Happiness Outdoors Project [H.O.P]

HAPPINESS OUTDOORS PROJECT (HOP) 

HOP is an enrichment programme which gets children outside connecting with nature. Nature connection takes many different forms - from juicing apples to racing worms!   

It’s all about being outside, having fun and learning about nature, which is important – it helps boost emotional and physical well-being and encourages environmental awareness and responsibility.  

HOP believes everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy being in nature, that’s why they base their work just outside the classroom door on the school grounds. This gives everyone the chance to get close to nature and helps overcome barriers that some face in reaching the outdoors.   

It’s amazing what you can find and do on the school grounds and Ladysmith Junior School has so much to offer.  

Who is HOP? 

HOP is a small not-for-profit community organisation. Emma and Jen run the HOP sessions and are passionate about being in nature and gardening. They love being with children (having a couple each of their own) and find joy in seeing them explore the world around them. They have qualifications and experience in teaching, forest school, keeping allotments, outdoor therapy and paediatric and mental health first aid. They have been running HOP at Ladysmith Junior School since March 2023.   

Dana, a local writer, artist, gardener and former teacher supports HOP sessions. She loves being outdoors and sharing her enthusiasm of nature with the children.  

What do children do at HOP? 

In HOP sessions, children grow vegetables, build dens, cook over fires, nurture plants, compost, build with wood, plant trees and much more!    

Children learn how to;   

• improve soil health and develop sustainable and abundant growing areas with vegetables, flowers and fruit through activities such as composting, planting and seed-saving  

• protect nature, increasing biodiversity and helping local wildlife to thrive by creating wildlife-friendly habitats and by planting native trees and wildflower areas  

• combine nature with creativity through seasonal crafts using natural resources  

The activities are carefully planned to promote important life skills.   

These opportunities increase children’s self-esteem and confidence and help children to cope with change, adversity and uncomfortable feelings making them feel positive about themselves and school.   

Based outside the classroom, in small groups, the children have the space and opportunity to share thoughts, worries and feelings in a warm and supportive environment.   

 The impact of HOP 

Children at Ladysmith Junior School have benefitted from taking part in HOP:  

Parents speak highly of HOP:  

 Parents report back that their children come home from school after a HOP session; ‘overjoyed’, ‘buoyant’, ‘energised’ and ‘excited’.   

HOP has inspired children to spend more time outdoors at home; ‘my child is excited to play in the garden instead of asking for more screen time.’   

For more information:  

@happinessoutdoorsproject  

happinessoutdoorsproject@gmail.com   

https://happinessoutdoorsproject.org/