About us
The Great Outdoors
We are human beings who care. It’s not until they know you care that they care what you know. A statement inspired by Theodore Roosevelt which emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and empathy in building relationships. We strive for young people to be the best versions of themselves. Our core values of care, honesty and accountability sit at the heart of all our work. As a result, we pride ourselves on the trust we build with young people.
how we work
01.
SET-UP
Contact us with your project aims. We get the referral forms and assessments completed, create observables objectives for each young person, and share session plans and desired outcomes.
02.
DELIVERY
Our programmes run in length from between 2 days for an expedition and up to 12 weekly sessions for a wilderness therapeutic programme. We share post session debriefs, sharing progress on all young people.
03.
EVALUATION
We write up and evaluate the programme and the outcomes and progress made each young person, using qualitative reporting and standardised measurement tools.
What to Expect
The most effective paths to soul are nature-based. Our society is forever erecting barriers between us and the wilderness, and ourselves. Our projects promote so much that is lost that young people need. Nature, community, and a development of themselves.
Rachel Bowden
Founder & Co-Director
Qualified, experienced and compassionate leaders
young people led programmes - Choice theory based approach
peer to peer teaching
see one, do one, teach one approach
— Project
wilderness therapeutic Case Study
Why Nature?
“Amidst the chaos of our modern world, the wilderness remains an ancient and wise therapist, offering solace, clarity, and renewal to the hearts and minds that seek its healing embrace. In nature, we find respite, the wisdom to mend, the courage to grow, and the strength to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. Wilderness therapeutic interventions are a beacon of hope, guiding us back to the roots of our humanity, where healing and transformation flourish”. – Debbie Debonaire, 2023
The Being Project
A wilderness therapeutic programme for 6 young people from year 10 struggling with attendance, achievement and behaviour.
Client
Colchester Secondary School
Date
2024
it is self fulfilling – the more focus put into making positive decisions, choices and actions, the more positive energy there is to propel forward.
- We focus on strength-based theory as a method of developing pro social behaviours, rather than focusing on the problems of the young people.
- We focus on activities which exercise repetitive behaviour schemas: these schemas are linked to building social and emotional development and wellbeing.
- We focus on peer to peer learning using the ‘see one, do one, teach one’ with bushcraft skills.
Let’s Start A Project
Contact US
rachel@thegreatoutdoors.org.uk
07917766175