The Roots and Shoots team swung into action once more, to provide a memorable after-school adventure for local children.

The grounds outside church had been transformed, ready to welcome youngsters and engage them in outdoor Forest Church type activities.

Rev. Naomi gathered the children together at the start. Seated on logs, they chatted about their five senses and how they were about to use them as they visited the various activity stations. Each child chose a shell. This was used most creatively, to illustrate the story of Peter, out fishing with his friends.

A safety talk about potential risks, an action prayer, followed by a well-loved ‘great big wind up Amen’ signalled the beginning of the adventure.

Fire lighting, bread making, nature art, boat building and colouring were all on offer for the young people to engage with. It was a feast for the senses!

The fire proved to be a great attraction. Firstly, youngsters were challenged to use a flint to create a spark, which in turn was used to light the kindling. Once the mesmerising flames were established, those who had made bread sticks, cooked them on the open fire, with varying degrees of success! Irrespective of whether the bread tasted good or not, the experience was one the children were unlikely to forget.

A simple tea of hot sausages on rolls, crisps, crudités and ice lollies were gratefully received by the children after their ‘forest’ adventure, and all too soon, it was time to go home, with some stories of their own, and how they connected with nature and each other.