The job of a Forest School or Outdoor Leaders is never quite contrained to the responsibilities on a job description.
Sure, we’re responsible for tool maintenance, but what about investigating bones, found in suspicious locations?
We’ve all got a handle on the washing up, but not enough people talk about how often you need to sing an improvised song about fungi!
In this feature of the show we read out your real life scenarios from your work and decide if they should be added to this ever growing list of things that , while important…
WASN’T ON THE JOB DESCRIPTION!!
Send your submissions in via social media or by email to admin@theforestschoolpodcast.com
“ANIMAL HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR”
“Hi podcast team,
This happened in Norwich during a spring session. One child brought me their lunchbox, saying, “Look what I’ve got!” I assumed it was an unusual snack, but when I opened it, there was a frog sitting there. The child was very proud and said they were “saving it for later.” We had a long chat about why frogs are better off in the pond.
Jo”
“Squirrel Funeral Director”
Hey Lewis & Wem,
Last autumn in the Lake District, a group of kids found a very deceased squirrel. Before I could intervene, a full funeral service had begun—flowers, eulogies, and a very serious discussion about squirrel heaven. My role? Apparently, I was the "official priest" and had to say a few words. I ended up leading a ceremony where we all held hands and sang a song made up on the spot about acorns and the circle of life.
I’d like to officially submit Squirrel Funeral Director to the job description.
Cheers,
Mark
“Woodland Hairstylist”
Hi guys,
I don’t remember signing up to be a hairstylist, and yet… every session, at least one child comes up to me with some kind of woodland-based hair emergency. I have de-twigged, de-brambled, and de-mudded countless small heads. The worst was when a child somehow managed to get tree sap in their fringe, and I spent twenty minutes trying to fix it with a combination of wet wipes and sheer willpower.
Please add Woodland Hair Stylist to the Forest School job list.
Thanks,
Becca