Below are some FAQs answered by Nick and Shelley Ward, the creators of Get OWT!. For more information, advice and guidance, read ‘Get OWT! in 10 Simple Steps’.
What does a session roughly look like?
We make all the Get OWT! activity packs and take them to the event shelter for people to pick up. Families are asked to book in advance using Eventbrite to ensure we have a pack ready for them, though we prepare a few spares for those who forget to book. Families sign in and then use the resources in the meadow or woodland area.
Some activities take place in and around the event shelter, while others take place in the meadow or woodland area. With booking in, there are enough resources for everyone.
What if we don’t have a nice outside area to use?
You can make your venue work for you! Nature is everywhere, even in a very urban area. You might need to undertake a ‘recce’ to find out what spaces will be suitable.
We contacted our local authority to ask for permission to use the meadow and woodland. You might need to find out if you can attach resources to lamp posts, fences and gates. Private landowners often encourage people to explore the outdoors, so don’t be put off if the space you’d like to use is privately owned. Contact the owner and see if permission can be granted to use the space.
You can encourage people to collect their packs from the car park, which you could convert into an ‘urban garden’, or from the foyer of your building.
What happens if it rains or is very cold?
Our mantra is, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only wrong clothing’.
We have journeyed with our families and they know we will be there unless the rain is torrential, the wind is dangerous or the temperature is very, very cold. Generally, families want to get out once a day and so we have trusted them to make the decision for themselves.
We will only cancel in exceptional circumstances.
Where do you find the resources you use?
If you want to follow our programme, you will find material on this page.
We get inspiration from children’s stories, our own children, nature and creation. If you’re stuck for ideas, don’t worry, as there are lots of resources online and several good books outlining outdoor activities. We often ask families to suggest themes for sessions, and some parents, especially the creative ones, are happy to come up with ideas linked with the themes. We find this empowers the families and helps keep them included.
We would encourage you to get creative and come up with your own sessions!
What about Bible stories, singing and praying?
Get OWT! provides the opportunity to nurture the wellbeing and faith of toddlers and their carers. We believe that God is the Creator, and during the session families are directed to think about a variety of things in response to the activity. We pray that God will meet them in creation and in the wonder they experience.
The Salvation Army’s publications (Kids Alive! and War Cry) are put in packs or made available from the event shelter. These contain good stories and spiritual reflections, which families can take home and enjoy.
