Resources

The menu of topics for Seed Scholars services ranges from

1. Ecosystem Explorations and Land Stewardship

2. Seed to Fork Gardening for Biodiversity

3. Forest School Approach

4. Nature Arts & Crafts Creativity

Blends of these topic areas are also possible.

To learn more about these topics areas and how they are facilitated, please explore the link - Click here

Seed Scholars’ core programs focus on providing services for primary-school-aged young people, ages 5-12. Seed Scholars additionally facilitates sessions for home school groups, families, secondary school students, community groups, and adult groups (e.g. women’s groups).

Please schedule a discovery call with Seed Scholars if you are interested in participating and we can discuss the options together. Program facilitation is subject to availability.

Depending on what is agreed in the program planning, Seed Scholars sessions may take place in the following places: in the outdoor area at your site (school / community centre, etc.); at the Seed Scholars home site in Collinstown, Co. Westmeath, or at an agreed / approved 3rd party location (woodland or park). Details will be discussed together in the planning phase of any project.

Participants should arrive prepared with clothing that is appropriate for exploring outdoors each season. Typically layers, sturdy boots, rain gear (coats and trousers), hats and gloves are recommended.

Arms and legs should be covered in all seasons. Please see ‘Clothing Policy’ in the Seed Scholars Policy Handbook for more thorough information.

A small backpack with spare clothing (especially socks), sunscreen, insect repellant, packed snack/lunch (depending on duration of the session), and a full name-labelled water bottle.

Participants will be responsible for applying sunscreen/insect repellent themselves. Further information may be communicated by the facilitator depending on the session you are participating in.

Nope! Seed Scholars sessions are intended for all-weather, especially the Forest School approach sessions. In certain circumstances, depending on the workshop topic, we might alter the session to become an indoor-outdoor format, but participants should always be prepared to be outdoors for the entire duration.

We go by the adage ‘there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing (choices)’. However, if it is unsafe to be outside (due to high winds, extreme cold, lightning, official orange-red weather warnings), we will move indoors or might need to cancel/reschedule.

Please see the ‘Weather Policy’ in the Seed Scholars Policy Handbook for more information.

It is completely possible that participants will get muddy as outdoor play in the elements is embedded in the experience.

Please come prepared wearing items that can get messy, and bring along a change of clothes. On very wet days, some people like to bring a towel to pat down/sit on during the drive home.

Participants should aim to use the toilet before beginning a session with Seed Scholars.

Aside from that, this will be a place-based situation. If there are toilets in the nearby vicinity (no more than a few minutes’ walk from where the session is taking place), we may arrange for use of those permanent toilets.

However, in most cases, we will have a small, private, portable toileting location set up for participants to use. Facilitators will ensure participants understand the system.

When working with young people, an adult will always supervise going to/from the toilet, but participants must be able to use the toilet unassisted.

We live in an increasingly risk-averse culture. When people don’t learn how to assess and take appropriate risks, they miss opportunities for learning.

Cultivating awareness of and taking developmentally-appropriate risks equips us with the tools needed to assess risks and make responsible choices. It enables us to develop and grow resilience in mind and body.

We aim to provide a safe and supportive space to explore our own edges.

Yes, Seed Scholars has comprehensive insurance which permits the facilitator to practise, demonstrate and supervise all activities that occur during Seed Scholars sessions.

To meet the insurance requirements, all parents/guardians must complete the registration/consent form before the young person in their care attends, or if the program is for adults, the participating adult must complete the registration form prior to commencing the session.

Health and safety is the number one priority at all times. Facilitators are trained in Outdoor First Aid (Rec 2) and have Children First clearance with TUSLA.

Facilitators carry mobile phones and first aid kits, and the facilitator : participant ratios are in accordance with close supervisory capacity.

In the rare event of an accident, a full report will be taken and caregivers of young people will be notified as soon as possible.

Please refer to the Seed Scholars Policy Handbook for further information on our thorough health and safety measures.

Seed Scholars operates inclusive workshops for people with additional needs and we seek for people of all backgrounds and abilities to join in on Seed Scholars activities.

Different sites will have different accessibility possibilities. Please email info@seedscholars.com to discuss participant needs and assess the situation together to ensure a session where appropriate supports are in place.

This may include a pre-arranged agreement in which the parent/guardian or an approved caregiver accompanies the participant to provide support at the session.

All participants must complete registration forms before commencing sessions with Seed Scholars (parents/guardians filling them out for young people, and participating adults completing the form for themselves).

These forms require information regarding any specific needs including allergies and medication.

Ideally Seed Scholars sessions have access to a minimum of 3 trees and some green space.

However, Seed Scholars promotes exploration of nature in whatever outdoor space is available, and while we may need to get creative with resources, we can make it work!

Please have a look at our recommended booking progression, though the specifics will vary project to project. Click the link here to view.

Sure! Please have a look through a non-exhaustive array of examples via the link here.