CAPTION: Pupils took part in craft and nature-based activities
Growing Relationships with Schools through Creation and Community
The Bishop of Exeter’s garden was recently filled with laughter and learning as 100 local children took part in the Diocese of Exeter’s first outdoor schools’ week.
The aim was to enable the children to focus on God’s creation through a range of multi-sensory activities in the open air and under canvas.
The initiative was pioneered by the Bishop of Exeter’s Chaplain Jo Stobart, the Diocesan education team, and Sharon Blyth, Diocesan Children and Families Mission Enabler.
Sharon said, “It was an ideal way to connect with schools, and it also provided an opportunity for brilliant Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) and Curates to work together.”
She said she would love to extend the invitation to other schools next year.
Rev’d Carys Baker, Curate at Ottery St Mary, said “It was good to work alongside colleagues in a totally different setting.”
One member of staff from one of the schools that attended said, “It’s the best trip I’ve been on in 20 years. It gave me a warm joyful glow.” Another said the children loved the opportunity to enjoy this unique space.
The schools’ week was made possible by the generosity of the Mother’s Union Exeter, who provided a grant to buy materials, which will also be able to used again in the future.
Rev’d Jonathan Cook said, “I was really encouraged by the great event, team, and schools’ engagement. I was reminded how fantastic such events could be, and how easily they could be replicated at a local level, too.”
