Build Resilience with Forest School Activities

Resilience is a vital skill for children to develop. It helps them face challenges, adapt to change, and recover from setbacks. One of the most effective ways to build resilience is through hands-on, nature-based learning experiences. Forest school activities offer a unique environment where children can grow emotionally, socially, and physically while connecting with the natural world.

This post explores how forest school activities support resilience in children. It provides practical examples and insights for parents, educators, and caregivers who want to encourage strong, confident young people.

A child constructing a shelter with natural materials during a forest school session

What Is Forest School?

Forest school is an educational approach that takes place outdoors, usually in woodland or natural settings. It emphasizes child-led learning through exploration, play, and practical tasks. Unlike traditional classroom settings, forest school encourages children to take risks, solve problems, and work collaboratively in a natural environment.

Children visit the same outdoor space regularly, allowing them to observe seasonal changes and develop a deep connection with nature. Activities range from building shelters and identifying plants to using tools safely and storytelling around a campfire.

Why Resilience Matters for Children

Resilience helps children manage stress, overcome difficulties, and maintain a positive outlook. It supports mental health and well-being, improves social skills, and encourages independence. Resilient children are better prepared to handle academic pressures, social challenges, and unexpected changes in life.

Building resilience early sets a foundation for lifelong emotional strength. Forest school activities provide a natural setting where children can practice resilience in real situations.

How Forest School Activities Build Resilience

1. Encouraging Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Forest school activities often involve challenges that require creative solutions. For example, when building a shelter, children must figure out how to balance branches or secure materials against the wind. These tasks teach them to think critically and persist through trial and error.

This hands-on problem solving builds confidence and shows children that setbacks are part of learning.

2. Promoting Risk Taking in a Safe Environment

Taking risks is essential for growth, but it must happen in a controlled setting. Forest schools provide supervised opportunities for children to try new things, such as climbing trees or using tools like knives and saws.

By assessing risks and making decisions, children learn to trust their judgment and develop courage. This experience helps them face challenges outside the forest with less fear.

3. Fostering Social Skills and Teamwork

Many forest school activities require cooperation. Building a fire, navigating trails, or completing group projects encourage communication, listening, and sharing responsibilities.

Working together strengthens relationships and teaches children how to support each other during difficulties, which is a key part of resilience.

4. Connecting with Nature to Reduce Stress

Spending time outdoors has proven benefits for mental health. Nature lowers cortisol levels, reduces anxiety, and improves mood. Forest school’s natural setting offers a calming space where children can recharge emotionally.

This connection with nature helps children manage stress and develop a balanced perspective on challenges.

5. Building Physical Strength and Endurance

Physical activity in forest school, such as hiking, climbing, or carrying materials, improves fitness and stamina. Physical resilience supports emotional resilience by increasing energy levels and reducing fatigue.

Children who feel strong in their bodies often feel more capable of handling difficulties.

Examples of Forest School Activities That Build Resilience

Shelter Building

Children gather natural materials like branches, leaves, and moss to construct shelters. This activity requires planning, teamwork, and problem solving. It teaches patience and persistence as children adjust their designs to withstand weather conditions.

Fire Lighting and Cooking

Under supervision, children learn to safely light fires and cook simple meals. This activity builds confidence and responsibility. It also encourages focus and respect for safety rules.

Nature Art and Storytelling

Using natural materials, children create art or tell stories inspired by their surroundings. This fosters creativity and emotional expression, helping children process experiences and build self-awareness.

Trail Navigation

Children use maps or natural landmarks to navigate trails. This activity develops spatial awareness, decision-making, and independence.

Tool Use and Woodwork

Learning to use tools like knives or hammers teaches practical skills and concentration. Children gain a sense of achievement from making something useful or beautiful.

Tips for Supporting Resilience Through Forest School

• Allow children to take the lead. Let them choose activities and solve problems with minimal adult intervention.

• Encourage reflection. After activities, discuss what worked, what was hard, and how they felt.

• Celebrate effort, not just success. Praise persistence and creativity, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.

• Create a consistent routine. Regular visits to the same outdoor space build familiarity and security.

• Model resilience. Show how you handle challenges calmly and positively.

  
  

Forest School for Different Age Groups

Young Children (3-6 years)

Focus on sensory exploration, simple tasks like collecting leaves, and imaginative play. Support their curiosity and allow plenty of time for free play.

Primary Age (7-11 years)

Introduce more complex challenges like shelter building, tool use, and group projects. Encourage problem solving and teamwork.

Older Children (12+ years)

Offer leadership opportunities, advanced skills like fire lighting, and chances to plan activities. Support independence and reflection on personal growth.

How to Get Started with Forest School Activities

• Find a local forest school or outdoor education program.

• Explore nearby parks or woodlands for informal nature sessions.

• Gather basic supplies like waterproof clothing, boots, and simple tools.

• Start with short sessions and gradually increase time outdoors.

• Involve children in planning and choosing activities.

  
  
  
  

Building resilience through forest school activities is a powerful way to prepare children for life’s challenges. The natural environment offers endless opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. By encouraging problem solving, risk taking, teamwork, and emotional balance, forest school nurtures strong, confident children ready to face the world.

Try incorporating some of these activities into your routine or seek out local programs to experience the benefits firsthand. The skills children develop in the forest will serve them well throughout their lives.