As part of Camp Bestival’s passion to get everyone connected with Mother Nature and the wonders of the great outdoors, we’re delighted to announce that the National Trust will be bringing the 50 things meadow to Lulworth Castle, giving kids a brilliant taster of their amazing ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ initiative. As part of the wider Project Wild Thing Camp Bestival takeover*, the meadow will introduce kids to the kind of exciting challenges and carefree adventures they can have throughout the summer holidays. Make sure the 50 things meadow is top of your Camp Bestival to do list, and get involved with nature in a big way, having a total blast discovering the natural world, with the National Trust helping to get you started on your 50 things adventure.
With a team of National Trust experts on hand to help, the 50 things meadow will be the place for action and adventure. Here’s a sneak peak of what you could get up to at the 50 things meadow, when you join us at Camp Bestival:
Create some wild art. Visit the 50 things meadow and get involved in creating a masterpiece out of the finest materials Mother Nature can provide. Experts will be holding special workshops where your kids can pick up top tips and play their part in making an amazing piece of wild art that will grow over the three days of the festival.
Climb a tree. The meadow boasts one of the largest trees on the festival site. Spend some time with our highly-skilled instructors who will teach you how to use ropes, knots, carabiners and harnesses to climb to the top of a tree. While you’re up there take a look at the view from the top over the landscaped park.
Go stargazing. For one night only we have somewhere special, away from the lights and music, where you can gather by the campfire and snuggle up in your sleeping bag, with only the blanket of the night sky above you. If you want to, you can even leave your tent at the campsite and camp out in the wild for a night. With bush craft experts Fore Adventure on hand to share stories and tips, there is no better way to get back to nature. Places are limited, with one adult/parent per child required. Sign up for this will open two weeks before the event, so look out on our Facebook and Twitter!
Other activities in the 50 things meadow include:
Roll down a really big hill. Test your mettle this summer and roll down a lovely grassy hill. To really pick up speed rolling down the hill, lie on the grass, make your body into the shape of a sausage and roll down the hill sideways. Simple!
Build a den. Get hands on and creative with sticks and leaves as experts show you how to build a secret hideaway, and when you get home, you can put it all into practise.
Go on a walk barefoot. Kick off your shoes and feel the tickly grass beneath your toes.
Make a grass trumpet. Grab the closest blade of grass and get ready for a band fit for a king. For the loudest squeak, make a hole in the grass with your fingernail and then position the grass right in between your thumbs and press your lips firmly together before you blow.
As well as the myriad things the 50 things meadow has to offer, Project Wild Thing keeps on getting bigger with even more amazing outdoor activities to stir your kids’ inner Bear Grylls including Lizzie’s Way, our creative wonderland of discovery where kids can let their imaginations run wild in the woodland play area, with a whole host of ace things to do including making mud potions, making pine cone creatures and having tea parties!
More Wild Time activities include Bug Storeys, where little ones can learn all about bugs, mini-beasts, small mammals and amphibians, Munching Caterpillars celebrating all the brilliant things about caterpillars, butterflies and moths, and the Massive Mud Mural, where they can get stuck in to creating the biggest piece of wild art that Camp Bestival has ever seen!
There will also be Wild Planting with Wild Futures where kids can earn their green fingers by learning how to plan wild plants and seeds, Bushcraft with Fore Adventure, where they can learn the skills required to develop their enjoyment and experiences in the great outdoors.
Finally for now, our good friend Beans on Toast has written us a fun song for all the family about switching off your mobile, getting outdoors and connecting with nature: ‘Stinging Nettles’. We like it so much we’ve decided it’ll be our theme for all our Project Wild Thing activities happening at Camp Bestival this year!
And remember, getting all the family back in touch with Mother Nature at Camp Bestival doesn’t have to stop once you leave Lulworth, the National Trust and Project Wild Thing will have plenty of handy hints and tips to help you enjoy the natural wonders around us all year long, so make sure you get involved and tick off all 50!