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February Break Activities

We believe stories have the power to inspire children, connecting them to nature in exciting and imaginative ways. One of our favorite books to bring to life outdoors is Stick Man by Julia Donaldson, a heartwarming and adventurous tale that celebrates resilience, family, and the wonders of the natural world.

If you haven't read Stick Man yet, it follows the journey of a loyal wooden hero who gets swept away from his family tree. Along the way, he encounters all sorts of challenges, from a playful dog to a determined swan and even a roaring fireplace! But through perseverance, luck, and a little help from Santa, Stick Man finds his way home just in time for Christmas.
The story is full of themes that we love to explore in the outdoors—imagination, resourcefulness, and the magic of nature. And what better way to experience the book than by heading outside to discover the world of sticks, trees, and woodland creatures for ourselves?

Explore the Stick Man Trail in Scotland

For families looking to bring Stick Man to life, the Polbeth and West Calder Community Garden hosts a self-guided Stick Man Activity Trail inspired by Julia Donaldson's beloved character. Located at Parkhead Farm, Limefield Road, West Calder, this trail is designed for children aged 3 to 7, encouraging them to explore the natural world and learn about how things grow.

The Stick Man Trail is open year-round and can be accessed anytime from the garden's car park. Featuring fun activities linked to the story, it's the perfect way to engage young adventurers while helping them develop a love for the outdoors this February break!

Outdoor Activities Inspired by Stick Man!
If you can't make it to the Stick Man Trail, don't worry! Here are some fun ways to bring Stick Man to life on your outdoor adventure this year!

Create Your Own Stick Man!
Encourage children to find the perfect stick and decorate it with leaves, twigs, or even a bit of string to create their very own Stick Man.

Stick Adventures!
Just like in the book, a stick can become anything—a boat, a flagpole, a sword, or even a bridge! Challenge children to use their sticks in different ways and come up with their own adventure stories.

One of our Favourites - Build a Stick House/Den!
Gather sticks and leaves to create a cosy "family tree" home for Stick Man. This is a great way to practice problem-solving and teamwork while learning about natural shelters!

Nature Treasure Hunt!
Make a list of natural objects from the story (sticks, leaves, nests, footprints) and go on a scavenger hunt to find them. This helps children develop observation skills and an appreciation for the small wonders of the outdoors.

Stick Races in a Stream!
Grab a Pooh stick!
If you're near a stream/river, safely let children race their Stick Men in the water, just like in the book. This activity brings a hands-on understanding of how water flows and adds an extra element of adventure.

The Magic of Outdoor Storytelling!
Reading Stick Man in nature makes the story even more magical. Whether sitting under a big tree, by a crackling campfire, or on a windy beach, the great outdoors is the perfect setting to spark imagination and curiosity!

So, the next time you head outside, why not visit the Stick Man Trail in West Calder or create your own stickman adventure? You never know what kind of Stick Man you might find!

To participate in our outdoor camps, where we will be doing some of these fun activities please visit below for more details: https://thewildoutdoors.org/locations/

Wishing you happy, hearty adventures!

Got questions?
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Most courses at The Wild Outdoors Childcare Ltd include one or more adventurous activities.  The Wild Outdoors Childcare Ltd staff have, and fully accept, a duty of care to make those activities as safe as is reasonably practical.  They are required to adhere to a comprehensive set of safety rules and there is a quality management system to monitor the fact that rules and procedures are adhered to.

However, adventurous activities are inherently hazardous and cannot be completely risk free however hard we try.  Accidents can happen without any contributory negligence from the centre or its staff.

Moreover, the environment at the centre is such that we cannot “fence off” all hazardous areas.  Your son or daughter must therefore help our staff to look after their safety by listening carefully to instructions, by doing what they are asked to do and by not being reckless by trying to do more than they have been briefed to do.  Only give your consent if you are confident that they will behave responsibly in this way.  The centre can accept no responsibility for loss of or damage to personal property or for personal injury unless arising as a result of its own action or default.

I understand and accept the above statements.  My son or daughter is fit for the course and will inform the centre before the course of any special medical conditions that might affect my son’s or daughter’s safety.

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We accept childcare vouchers!

If you receive child vouchers, we can now convert them into credit to use on Wild Outdoors Camps.

Simply go to our contact page and select the childcare vouchers option in the subject, then send us an email with your contact details and who your provider is and how much you would like. We can then add credit to your wallet for you to book when you would like.

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