{"id":1835,"date":"2016-03-15T15:37:54","date_gmt":"2016-03-15T15:37:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/wl\/BlackburnPrimary\/?p=1835"},"modified":"2016-03-15T15:38:44","modified_gmt":"2016-03-15T15:38:44","slug":"john-muir-outdoor-learning-week-day-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/wl\/BlackburnPrimary\/2016\/03\/15\/john-muir-outdoor-learning-week-day-1\/","title":{"rendered":"John Muir Outdoor learning week day 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today we started off at Polkemmet country park. To start off with we gathered together and Kenny (our guide) gave everyone maps. We were asked to locate ourselves and then we set off on our way. At regular points Kenny stopped us so we could have the opportunity to use our maps. \u00a0During the walk Kenny stopped us to discuss various things that we could use to start a fire. We learned that bark from a silver birch tree was excellent kindling. If we collected sap from an evergreen then this would help the bark burn longer. Once into the forest we were given fact file sheets relating to various trees and we split into groups to try and identify them. At this point it was time for snack so we settled down onto the moss and grass and had a well deserved break. Our next activity was a group challenge where Kenny asked us to make rafts out of twigs and whatever else we could find. We sailed them down the river Almond. Just after lunch Kenny showed us how to light fires using flint and steel and we all had a shot at making our own. We then went for a walk further into the woods and had a challenge at making a den. After evaluating our dens with green for growth and being tickled pink we all agreed that working together was the best way to make a den. Straight after this we\u00a0had a toasted marshmallow from a fire that Kenny had made. He told us about fire safety in the woods and how to help put a fire out. After this it was time to head home to fill in our diaries and have a good rest for tomorrows fun activities.<\/p>\n