Unleashing Potential Through Nature: Project: WILD C.I.C. on WILD Crafting

At Project: WILD C.I.C., we believe in the power of nature to transform lives. As part of the Rise2Thrive programme, we delivered a unique set of “WILD Crafting” workshops to adults in North Yorkshire facing barriers to employment or who simply need some time to reset and connect with nature.

This immersive full-day experience went beyond your typical day outside. Participants learned valuable bushcraft skills like:

fire-lighting,

campfire cooking,

and whittling!

We discussed key survival skills, priorities, and spoke about the important impact of nature on our mental wellbeing. At certain sessions, participants had to put their archery skills to use and ‘hunt’ for their lunch – that went down a storm!

But the true magic happened beyond the activities themselves. Our participants’ key takeaways from the WILD Crafting sessions were:

- - Building Essential Skills: Working together to overcome challenges, participants honed crucial teamwork, planning, problem-solving, and communication skills – vital for both personal and professional success.
  - Nurturing Well-being: Immersing themselves in nature fostered improved mental health and a deeper connection to the environment.
  - Boosting Confidence: The hands-on, low-pressure environment encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and discover hidden talents.
  - Unleashing Potential: The skills gained – adaptability, resourcefulness, resilience – are transferable to various employment settings, empowering participants on their journey towards employment and personal growth.

We absolutely LOVE delivering these WILD Crafting days – they’re so worthwhile. But don’t just take it from us – here’s Gemma, a keyworker from Orb Community Arts, who joined us on her organisation’s WILD Crafting session.

If you have any questions about our WILD Crafting sessions, or you’d like to know more about what we can deliver, please email in**@************ic.com.

We had a fantastic time on the Rise2Thrive project, and so did our participants! Check out the lovely feedback that we have collected along the way.

“Huge thanks again for running the sessions for us. Everyone really loved them, so hopefully we can collaborate again in the new year.”

– David, Creative and Wellbeing Project Manager for Orb Community Arts on our WILD: Crafting

I’ve had a wonderful day. We’ve walked the woodland, collected branches and kindling. Lit fires, made bread dough and cooked it on sticks over the fire. Cooked sardines in their tin. Whittled spoons to eat our tea with, walked the wild meadow and prepared and cooked tea. We came away shattered, dirty and smelly but thoroughly satisfied and happy with our day. Thank you so much for organising it.

– WILD: Crafting participant from Rural Arts

The length of the session allowed us to be fully engrossed. The variety of activities was superb, I loved that we each whittled our own wooden spoon & then used it for a meal we helped to prepare! Learning new skills – how to cook food without the need to build a large fire (sardined in tins!). We also learned how to make a carrier for fire wood, using chunky sticks and paracord!

– WILD: Crafting participant/staff from Rural Arts

The best thing about the session was handling tame and wild snakes, learning about snake habitats, habits, & identification skills.

– Ecology Skills Course participant from Up For Yorkshire

The tutor (Nick) was excellent. Also, I loved having an open fire outside.

– WILD: Crafting participant from Waythrough

I learned lots about survival and learned new skills with loads of laughs and deep talks along the way.

– WILD: Crafting participant from SWR Mind

Lots of nature around, so peaceful. Food was great. Longer sessions or spread out over two days; didn’t want to finish!

– WILD: Crafting participant from Orb Community Arts

It’s been a really good day. I enjoyed learning how to cook and doing archery.

– WILD: Crafting participant from Orb Community Arts