THERE'S nothing like a great outdoors. Research tells us that being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear and stress, and increases pleasant, peaceful feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.
Perhaps that's why Holistic Kidz Forest Camps are so very popular with kids and parents alike.
Holistic Kidz NI was founded by mother-of-one Colette McCartney in 2019 and is the first of its kind, an early learning wellness company that prides itself on sprinkling its relaxation magic on the children and young people of Northern Ireland.
The company has launched its sell-out Summer Forest Camp, and for the first time will be joined by some of Northern Ireland's leading professional sports people to help inspire and encourage children to 'Believe to Achieve'.
Holistic Kidz has been hailed by parents as helping sprinkle confidence, positivity and Zen among our young people and, through their innovative holistic programs, they endeavour to improve the future wellbeing of our kids in their own unique and fun way.
The award-winning camp will return to Barnett Demesne in Belfast from Monday July 3 to Tuesday August 29 and runs Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.
There will be lots of action-packed fun and outdoor adventure for children aged three to 12, including forest trekking, bushcraft, mega mudslides, mud bath jumping, tree swinging, nature arts and crafts, colour run assault courses, pro-football and rugby sports star camp visits.
There will also be a whole host of positive affirmations and mindfulness fun, scavenger hunts, planting and potting, a weekly Pizza Co campfire party and Friday prize-giving ceremony and much more to keep the kids entertained and enthralled in the great outdoors.
Northern Ireland football legend Niall McGinn is the first special guest to be announced for this summer's event, whilst well-known personal trainer Neil Anderson will be returning to put the Holistic Kidz through their paces with weekly Woodland Workouts.
Holistic Kidz Founder Colette McCartney said: "Building confidence and inner self-belief is at the heart of everything we do at Holistic Kidz and we encourage all children to 'Believe to Achieve'.
"This summer, we are teaming up with some of Northern Ireland's best known professional athletes and sports stars, who will share their incredible stories with our Holistic Kidz to show how they believed in their dreams and, because of this, have each gone on to achieve great success and accomplished their goals.
"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 Summer Forest Camp takes place in the great outdoors, and rain, hail or shine, children will be able to 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.
"There is no better place for children to thrive as they will learn new skills, build their confidence, boost their creativity and enquiring mind and develop essential problem-solving skills and independence."
If you are interested in joining this year's summer event, an Holistic Kidz Weekly Explorer pass (Monday to Friday) costs £127 per child and a Daily Explorer pass costs £35 per child. If you'd like further information on the week of events or about the other events the company run throughout the year, please go to holistickidz.com or check out @holistic_kidz on Instagram.
