouston98]

Yes, you're absolutley right. I do need more experience, there's no doubt about that. I just feel eager, is all. I have half a years voluntary experience, but that doesn't count for much does it?

Look, I think some people are actually misjudging what I want to do. I'm not trying to be a forest school instructor of Bushcraft. I'm no expert. I'm a complete beginner. I'm not trying to do what Steve does or anyone else for that matter. I mearly want to speak to some of these people online about the benefits of nature. I know I couldn't teach Bushcraft because I'm a complete beginner.

Why not ask to speak to a local school?

 

[THOaken]

Why not ask to speak to a local school?

That is a very good idea, however I'm now in Hampshire and I suspect there are quite a few kids interested in the outdoors. It would've suited my high school back in Scotland.

 

[Dave-the-rave]

I don't want to save the world because I don't think I can. Do you remember my earlier post? I said I didn't want to sound like a lone crusader. Please refer to my second most recent post as it deals with this.

Please refer to the whole thread. Read it slowly then read it again. No offence intended but I'll leave you to it mate.

 

[raskusdrotti]

Yes, you're absolutley right. I do need more experience, there's no doubt about that. I just feel eager, is all. I have half a years voluntary experience, but that doesn't count for much does it?

Look, I think some people are actually misjudging what I want to do. I'm not trying to be a forest school instructor of Bushcraft. I'm no expert. I'm a complete beginner. I'm not trying to do what Steve does or anyone else for that matter. I mearly want to speak to some of these people online about the benefits of nature. I know I couldn't teach Bushcraft because I'm a complete beginner.

I get that, and I think you struggle to get your point across on a forum that couldn't be more aligned with your view.

 

[Tank]

I'd like to approach the subject with video/computer gamers. Where would I contact such people? On the internet of course.

Why do you not start with your brother? you have patient zero right there?

 

[Man of Tanith]

There seems to be this opinion of me that I have no experience whatsoever. I'm a complete beginner, that's for sure, but I have been places, I have volunteered for a ranger service and got down and dirty in the mud. I actively read nature guides and am genuinely enthused by nature. Your advice is sound, however.

Whikst you may have experience the recent threads you've posted also point that you're lacking in experience elsewhere.
If you want to engage with folks then you need to know what you are talking about.
Nothing will dissuade an individual than being told how great something is then not being able to taks it further than saying its great.
I got more of a response from the scouts i helped with because I could extend on my statements.
Eg. Me-birch trees are great
Scout-why?
Me- you can get tinder from them.
Scout-oh?
Me- and liquid.
Scout-oh?
Me and soap.
Scout oh?

The next week the scout came back to me and said I can't work out the tinder/soap/liquid can you explain?
Thus engaged and interested.

If id just said birch trees are great i would of left them thinking I was a bit odd and harmless

 

[THOaken]

Why do you not take your brother? you have patient zero right there?

I've shown him nature and he understands it a bit better, so that's good. He's been with me to the Highlands and he is more ready to go outdoors than he has ever been.

 

[shaggystu]

Why do you not take your brother? you have patient zero right there?

I made the same suggestion a few posts back Tank, no reply yet, it's funny really what does and doesn't get a reply.....

 

[Ivan...]

Well! I have been on here a little while, and when i first started i was full of bright ideas and how i was going to set the world of wildcamping/bushcraft alight, after may months and failed excersise's i am quite happy with my lot, whether it be a silly old meet, an under the radar gathering, or some of the private stuff i do when contacted by PM, by those who just want to come and camp and be shown a little of Dartmoor and what i can offer (a lot of that stuff, does not get posted on here, some are" no publicity darling!"

I don't do it for a profit, i do it because i absolutely love it, it takes time for people to trust and believe in you, and know what they are going to get.

I am more than happy to accommodate you and your brother, at a venue of your choice, within my permissions, some are really soft and easy all the way to hardcore, i promise there is no need whatsoever to worry as any aspect of staying in the woods can be covered, you can be shown where it is and left to your own devices right up to every whim taken care of, catering, kit supply, escorted excursions etc etc.

I will even get a few of my guests to PM you, just to tell you exactly what it is like.
I do not profess to be an expert, i am not a forager, a survival pro, but i have a very good knowledge, of trees, rivers and Dartmoor,have access to all for camping purposes, and my care and hosting skill are second to none.

You two ought to try it, i guarantee you would love it and go home a lot wiser.

The offer is there, my friend.

Ivan...

 

[THOaken]

Whikst you may have experience the recent threads you've posted also point that you're lacking in experience elsewhere.
If you want to engage with folks then you need to know what you are talking about.
Nothing will dissuade an individual than being told how great something is then not being able to taks it further than saying its great.
I got more of a response from the scouts i helped with because I could extend on my statements.
Eg. Me-birch trees are great
Scout-why?
Me- you can get tinder from them.
Scout-oh?
Me- and liquid.
Scout-oh?
Me and soap.
Scout oh?

The next week the scout came back to me and said I can't work out the tinder/soap/liquid can you explain?
Thus engaged and interested.

If id just said birch trees are great i would of left them thinking I was a bit odd and harmless

Very good. Trees have many more uses than photosynthesis, but I suspect the large majority don't know this. So you're right, telling them about the plethora of uses is the best course of action.