I have been using this piece of writing from http://www.infed.org/biblio/holisticeducation.htm as my starting point.

“Holistic education is based on the premise that each person finds identity, meaning, and purpose in life through connections to the community, to the natural world, and to spiritual values such as compassion and peace. Holistic education aims to call forth from people an intrinsic reverence for life and a passionate love of learning. This is done, not through an academic “curriculum” that condenses the world into instructional packages, but through direct engagement with the environment. Holistic education nurtures a sense of wonder. Montessori, for example, spoke of “cosmic” education: Help the person feel part of the wholeness of the universe, and learning will naturally be enchanted and inviting. There is no one best way to accomplish this goal, there are many paths of learning and the holistic educator values them all; what is appropriate for some children and adults, in some situations, in some historical and social contexts, may not be best for others. The art of holistic education lies in its responsiveness to the diverse learning styles and needs of evolving human beings.”

A Forest School Leader using this educational concept will be able to engage with the entire learner, observing them, meeting their needs and most importantly being lead by their wants.  Importantly this is not a laze fair educational/developmental attitude, delivered in the forest school setting, by hippies in the woods.  In real terms it should be viewed as the approach of an intelligent, educated practioner who values all educational delivery mechanisms, learning settings, learning styles and number of learners.  A Forest School Leader should be able to adopt an appropriate style based upon a significant amount of empathy with their learner(s) and understanding of learning in its widest sense.

Whilst it is possible to look at the entirety of a Forest School setting on a macro basis, it is arguably more important that a leader can assess each of the forest school activities / outcomes delivered adopting a holistic development style.  From here the leader can then see how each individual part forms a part of the whole and each therefore seeing the whole value of each activity / learning be them leader or learner driven.

For this purpose below is a list of possible outcomes derived from the holistic approach:

In summary, the Forest School Leader that is consciously aware and applying the theories of holistic development will be enabling the development of the whole learner.  Thus, in a frame work of safety allowing them to gain, develop and master true life skills, whilst meeting the learners social, emotional and spiritual development needs.

The truth is that yes I have some notes, some menu’s from trips and some recipes but it was not all in a easy to access manner, and I was kicking myself slightly for not having something pre-prepared.

Upon getting home, I decided that I would start writing up my thoughts and doing some research as to what texts are currently available on the subject.  As I suspected there is some pretty average and not well thought out books out there, but when I stumbled across ‘Camp Cooking – The Black Feather Guide to Eating Well in the Wild’ this attitude quickly changed.

Written by seasoned expedition guides Mark Scriver, Wendy Grater and Joanna Barker, this book guides you through a journey for developing thoughts, attitudes and behaviours you need to have whilst catering for yourself and/or others whilst on a trip.  It is practical in content and full of useful efficient, effective ideas for producing good wholesome grub.

With chapters on ‘Kitchen Equipment’, ‘Cooking Skills’, ‘Menu Planning’, ‘Packing  the Food’ and ‘Recipes’, the book goes to great effort to ensure that you are comfortable and informed, when dealing with most conditions.  Great thought is places around the practicalities of camp selection, management of water, management of food and what food to eat when.

The book doesn’t go into pit cooking, making clay ovens, cooking whole animals, trapping etc and I for one am grateful for this.  As these things very often can require the inexperienced person using more calories in energy to do these activities, than they actually gain from them.  My friend Jed Yarnold often points out that we have a lot to learn from the Japanese, who cut up there food in to small strips, and cook it very quickly using little effort or fuel.  Maximum bang for you buck, although when you have a little time and more fuel this obviously isn’t the only answer.

So would I improve anything?  In my opinion this book covers everything you need to consider when cooking on camp or on expeditions, I might add a few other tips I use and possibly some more recipes, but I guess you can just get creative on that front.  Perhaps some more focus on using a upturned wok & a oven tray as a camp oven over a fire, for example as opposed to taking the additional weight of a campoven with you may have been useful.  Maybe this is splitting hairs however.

I short, this is a well packaged, presented, informative and useful text, that will set you up (with a little practice at home) to eat like a king, no matter where you are

For my part, I am going to leave the idea of compiling notes, using this text as the answer for many people.  I am going to continue to run great expeditions, offering people superb fresh imaginative food (even on day 14) in amazing settings.  In terms of my notes, I will start taking better care of writing down my culinary creations and then publicising them on here for you all to enjoy.

If you would like a copy of this great book, please consider buying via this Amazon weblink it is linked to the great canoeing web forum Song of the Paddle, with a small amount of money from the book value going towards the running of the site.  The book details are:

Name:  Camp Cooking: The Black Feather Guide: Eating Well in the Wild

Cost:    £14.20

ISBN 978-1-896980-31-7

Happy Cooking, Camping and Expeditions Folks

All sorts of things started of the past year for me, but my major one was marrying my now beautiful wife Kerry.  We had the most superb wedding, at the stunning Leopard Lodge in the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountains in South Africa.  Sharing our special day with our friends and family undisturbed is something we will never forget.  Even the brief rain shower, added to the day making for a wonderful rainbow.

After a fantastic honeymoon on the Garden Route in south east South Africa, the order of the day was back home, into work and catching up after a month away.

Other highlights of the past year have been running a massive load of British Canoe Union courses, coaching in Scotland, a week white water kayaking with friends in the alps, 2 months leading canoe expeditions in Scandinavia and a month in the USA running more BCU courses.  All told a great year and here are some of my favorite pictures from it…..

The next year is looking to be the most exciting yet, with so much to do I haven’t quite worked out how it am will be fitted in!  So in some sort of order here is what me & Elements is upto….

- First up is a month in South Africa including a couple of weeks of kayak surfing in the Indian Ocean

- First winter trip in Scandinavia (see http://wp.me/pzPqA-4m)

- Two months worth of Canoe Expeditions in Norway & Sweden

- A likely move to South Africa, with me having a large commute to work!

-  Developing the ‘Adventure Dayz’  brand with a new business partner (watch this space!)

- Developing our range of BCU courses, delivered both by ourselves and with our partners

- My first Jo’burg to Zambezi road trip

I am also putting a huge amount of time, money and effort into our new sister company ‘Unique Adventures’.  Concentrating on adventures of 5 days and more, we will be running high quality adventures from exploring Botswana to sea kayaking in Mexico to walking in South Africa to cross country skiing in Norway to canoeing in Sweden and much much more.  As this develops further I will of course put more up here.

Lastly a huge thank you to all those people who have helped me and Elements to keep growing, Mark Dewhurst (for your continued support), Ian Flanders (for being such a positive influence and great friend), Rob Barrett (of http://www.metalfury.co.uk for our great website), all those others I have worked and hung out with and of course Kerry for supporting me at every step.

We hope your next year is fulfilling and look forward to sharing some adventures with you.

You will soon see the Elements staff team, warm, dry,safe and stylish whilst as work courtesy of this fantastic equipment.   Also look out for picture from trips and expeditions the Haglofs website in 2012!  To find view the range of superb Haglofs equipment why not spend a little time looking at http://www.haglofs.com

The experience for me has been so profound that I have not been able to find the words to tell you about the expeditions.  So with the adage that a picture paints a thousand words here are some of my favorites, I hope you enjoy……..

I can’t wait until my return in February and then early summer, drop me a line rob@elements.eu.com if you would like to join me.

I hope you have enjoyed all the pictures.

In partnership with RAW Røros we are delighted to offer you our newest course ‘ Råsome Vintervukku, a Norwegian Winter Wilderness Living Expedition’

Surrounded by snow, mountains, frozen lakes and forest, we have the perfect beautiful environment for you to learn and develop many new skills and techniques.  These will allow you to experience this stunning environment to its fullest.

Wilderness living in northern Norway is more than just dealing with the cold, and it can reach – 35°C at night!

During the week, you will receive in depth instruction, in the skills, mind set and aptitudes needed to live comfortably in this potentially harsh unforgiving, yet inspiring environment.  These will include how to dress, campsite procedures for cold weather living, making emergency shelters out of both snow and forest materials, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, trapping & snaring, ice fishing, fire husbandry, whilst all the time developing the thoughtfulness required to live in this unique place.

Throughout the week your lead instructor will be Espen Holmgren, an ex officer in the Norwegian Army who taught at the Norwegian Military Arctic Warfare and Survival school.  A true expert in his field, Espen delivers his knowledge with a passion and enthusiastic drive, allowing you every opportunity to learn.

Last but far from least, you will get to experience not only this unique snow clad mountainous environment but also some amazing wildlife such as Reindeer, Fox, Moose and depending upon weather clear viewings of the beautiful Northern Lights.

Your week will finish in the UNESCO world heritage town of Roros, with a much deserved sauna, meal out and the great chance to experience the last night of the towns famed winter culture and folk fair which dates back to 1854 http://www.rorosmartnan.no

Duration:              7 days

Dates:                 18^th – 25^th February 2012

Instructors:           Espen Holmgren  & Rob Yates

Group Size:              Maximum 10

For more information or to book please email us info@elements.eu.com or check out http://elements.eu.com/adv_hols_expeds/norway_winter_wilderness.html

We look forward to sharing this superb course with you.

Rob & The Elements Team

If you would like to have a great week like this one check out our October 2011 dates here http://elements.eu.com/adv_hols_expeds/scottish_white_water_kayak.html

We look forward to paddling with you

Rob

Today has seen a huge amount of rain arrive and found us in the Lower Etive valley.  This saw lots of learning taking place and the folks experiencing some spectacular boils….. a real challenge, but a great one to develop active posture and blade connectivity / repetition.

I was luck enough to paddle a rapid that the group had a walk around

After that we had a walk up to a great tribitary that was in super high flows and I had a quick blast down, followed by a small surf!

More excitement to come

So after speaking to some friends, I have got a SPOT….. no not a dimple on my face but a SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger & EPERB.

When pressing any of the buttons on the SPOT, you send a message via satellite containing not only your current location in terms of a grid reference but also a direct link to Google Maps also identifying your position to within 10m.  Now depending upon which button you choose to press this information can go to either the emergency services, the Elements home base contact or a massive list of friends and family so that they know we are all safe, sound.  Lets hope they don’t get to jealous!!

The last thing we will be using spot for is to update a page on this blog with our current location….. what are we up to today?!?

I have bought this from Owen at Isle of Wight Sea Kayaking, he is a SPOT supplier and offers a superb service.  To enquire about purchasing one contact him HERE

Another service provided to you by Elements, follow me on Google Maps soon

4^th January 2011

After a hectic previous day of food shopping and frantic packing we left Oxford at 7.30am.  Travelling was done in great order, reaching a cold Scotland and our first stop to check out Loch Garry about 4.30pm.

Now that was the end of the progress… Upon reaching Loch Garry it soon became apparent that we have better leave it for Tourville & Dean.  This was tested in true canoeist style by throwing the biggest boulders we could lift at the ice to see if it could be broken.

After our boulder throwing work out and designing a new section for the highland games plan A, swiftly became turned into our now usual plan B.  A drive back to Fort William, booking into the Bank Street Lodge, Nevisport bar for food & beer, soon confirmed the next step in our grand plan.  Luckily enough we have been in frozen Scotland before and have a favourite, so it was easy to agree upon some relaxing on Loch Nevis & Loch Morar as opposed for our lengthy expedition from Loch Duich to Inverness

5^th January 2011

7.30am the breakfast of Scottish champions (porridge), a degree of kit faffing and some map buying we drove through the beautiful country side that leads you to Mallaig.

By 11.15am we were on the water with seven days worth of provisions and a new plan to explore both the far eastern ends of both lochs with a possibility of a beer in Inverie, Knoydart and a definite night with Frank at Tarbet.

With a degree of tidal assistance we progressed at a modest 6kmph stopping at the entrance to Loch Nevis and eating some of Mark’s dentists delight…. his flapjack.  Our weather was superb, with us paddling in this stunning location in just a merino wool thermal and a pfd.  A true Scottish delight.

Then on east, being stalked by a trio of curious seals.  Before the Nevis Narrows we saw a porpoise on several occasions…. wow and then soon after what I believe was probably a Golden Eagle wow wow wow.  All this whilst having the odd Oyster Catcher flying around and the with a winter sun on our sides, warming the day so nicely.

Time and distance however were moving on and not completely in our favour.  Exiting the Nevis Narrows at 3.10pm with only just over a hour of daylight, to find a good campsite was far from ideal, but with the tides it was our only real option.

Finding a small marsh, sorry I mean campsite was found, Lavvu erected, fire wood found, stove put on, evening meal of steak cooked and Singleton whisky poured completed our day.  This is where I now sit writing today’s diary, warmed by the round burner & whisky and planning the next stop…. my bivvi bag and sleep.

7^th January 2011

I am sat this morning near the Loch Nevis narrows reflecting upon yesterday, trying to think what to write.  The first thing that comes to mind is the stark contrast between this morning and yesterdays, so backwards in time and I guess a place to start.

6^th January 2011

We awake in our now defrosted damp marsh in the dark of our lavvu, with a slight idea that it was just about day light out side (8.30am)  It didn’t feel so great trying to pack up cold damp kit, put on cold damp paddling clothes in the drizzle, but some warm porridge was just what the doctor ordered and aided to getting us going.   In truth the only thing that was really spurring me on was the knowledge that there had to be a somewhere better than this!!

Once on the water we experienced a strong westerly wind and quickly abandoned all plan except for hunting for a decent place to camp and be.  So we landed on the north shore determined to find the perfect camping spot.

After much stomping around, through yet more marsh and discussing a range of possibilities we found it.  It was dry, had a amazing view, a small picturesque waterfall, fire place and the perfect area to fit in a True North tarp.  The tarp was quickly put up, firewood gathered, fresh muscles from the loch harvested and we sat back admiring the amazing view with night fast arriving.

Complete darkness fell upon us by 4.30pm, i boiled water for tea and muscles whilst Mark finished off our reflector for the fire.   The we ate our now freshly harvested and cooked muscles, they were delicious.  How often do you get to eat muscles by the litre??!!

We lit the fire and sat back to enjoy the night, admiring the flickering flames, gazing at a amazing star lit night sky and chattering all in the comfort of our nice tarp home.  Outside everything was frozen solid and my thermometer said -8 degrees at 9pm!

7^th January

Mark woke up early in the dark, re-kindled the fire and put on the kettle for coffee.  Ah, the joys of fresh coffee in a place like this, lying in my sleeping bag by the fire.  Can life really get any better??

A breakfast of potato and bacon spurred us on to getting on the water to explore the far eastern end of Loch Nevis.

Whilst paddling along the northern shore the sun gently rose to warm us and we scouted for future campsites, whilst admiring the Oyster Catchers, birds of prey and a pair of deer on the mountain side.  After some firewood collection for the night, we found ourselves at the end of the loch admiring the stunning snow capped peaks and the surprise of a awesome hidden away boothy!

Whilst stopped and chatting  a strong westerly wind wiped up.  With only a short flick of eye contact, we put our heads down and plugged away into it, concerned that if it got worse we would not get back to the comfort of our campsite by night fall.  After a 30 minute battle against the wind we managed to progress far enough west, to find some wind shadow from the land, so we caught our breath and collected more muscles for tonights supper.

Again I am struck with the elegance and beauty of our little campsite.

8^th January

Up and packing this morning, to move on.  We spent some time, organising our kit, ensuring was dry and in an appropriate configuration for the days plans.  I am always so aware at this time of year and in these places how even a small lapse of concentrated thought can have such a huge impact.

After, ensuring our lovely campsite was left without a trace of us being there we were off, back through the Loch Nevis narrows with a impressive tidal assistance and then onto Tarbet.  Mark saw a Porpoise and we passed Cameron Mackintosh’s Laird like castle at the entrance to Tarbet, what it is to have so much.

I arrived at Tarbet with some trepidation was our usual lovely host Frank, the 85yr old Warden of the Church Bothy still there, still alive?  Thankfully he was and he soon welcomed us with his usual flair and colourful language.  The password still hasn’t changed… although I always feel vulnerable when telling him to ‘F*^k Off’ to gain entry!  With his usual hospitality he gave us tea, biscuits and even a couple of new jokes / stories since I was here last.

Next we portaged our boats and a spare bag over to Lock Morar, ready for the following day.  Amazingly both of us were colder in the boothy than we have been so far on this trip!  We huddled around the coal burner, boiling water on the MSR, eating food and drinking tea like there is no tomorrow.

A veritable feast for supper, followed by an evening in the warmth of Frank’s living room, sharing stories, listening to his jokes and drinking Laphroaig.  A fantastic evening, that words can just not pay tribute to.

9^th January

Up in the dark, made coffee, porridge and packed.  It is always a shame to leave Frank at Tarbet, I feel always hope that he is here and healthy next time I visit.  Fingers crossed, guys like Frank are few and far between.

We had a brisk snow covered walk up and over the pass, gaining the lovely warm sun and then onto the water to explore the east end of Loch Morar.  After a hour long paddle east, we nearly reached the end of the loch, but aware of the westerly wind blowing and the time of day, we turned regained the sun and progressed west in to the wind.  The hunt for a campsite was soon on, and after much hunting and the wind swinging around by 180 degrees we ended up back at one we have used before.  Wood was easy to find, the tarp erected, I built a great stone wall reflector for the fire and all seemed to be going very well.  This however was not to stay the case!

Almost as soon as we had lit the fire, the wind swung back to the west with vengeance and then the heavens opened.  20 metres above us it was snowing, but we had ice cold rain landing on us and blowing into the entrance of the tarp.  I had a large sense of humour failure and started testing other plans of Mark.  After much chatting and thinking, we decided against paddling out the 10k to the end of the loch.  Climbed in our sleeping bags & bivvy bags and did our best to get a long stormy but thankfully good nights sleep.  Thanks goodness for decent kit and lots of experience, a bad decision last night could have been costly in many more ways than one.

10^th January

This morning thankfully, everything had changed but it was damn damp and cold…. the very worst sort.  The wind had turned to a force 4 from the east, with a swell running.  We promptly packed and got on the water, surfing the swells all the way to campsite hunting on the islands at the west end of the loch.  Our search was productive, finding one well established site and others with some brilliant potential.  I can’t wait to come back in October

I left Mark with all the kit and set off to get the van, a brief walk to warm the muscles and stretch the legs found me at Morar train station in time for the train to Mallaig.  Collected the van, picked up Mark and loaded the kit.  The drive back to Fort William was spectacular, the roads were completely snow covered as was the amazing winter white wonderland that surrounded us.  Fingers crossed this all melts and clears so we can get home safely tomorrow.

A nice hot shower, some comical facial hair styling followed by a load of beer and a steak super saw out the end of our day.  Tomorrow morning we leave Scotland again, as usual my time here has given me the opportunity to regroup, focus and clear my head ready for the year ahead.  This has been a perfect start to 2011 for me, I can only hope that it can carry on like this.

To follow this write up, I am writing a series of articles about winter expeditioning in northern Europe.  This will just be my views, facts and opinions based upon 15years of expeditioning experience at winter in northern Europe and also avid reading on the subject.  Articles will cross a range of subjects, some of which are below:

-       Planning, preparation & purpose

-       Cooking & food

-       Clothing

-       Body Temperature… are you warm enough?

-       Accommodation

-       Equipment

-       Fire

-       Living a day in a winter wonderland

For more on Elements Expeditions in both the UK & in Northern Europe please check out www.elements.eu.com