trainee story ~ karen

i feel that forest schools should evolve into becoming the norm in our society worldwide and  all children should have access to this as a basis to their education regardless of whether they are at school or home educated. i would like the opportunity to undertake this training because i want to be part of creating a positive future where connection to nature is nurtured from the beginning. 

karen brockett is a trainee on our ‘level 3 forest school leader’ 2022-23 cohort. karen shares her ‘forest school’ journey below…

Whatever it isi want to create more opportunities for bame by providing opportunities for children from deprived economic backgrounds regardless of race, ethnicity, identity and ability to access the forest school experience.

i would like to see families connect with each other through the forest school model and sustainable communities form in all parts of the uk and worldwide. i already speak so passionately about forest schools as it completely aligns with me and my partner's reasons to home educate in that the connection to nature is the first thing to nurture.

my multi-cultural upbringing in an eastern region has really helped create a solid foundation to understanding and accepting people from various backgrounds., the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

i would like to use this qualification to further celebrate this in a forest school setting by conducting sessions that are diverse introducing arts such as as hapa zome, weaving, mark making and many more; using natural materials to create.   

i feel saddened to learn that so many tribes and cultures around the world have lost their heritage to the soil, land and nature in return for their children growing up to seek jobs in cities and feel a great responsibility in being part of the solution which i feel is to preserve these ancient skills and knowledge by passing them onto our children; the next generation. i believe in a striking a balance between technology and nature so these two areas can exist in a symbiotic manner. i have met countless children who have never been to a woodland area and are so disconnected to the flora and fauna around us. i am keen to learn more about bushcraft, foraging, nature based skills, plants and animals through undertaking this training.

i would also like to see forest schools extend to teenagers, young adults and adults as part of a mainstream culture so having this qualification would enable me to have the skills and knowledge needed to hopefully work towards bridging this gap.

i hope to learn about the forest school practices and learn skills that i would need to lead my own forest school group. i would like to deepen my understanding of this intrinsic connection that we all have to nature  so that i can empower children and others. i am also looking forward to joining a tribe of like-minded spirited people who are working at forest schools and learning more from each other.