Thursday 13th October

It was such a pleasure to welcome all the children back from North Rigton School and what a day for it! As I arrived this morning there was frost on the ground and a chilly 3oc. As the sun rose over the hillside the homestead warmed up ready for everyone to come play.

We had a lovely walk over together, for little legs they did so very well making their way over the stiles, through the gates and fields. We spotted the swans in the pond and crows flying overhead, as well as plenty of poo on the floor. What better way to start the day than discovering all the kinds of poo we could! Through Three Gates Wood where the fox lives and down through the farm to Kith. Once we head into the farmyard the children all seemed to speed up, especially when they saw the yurt gleaming white in the sunshine.

With bags hung up and snacks in hand we began with the introductions. Where to play, where the loo was (how to use the compost loo) and when to come find us. You could almost feel their energy, they were all so keen to go off and explore but with the words “be free” they were tentative at first. As the first brave explorer head off on their adventure, the rest followed… straight up the willow tree.

We’re so blessed with a willow tree which leans almost horizontally out into the field, it’s perfect for new climbers and those adventurous little monkeys keen to test their skills. One by one they began to climb the limbs and soon they were happily chatting away from branches. One very adventurous friend head straight to the highest branch and tested his skills throughout the day becoming more and more confident with each time up the tree.

In the yurt, the children quickly made themselves at home, finding a beautiful flow in there with the resources. The swamp, the spiral and wood chip mountain, the mud kitchen and garden, the children really found themselves at home, it was lovely to see.

As the day whizzed towards lunchtime, the more the grumbling tummies came back into the woods. Over lunch I told the story of Pebble the gnome, the seed collector. A beautiful little story about collecting shooting stars to grow in the depths of star mountain. The children were all so wonderful, taking their time to eat their food before heading back into the woodland.

I had a lovely few helpers to make the fire, they laid the wood, collecting the things we needed and then those who wanted to had a try with the ferro-rods, a modern version of a flint and steel. It takes patience and tenacity to get it right and for first attempts all the children were really great, they tried so hard and by the time we got the fire going they were making some huge sparks! There were still moments of frustration but they dug deep and really tried their best.

With a few games of follow the leader and some little lanterns made, the fire was ready to bake their little star scones. They waited so patiently for their turns and were incredibly polite when they came over for butter and jam. For a new group to Kith they were amazing around the fire, listening beautifully to instructions about where and where not to play whilst it was lit.

After their snacks there was plenty of time left to play before their epic adventure back to school.

It was a pleasure to welcome the new reception class to Kith, what a wonderful first class trip. Here’s to many more adventures together.

A big thank you to Mrs Down and all the adult helpers today.

See you very soon,

Lorna