Making Space for Young People at the Nature & Wellbeing Centre

This summer we piloted a day camp for young people alongside environmental organisation ecobirmingham. The camp was based outdoors at the Birmingham Settlement Nature & Wellbeing Centre next to Edgbaston Reservoir.

Stemming from our co-production sessions as part of the Neighbourhood Futures Festival Youth Day and responding to conversations with young people about their feelings of isolation, disconnect and lack of safe spaces, the day offered young people aged 12-15 choice, autonomy and opportunity to connect with each other, both screen and pressure free, in the blissful surrounds of nature.

The group had options to dip into structured activities as well as spend time following their own interests, exploring the 3-acre space and forging friendships and connections.

Activities offered were designed to encourage the group to ground themselves in nature, try something new and connect. Movement-based games proved very popular, as did the campfire – the group enjoyed preparing and eating lunch together, making charcoal from willow as well as taking mindful moments to relax with weaving and nature crafts.

We asked: What was your favourite thing about the day?

“Meeting new friends, learning new things.”
“Learning something new, eating smores.”
“Chatting with new people.”
“Chatting and making new friends!”

The day camp returns with ecobirmingham for October Half Term, and we are looking forward to finding more of the connection. If you would like to talk more about our work with young people and ways we can collaborate, let’s chat! Email lizzie.forrester@bsettlement.org.uk