We know being out in nature is good for us. Learn how to lead nature-based wellness sessions with young people.

Young people who have a particular interest in youth work and environmental education can take part in our Wild Youth Leader programme. This scheme is perfect for those that want to gain skills and experience that will help them move on to employment or further training. The Wild Youth Leaders will take part in a FREE three day Residential Training Course covering the basics in outdoor learning, leading groups and health & safety – including how to write risk assessments. Following their initial training, Wild Youth Leaders will gain further practical experience by shadowing Wild Youth staff as they deliver nature wellness sessions with schools and youth groups in the Belfast Hills. When they feel ready, Wild Youth Leaders will then be invited to co-deliver some activities with young people to build on their experience and confidence in leading outdoor sessions with groups.

Applicants don’t need to have any previous experience, as training is provided, so all abilities and backgrounds are welcome. We are just looking for hardworking and enthusiastic individuals aged 16 – 25 who are looking to gain work experience and increase their employability skills, or who perhaps have been thinking about pursuing a career in the environmental sector, or who just want to work outdoors or with young people, and do their bit to care for nature.

In return for their hard work and dedication, the Wild Youth Leaders will receive a Wild Youth Leader Training Certificate.

The Wild Youth Leader Training Course takes place from 6pm on Friday 28th April to 5pm Sunday 30th April 2023, at Lorne House, Holywood, BT18 0BP.

Participants will receive training in how to deliver a number of nature wellness sessions, including:

  • Hands on with Nature – These sessions are designed to give young people an introduction to the wonderful wildlife they have on their doorstep, by exploring a range of different habitats through bug hunts, pond dipping or river dipping.

  • Scavenger Hunt – These sessions are basically like giant treasure hunts and are a great way of developing navigation and map reading skills, whilst also trying to problem solve as the young people try and locate each control or geocache.

  • Campfire Sessions – Relax around a campfire as we carry out some basic campfire cooking, eat smores and make our own charcoal for some nature inspired drawings.

  • Nature Crafts – Learn some green wood working skills, as you use materials from nature to make twig pencils. Then create your own nature inspired artwork.

  • Mindfulness in Nature – Through fun hands on activities, we can use our senses to connect with the world around us and the present moment.

For more information or to register for a place, contact:

Áine Sweetnam (Ulster Wildlife Outreach Officer)

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 075 3974 1699

This programme is part of Wild Youth, a joint project between the Belfast Hills Partnership and Ulster Wildlife, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Wild Youth delivers wild wellbeing sessions with young people in and around the Belfast Hills, using nature to improve their physical and mental health. For more information about the Belfast Hills area or the Wild Youth Programme visit www.belfasthills.org