What do we do
We teach Backwoods camping using woodcraft (woodlore) This is camping with the least amount of equipment necessary, camping used by the early Explorers, Pioneers and Woodsmen.
Our aim is to encourage and inspire both young and old to appreciate this simple form of camping that dates back to the early explorers. We will show you the various skills and techniques to confidently enjoy the beauty of camping with the minimum of equipment, and to appreciate the wonders of nature and increases an awareness of the natural environment and its resources; camping as it used to be, something that has been lost with all the modern trappings of today's camping. Each aspect of our courses is designed to encourage you to get the most out of the experience, and for you to improve at your own pace in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere. Camping this way you will become more aware of the natural things around you, leading to a greater respect of all the wild things we share our lives with, which can only enhance your enjoyment of the great outdoors, Playing out we call it.
We also do pioneering courses (see the two pictures below). These are ideal for learning leadership skills and team building, and can be an alternative activity for Schools, Youth groups, Businesses, and Individuals, we can also combine them with the backwoods instruction if wanted. For more information on pioneering see the web pages about pioneering on the Scout side of the web site, or use the link.
Founder and instructor Alan Cornforth on the left, has a long and varied history of green field camping and backwoodsmanship, starting as a young boy in Scouting and the YMCA, doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and the Venture Award. His interest in camping has continued alongside his career as a time served joiner, but became more prominent in 1989 when he became involved with the local Scout Group. He is known locally and regionally within Scouting for his skills as a backwoods and pioneering instructor for both scouts and leaders. His inspiration is the bush-tucker man, if you can remember back that far, hence the hat.
Alan has been instrumental in enabling a number of young people, gain recognition for their hard work in, leadership and team work, in a number of disciplines within their recognised accreditations. He started Acorn4th Backwoods Training after a number of people expressed an interest in backwoodsmanship, and his unique style of teaching, as an alternative to the more survival based forms of Bushcraft. Alan likes to call what he teaches "Playing Out"