Woodland gnome Gwunderfitz is in the forest come rain or shine
Sisch Zischtig und mir si z’mitz im Waud
Ob d Sunne schiint oder chaut dr Rägä faut
Das isch üs gliich das macht üs nüt us
Houptsach mir heis luschtig und si veruss
This is the woodland day song of the kids & co Wabern daycare centre and the third line, in particular, couldn’t be more fitting on this rainy Tuesday. Ten children and three caregivers from kids & co Wabern are spending the day in nearby Nesslerenholz visiting the woodland gnome Gwunderfitz. But neither the children nor the adults are going to let the rain dampen their spirits, because they’re well equipped.
Finding a comfortable spot under the tarpaulin
A large sheet of tarpaulin has been pitched between the trees and offers a dry spot for everyone to seek shelter. But most of the children would still prefer to play with leaves and branches. Buckets and spades in hand, they unearth roots and look for snails and insects.
Gwunderfitz's rules of the forest
“We’ve found a mushroom!” shouts a voice from behind a tree. The group leader heads over to the little forest researchers and asks – "So, what are you going to do with the mushroom?" The children know full well how to respond – don’t touch it and don't eat it. That’s one of the rules of the forest. The children are made aware of these rules at the beginning of every woodland day together with Gwunderfitz the woodland gnome, who knows the forest like nobody else. The forest rules also state, for example, that the children aren’t allowed to run alongside joggers or approach dogs.
Well organised and equipped
The woodland days are very much appreciated by all those who participate in them. It’s important for the caregivers to be well organised so that the woodland days can really be carried out consistently and provide enjoyment no matter what the weather. This begins right at the planning stage. Between May and September, every child goes to the forest twice a month. The parents are made aware of the dates well in advance so that they can dress their child appropriately depending on the weather. On the woodland day itself, the group sets off after their mid-morning snack, with the very young children sitting in their pushchairs – and equipped with a rain cover on days like today. Lunch is taken along on a push cart, which the children also love to pull themselves. Most of the materials are kept at the campsite instead of being transported back and forth every time. Hygiene and safety equipment, everything you need to start a fire, toys and the tarpaulin are stored in watertight, lockable and neatly marked plastic containers. We’ve never had problems such as theft or vandalism.
Lunch al forno
Time flies in the forest and, before we know it, it’s lunchtime. The caregivers cook a range of simple dishes with the children over the fire. On the menu today is couscous, vegetable sticks and cottage cheese, and voilà – a healthy meal is served. “Pizza and tarte flambée also work well and, unsurprisingly, are a big hit,”explains one of the group leaders. She goes on to add that “Hygiene is guaranteed. The food is prepared at the daycare centre and finished over the fire. And, just because we’re in the forest, that doesn’t mean we neglect to wash our hands before we eat. We bring along boiled water in Thermos flasks to meet all our hygienic needs.”
Being outdoors is tiring
After lunch, it’s a race against time to tidy up, as the caregivers know from experience that, after spending a few hours in the forest, the children soon get worn out. The babies are wrapped up and waste no time drifting off in their buggies, dreaming of Gwunderfitz the woodland gnome, while the older children take a nap or enjoy a little rest on cosy blankets. Once everyone has had a break, then comes the walk back to the daycare centre. Goodbye Gwunderfitz, we’ll visit you again soon!
Woodland days are part and parcel of our care
From May to September, regular woodland days are held at all our kids & co daycare centres in almost any weather. The children discover the forest and build confidence thanks to the good experiences they enjoy. These experiences teach them how to treat nature with respect and the benefits of spending lots of time in the open air.
Would you like to register your child for one of the sought-after places at our kids & co daycare centres? You can enquire about a place here with no obligation on your part.
