Building fences, shelters and relationships

At Running Deer our students are our focus. They will arrive at our gates feeling nervous and wondering what’s in store for them at this school in the woods. Often, they arrive with preconceptions of what ‘school’ is, with their own past experiences far from ideal. It’s our job to help them feel safe, settled and allow them space to grow at their own pace. 

Over the past 6 months I have been working with a new student, TM, who to put it mildly was born to be outdoors. He started with us quiet and shy, wary of new faces and of ‘school’ in general. But over a short time he has settled into life at Running Deer with ease. The woods will do that to you. The open spaces, leafy canopy and abundance of wildlife is both calming and exciting, and great for the mind and soul. 

Once settled, TM and I got to spend lots of time working together on projects up in Trelawny (Top) Camp where he felt most at ease. Starting small and building his confidence we’d make the fire every day and have a brew, chatting about all things; from bushcraft and wildlife to aircraft and geopolitics. “Can you own too much bushcraft equipment?” we discussed (no we both agreed), and is there a right way to light the fire… 

As we spent time together our projects grew in scope too. We introduced him to new staff, who brought with them new ideas and as TM grew so did Trelawny Camp. We made a new shelter for the winter, we fixed dry stone walls, we built dead hedges and fixed old ones. All the while I could see TM getting more competent with his abilities and building confidence in himself. 

And that, I believe, is the heart of Running Deer: building. Both things and people. Building them up when they are down, fixing what has been broken and helping them grow with support from those around them.