Kestrels is a facilitated nature connection programme for 13-17 year old teens. Kestrels will be encouraged to explore deep nature connection, playfulness, the art of mentoring and exploring culture, all with gentle guidance and lots of inspiration from our trained mentors.

What Do Kestrels Do ?

The magic will be woven together based on the interests and experiences of those who decide to join. We hold a space where Kestrels can create community and develop the village building skills for feeling seen and heard, making a space where all belong. 

Activities will likely include –

  •  Opportunities for learning or developing the core routines of nature connection, and exploring how nature can be our mentor.
  •  Chances to learn and expand fire lighting and fire tending skills, whilst exploring patience, perseverance and resilience.
  • The art of the ancient scout will allow the chance to experience what it means to be stealthy and building natural shelters to reduce impact in our presence in nature. 
  • If the time, place and interest allow, an overnight camp out.

There may also be the opportunity to explore the large woodland offsite and the local country park if time and interest allows, interwoven with carefully stretching challenges and an abundance of fun, playful games. 

Kestrels Lead Mentor: Kevin Button 

Kevin passionately weaves international culture and experience into groups of all ages. Influenced by travel and adventure, he has explored forests and oceans through cross-Atlantic sailing, working on earth-based homesteads, and cycling across Europe. His experiences span self development, regenerative ways of living, and immersive learning, ultimately drawing him back to a boyhood passion: learning directly from lineages that weave philosophy and mystery into relationship with nature.

Kevin interned and worked with the renowned earth-based organisation Twin Eagles Wilderness School in the United States, followed by a year-long apprenticeship at a land-based subsistence farmstead in the Pacific Northwest. Since returning to the UK, he has worked and continues to work—with a range of nature connection organisations, practising and deepening his knowledge in the field.

Kevin is a certified Forest School Leader and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Education. He has completed Survival Instructor Training with Trackways, is a certified meditation and yoga teacher, and continues to develop his practice through learning with experienced nature-based mentors.

From 2023 and ongoing, Kevin designs and delivers youth programmes through his project Bridging Nature for his local community in Somerset. Through this work, he mentors pre-teen and teen programmes centred on outdoor experience, connection, and belonging.

Kestrels Essential info

  • Prerequisite: none
  • Age: teens 13-17 years old welcomed.
  • Number of places overall: 10
  • Arrival: 3pm – 5pm Wednesday 5th August
  • Investment price: £490 (payable in instalments if needed).
  • Family Groups: Please be aware that all Kestrels will be the responsibility of parents or guardians outside of programme times. This will be shared in the welcome pack coming in late June. There will likely be some Kestrels activities scheduled in for the evenings.

Any questions? Contact Emma at connectioncampinfo@gmail.com