Thirty families recently joined childrenswear brand Grass & Air and outdoor play group the Conker Crew for a nature-based ‘Childhood Experience’ as part of an ongoing initiative led by Manchester children’s charity, Wood Street Mission. The Childhood Experiences project aims to introduce children who are living in poverty to experiences they might not otherwise have.
Grass & Air partnered with Wood Street Mission to deliver a memorable outdoor experience for Early Years Foundation Stage children aged 1-4 years. The event was held at Platt Fields Market Garden, home of the Conker Crew, and powered by a group of volunteers who work on the Grass & Air brand.
On arrival, children were gifted Grass & Air wellies and waterproofs before embarking on a series of outdoor activities. These included nature art, leaf bashing, storytelling, and mud kitchen free play. There were also creation stations for children to make bird feeders and seed bombs.
After a campfire for marshmallow toasting, the session concluded with a hearty packed lunch prepared by Clink Restaurant in Styal. Families left the event feeling full of fresh air fun, with many expressing an interest to return.
This broadening of horizons is key to the Childhood Experiences project as Des Lynch, CEO of Wood Street Mission, explains.
“We run Childhood Experiences to take children out of their normal environment, so they can try something new that they might not normally get to access. They have really enjoyed themselves at this event. It’s been a relaxing day for both the children and their parents, and we would love to do it again.”
Kathryn Shuttleworth, CEO of Grass & Air and The Parently Group, adds: “It’s been brilliant to get outside and have fun with this lovely group of children. We’ve all slowed down and enjoyed a different pace, reminding ourselves of the different ways to enjoy nature and fresh air on our doorstep, whatever the weather.”
In other developments, Grass & Air recently won the Kidswear Brand of the Year Award in the Drapers Independents Awards 2023. For further information on Grass & Air, please click here.
