THE first ever outdoor forest school has announced the launch of two new summer camp locations and the creation of 16 new jobs.
The Holistic Kidz Forest Adventure Camp has been based in Barnett Demesne in Belfast since 2019 and due to increased levels of demand, it has added forest schools in Crawfordsburn Country Park in Helen’s Bay and Portglenone Forest Park in Ballymena.
Running weekly from July 5 to August 27, the camp for 4-12 year-olds includes a range of outdoor activities from forest trekking and tepee building to mud bath jumping and nature assault courses.
Founder Colette McCartney said 16 new coaches have been hired to support the expansion of the camps.
“They are all highly skilled and talented within their unique areas of expertise and our teams include teachers, medical students, scout and youth leaders and an Olympic athlete, who all bring their passion, drive and creativity to Holistic Kidz and are ready and raring to deliver the most exciting summer camp experience across Northern Ireland this summer,” she said.
“Scandinavian countries are ranked the healthiest and happiest in the world and one of the reasons behind this is that from a young age children are taught outdoors in all weather conditions.
“Our three forest schools are all outdoors in nature whatever the weather and children can avail of the many proven scientific benefits of this including increased energy levels, physical fitness, improved mood and focus and running around breathing in the fresh air always ensures a good night’s sleep.”
