Who are the VYFWBP?

We are a friendly community group, run by parents, who meet every Thursday morning in West Bank Park, York. Whatever the weather, school hols included, we spend a couple of hours in the woods and meadows of the Park, doing nature games and crafts, building or making things with materials we find, telling stories and singing songs.

We are open to all - with a contribution of £1 a family (to cover basic equipment) - so if you want to join us, see you on Thursday at 10am at the statue of Queen Victoria, at the top of the Rose Walk. (Bring something simple to share at snack time.)

For more information contact Elly at: westbankparkkids@gmail.com

Thursday 7 August 2008

Play Day: Wild Camp in the Woods!

We are absolutely delighted with our 'Play Day', jointly run with City of York Council (that is, with our Parks Officer Stephen Whittaker and his van-full of equipment and tools!) which took place on Wednesday 6th August. The theme set for Play Days around the country was "Give us a go!" or 'Risk in Play'. We are good at risk, much better than we are at safety in fact, and did indeed give it a go.

We had a 'wild camp', with shelter building, tipis, assault course, bow-and-arrow making, natural dyes and foraging for food. An incredible number of children turned up - perhaps 100, aged from 0 up to about 13. It was great seeing all the kids and their parents throwing themselves into all the low-tech, down-and-dirty activities. The only shame was having to take down the wonderful swings, rope ladders, shelters and tunnels afterwards.

Thanks to Phil and Bryony, Rosemary, and Stephen Whittaker for all their hard work and enthusiasm! And now have a look at the pictures!

1 comment:

Bryony said...

What a great event. We really enjoyed ourselves. It was lovely to see so many children and their families enjoying the woods, fresh air and the activities that were set up. It was just a shame I didn't get to have a go on the rope swing!

Our beloved Queen Victoria

Our beloved Queen Victoria
We sometimes bow to her before we set off into the woods!