One school in the United Kingdom takes a direct approach to building a community in nature. The Pencoed Primary School has won the Royal Forestry Society gold award for a program that focuses on developing self-esteem and confidence by having children and their families work together in nature-based team building activities. For example, participants learn how to build campfires and use them for cooking.

The program exemplifies a deep connection between families and the natural, nonhuman world around them. It also embodies the spirit of connectedness and engaged parenting that Having Kids celebrates. We’d love to see more opportunities like this for kids and their parents to learn together.