**Forces and Me Forest School – Holiday Sessions for Forces Families**

**Location:** Duchess wood, Helensburgh\
**Who it’s for:** Children with a parent currently serving in the armed forces\
**Dates & Age Groups:**

- **Tuesday 8th July** – S1-S4

- **Tuesday  22nd July** – P1-P3

- **Tuesday  5th August** – p4-P7

  Please only book the relevant session for the age of your young person.

---

Join us for a day of woodland adventure, discovery and connection at our *Forces and Me Forest School* sessions – specially designed for children from armed forces families.

These fun and supportive sessions give children the chance to unwind, explore nature and build confidence in a calm, nurturing outdoor setting. Through typical forest school activities like den building, fire lighting, nature crafts, tool use, games, and team challenges, participants develop practical skills, resilience, and strong peer bonds.

Each day is tailored to the age group attending, with a focus on creativity, cooperation and wellbeing – all set within the inspiring woodlands of Duchess Wood.

Led by experienced forest school practitioners- Helen & Lynne, these sessions offer a space to relax, make new friends, and enjoy the benefits of nature – especially important for children navigating the unique challenges of military family life.

**Free to attend – limited spaces available. Booking essential. Only for those families of active serving armed force personnel.**

**Forces and Me Forest School – Holiday Sessions for Forces Families**

**Location:** Duchess wood, Helensburgh\
**Who it’s for:** Children with a parent cur...

Forces and Me Forest School

At Woodlandwise, we want to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive space for women in our local woodlands. It’s a place to escape the stress of everyday life, feel less isolated, and boost your confidence by learning new skills and reconnecting with nature.

We offer activities like bushcraft skills, campfire cooking, mindfulness, forest bathing, and other therapeutic experiences. This is more than just learning practical things; it’s about creating friendships, building a sense of belonging, and empowering women to thrive in their communities.

We understand that life’s changes—like moving to a new place, having children, becoming a caregiver, or navigating menopause—can sometimes leave women feeling out of touch or overlooked. By bringing women of all ages and backgrounds together, we aim to create a supportive circle where you can share stories, wisdom, and laughter, all while building your own support network.

**Who is this for?**

We welcome all women and those who identify as female, embracing diversity in all its forms. Our project values:

- **Age:** Women of all ages are encouraged to join and connect.
- **Disability:** We work to make our activities accessible and adaptable for everyone.
- **Gender identity:** If you identify as female, you are welcome.
- **Marriage and partnership:** We respect all relationship choices.
- **Pregnancy and motherhood:** Whether you're struggling pre-pregnancy, post-pregnancy, or anywhere in between, we’re here to support you.
- **Race and ethnicity:** We warmly welcome women from all ethnic backgrounds, including refugees and asylum seekers.
- **Religion or beliefs:** While we respect all beliefs, this isn’t a space for broader religious discussions.
- **Sexual orientation:** Everyone is valued and respected here.

We’re committed to making this experience free of charge, ensuring that no one is excluded due to financial barriers. Plus, our chosen locations are easily accessible without needing a car.

**What can you expect to gain?**

Here are the three big ways this project can make a difference:

1. **Connection:** We know isolation can make it hard to feel confident or hopeful. That’s why we’ve created a space where you can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with, learn skills like cooking on a campfire or using tools, and just enjoy being part of something special. It’s amazing what happens when women come together—ideas flow, conversations spark, and life-changing moments can happen.
2. **Resilience:** Life can be tough—juggling work, family, and personal challenges can be overwhelming. By learning new skills, forming new friendships, and stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had. That newfound energy can ripple out into your home, your community, and beyond.
3. **Inclusion:** We’re all about welcoming women from all walks of life to share this experience in the woods. Whatever your background, abilities, or stage of life, we’ll meet you where you are, making sure everyone feels valued, included, and celebrated.

**Why it matters**

Spending time in nature has proven benefits for mental health and well-being. But this is more than just a walk in the woods—it’s about being part of a group that supports and uplifts you. Whether you’re recovering from life’s challenges, managing anxiety, or simply looking for a new spark, this project offers a safe, encouraging space to grow and connect.

**How we’ll measure success**

We’ll ask participants to complete a “Well-being Wheel” at the start, middle, and end of the program to track progress in areas like confidence and overall well-being. But we’ll also keep things informal, paying close attention to how relationships grow and evolve throughout the project.

**Who’s running the show?**

The Woodlandwise Forest School CIC team includes two experienced leaders who’ll guide the sessions. Each programme will run for 12 weeks with up to 12 women at a time, across different locations, so travel and transport won’t be a problem.

We’re excited to create a space where you can relax, recharge, and rediscover your strength. Let’s grow together in the woods!

Woodlandwise Forest School - Woodlandwise Wellbeing for Women- Rosneath

A series of 12 wellbeing sessions designed for women- come as you are and take what you need. No experience required and all resources provided free

Woodlandwise Wellbeing for Women- Rosneath

Come and join us for a relaxing woodland workshop making your own bespoke felted slippers, crafted to perfectly fit your own feet. You'll make your slippers from the finest, sustainable, merino wool using a wet felting technique and take a guided walk, including some forest bathing with a tea ceremony, as your feet do the felting on the hoof! This event is open to those of age 12 and over, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. All materials will be provided, including hot drinks and campfire delights 😊.  You will need to be prepared to walk for around 2 hours for the process to work, but it will not be strenuous exercise and there will be opportunities to pause and rest. You will require an old pair of boots that lace up, wellies do not work. 

Come and join us for a relaxing woodland workshop making your own bespoke felted slippers, crafted to perfectly fit your own feet. You'll make your slippers ...

Felted Feet to Wear

Age if under 16. 

Any medical, dietry or allergy information you wish us to be aware of. 

**What’s the project about?**

At Woodlandwise, we want to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive space for women in our local woodlands. It’s a place to escape the stress of everyday life, feel less isolated, and boost your confidence by learning new skills and reconnecting with nature.

We offer activities like bushcraft skills, campfire cooking, mindfulness, forest bathing, and other therapeutic experiences. This is more than just learning practical things; it’s about creating friendships, building a sense of belonging, and empowering women to thrive in their communities.

We understand that life’s changes—like moving to a new place, having children, becoming a caregiver, or navigating menopause—can sometimes leave women feeling out of touch or overlooked. By bringing women of all ages and backgrounds together, we aim to create a supportive circle where you can share stories, wisdom, and laughter, all while building your own support network.

**Who is this for?**

We welcome all women and those who identify as female, embracing diversity in all its forms. Our project values:

- **Age:** Women of all ages are encouraged to join and connect.
- **Disability:** We work to make our activities accessible and adaptable for everyone.
- **Gender identity:** If you identify as female, you are welcome.
- **Marriage and partnership:** We respect all relationship choices.
- **Pregnancy and motherhood:** Whether you're struggling pre-pregnancy, post-pregnancy, or anywhere in between, we’re here to support you.
- **Race and ethnicity:** We warmly welcome women from all ethnic backgrounds, including refugees and asylum seekers.
- **Religion or beliefs:** While we respect all beliefs, this isn’t a space for broader religious discussions.
- **Sexual orientation:** Everyone is valued and respected here.

We’re committed to making this experience free of charge, ensuring that no one is excluded due to financial barriers. Plus, our chosen locations are easily accessible without needing a car.

**What can you expect to gain?**

Here are the three big ways this project can make a difference:

1. **Connection:** We know isolation can make it hard to feel confident or hopeful. That’s why we’ve created a space where you can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with, learn skills like cooking on a campfire or using tools, and just enjoy being part of something special. It’s amazing what happens when women come together—ideas flow, conversations spark, and life-changing moments can happen.
2. **Resilience:** Life can be tough—juggling work, family, and personal challenges can be overwhelming. By learning new skills, forming new friendships, and stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had. That newfound energy can ripple out into your home, your community, and beyond.
3. **Inclusion:** We’re all about welcoming women from all walks of life to share this experience in the woods. Whatever your background, abilities, or stage of life, we’ll meet you where you are, making sure everyone feels valued, included, and celebrated.

**Why it matters**

Spending time in nature has proven benefits for mental health and well-being. But this is more than just a walk in the woods—it’s about being part of a group that supports and uplifts you. Whether you’re recovering from life’s challenges, managing anxiety, or simply looking for a new spark, this project offers a safe, encouraging space to grow and connect.

**How we’ll measure success**

We’ll ask participants to complete a “Well-being Wheel” at the start, middle, and end of the program to track progress in areas like confidence and overall well-being. But we’ll also keep things informal, paying close attention to how relationships grow and evolve throughout the project.

**Who’s running the show?**

The Woodlandwise Forest School CIC team includes two experienced leaders who’ll guide the sessions. Each programme will run for 12 weeks with up to 12 women at a time, across different locations, so travel and transport won’t be a problem.

We’re excited to create a space where you can relax, recharge, and rediscover your strength. Let’s grow together in the woods!

 

Woodlandwise Forest School - Woodlandwise Wellbeing for Women

A series of  8 wellbeing sessions designed for women- come as you are and take what you need. No experience required and all resources provided free

Woodlandwise Wellbeing for Women- Garelochhead

Woodlandwise Holiday Camp is a valuable investment, offering quality time away from daily distractions while fostering holistic child development through activities that build confidence, creativity, and resilience. It nurtures a deep connection to nature, inspiring environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, while promoting physical fitness and reducing stress for all ages. Children benefit from hands-on, curiosity-driven learning experiences that complement traditional education, and they become part of a like-minded community, creating lasting friendships and memories.
Join us for fun filled  Forest School sessions in Kilmahew Estate, Cardross, or, Duchess Woods, Helensburgh.  You can attend as a one off, or book a series of sessions and really see the skills progress. We would love to see some friendly faces- old friends and news ones- round the campfire in our favourite forest site for some woodland crafts, bush craft, campfire cooking, den building, games and more! Nature connection and people connection at its very best! We welcome all children of primary age to these sessions. If you would like to attend, but are unsure about any aspect, please do get in touch- we are happy to make any accommodations possible to ensure that Woodlandwise Summer Camp Forest School is as inclusive as possible and enjoyable for all.

Woodlandwise Holiday Camps

Darren Nicholson

My little one has always loved being outdoors, and this is the perfect camp for him. Great range of games and activities for him to enjoy with his friends. He's already looking forward to the next one. 

Kathleen Kennedy

I booked 2 days over easter break for my 6 year old grandson and he absolutely loved the experience.  The girls who take the sessions are so friendly, kind, responsible and trustworthy I was so relaxed leaving my little one with them.   He came back home with boxes of nature creations that he made and still loves sailing his little wooden boat crafted by him with help from the lovely ladies.  i would highly recommend this experience for children and cant wait to book again in summer holidays

Jonathan Bowen

My two (10 and 7) always have a blast at these holiday camps and I love that they are making new friends too. 

Caroline McNair

Amazing, as always...totally accessible and adaptable to needs of individuals. 
Wish all children could have a full time education via forest school...so much learning goes on...life skills, social/emotional/communication, physical, respect, everything  soooo much more than traditional school. Absolutely priceless...

Woodlandwise Holiday Camps are a valuable investme offering quality time away from daily distractions while fostering holistic child development through acti...

Forces and Me Forest School

Age Requirement