Elder Wand

Thursday 23rd December 2021

The last day of our woodland experience days and only Elizabeth turned up. The other 5 children were all no shows. Probably a combination of too near to Christmas, poor weather and the fact that they don't have to pay so there is no penalty for not showing up.

Anyway Rosie and I had a wonderful day with Elizabeth. She learnt how to whittle and make bread over the fire. She showed me how to make s'mores over the fire with the marshmallows and biscuits - a win for both of us!. She finished the day by making me an elder wand to take home - I love it - what a great present.

At the beginning of this week I was feeling slightly sick with worry. Was it going to be OK, was I going to be good enough? At the end of the week I can light a fire with flint and steel, cook for 16 over a camp fire, whittle a wand, make beads and pea shooters from elder, make and bake bread over the fire. All of this in a muddy wood, in the cold and drizzle while keeping various children happy and interested. I think thats a good result! Now off to lie down!