A group of 30 families were invited to join Grass & Air and The Conker Crew for a nature-based Childhood Experience as part of an ongoing initiative led by Manchester-based charity Wood Street Mission.
The aim of the Childhood Experiences project is to introduce children that are living in poverty to experiences that they might not otherwise have. Grass & Air were delighted to partner with Wood Street Mission to deliver something special for EYFS children aged between 1 and 4 years that would give them a memorable outdoor experience.
The event was held at Platt Fields Market Garden, home of the Conker Crew and powered by a group of volunteers that work on the Grass & Air brand. On arrival, guests were gifted Grass & Air wellies and waterproofs to enable them to get wet and messy without any worries. A fiesta-style series of outdoor activities was on offer for mini adventurers including nature art, leaf bashing, storytelling and mud kitchen free play alongside creation stations where they could make bird feeders and seed bombs. A warming campfire was lit to draw the group together for marshmallow toasting before the session concluded with a hearty packed lunch, prepared by Clink Restaurant in Styal.
Families left the event feeling full of fresh air fun with many expressing an interest to return. This broadening of horizons is key to the mission of the Childhood Experiences project as Des Lynch, CEO Wood Street Mission explains;
“We run Childhood Experiences to take children out of their normal environment so they can try something new that they might not normally get to access. They have really enjoyed themselves at this event, it’s been a relaxing day for both the children and their parents and we would love to do it again.”
Kathryn Shuttleworth, CEO, The Parently Group / Grass & Air comments; “It’s been brilliant to get outside and have fun with this lovely group of children. We’ve all slowed down and enjoyed a different pace, reminding ourselves of the different ways to enjoy nature and fresh air on our doorstep, whatever the weather.”
