THE PATHFINDERS PROGRAMME
BUILDING RESILIENCE, EMPOWERING GROWTH THROUGH NATURE, RESTORING HOPE
The PATHFINDERS programme is designed to provide children, young people and vulnerable adults with a safe, supportive environment where they can explore, grow and develop. Rooted in trauma-informed principles and inspired by nature connection, our approach is person-centred and tailored to meet individual need. We focus on helping people understand their emotions, recognise triggers and develop effective coping strategies for self-regulation.
Through trusted relationships with our team, therapeutic conversations naturally emerge, allowing young people and vulnerable adults to process their experiences and build confidence in their ability to navigate challenges. The outdoor environment plays a critical role in this process. Immersive, all-weather activities encourage resilience, relieve stress and anxiety, inspiring motivation. By engaging in skills-based learning in nature, success can be experienced and built upon to increase self-esteem and develop a clear sense of identity.
We offer:
- 1:1 personalised Educational Support
- Small Group Learning where appropriate
- A curriculum rooted in nature connection, bushcraft and wilderness skills
- Nature-based strategies to help students manage big emotions and reduce stress.
- A person centred approach that prioritises mental health, resilience and self awareness.
- Provision on a half-termly/termly basis
- Timely recording and reporting against outcomes
- Representation at meetings and reviews
- A unique award scheme that can be tailored to students interests and needs
BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL
Our Survival and Bushcraft activities provide opportunities to develop practical skills and a deeper connection to the natural world. These hands-on experiences provide young people with a sense of accomplishment and independence while teaching them to respect and work with nature.
FIRE LIGHTING
SHELTER BUILDING
FORAGING & WILD FOOD
NAVIGATION & WAYFINDING
ANIMAL TRACKING
KNIFE SKILLS
CREATIVE OUTDOOR PROJECTS
Our creative projects encourage self-expression, imagination and a personal connection to nature. By using the natural environment as inspiration and material, creativity can develop whilst building confidence and finding joy in the process.
NATURAL ARTS & CRAFTS
STORYTELLING
JOURNALING & SKETCHING
ENVIRONMENTAL SCULPTURES
CHARCOAL MAKING
MUSIC & SOUND EXPLORATION
TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES
Our Team building activities are designed to cultivate collaboration, communication and trust within a supportive, nature-based environment. These activities encourage young people to work together, solve problems and develop a sense of belonging while learning valuable interpersonal skills.
WILDERNESS CHALLENGES
PROBLEM SOLVING
COOPERATIVE COOKING
ORIENTEERING
GROUP ACTIVITIES & GAMES
WHO IS PATHFINDERS FOR?
Our programme is designed for young people and vulnerable adults who:
- Face barriers to learning due to trauma, anxiety, Special Educational Needs or other challenges
- Are educated outside of mainstream school (EOTAS)
- Have a bespoke learning package that involves alternative education alongside mainstream learning
- Benefit from a nurturing, nature connected and therapeutic learning environment
OUR AWARD SCHEME
Our PATH TO ASCENDANCY Award scheme offers a structured and engaging framework to help young people and vulnerable adults discover their strengths, build resilience and achieve personal growth. Inspired by ancient communities, the scheme is based upon ancestral skills essential for thriving in challenging times.
To find out a bit more about our syllabus, check out our PATH TO ASCENDANCY page
Our programme aims to empower children and young people to overcome past challenges, fostering emotional well-being and creatE a foundation for positive, proactive learning. With time and support we can help people to improve their ability to cope in ours and other settings, enabling them to thrive both academically and socially.