Hello! Here's a little bit more about me and why I chose to set up Mission: Wild Adventure

My Story

I grew up in the outdoors, playing in the woods, building dens, swimming in rivers, climbing trees and occasionally falling out of them!  It was a brilliant childhood and taught me a great deal about myself, my friendships, taking risks, learning from mistakes, dealing with problems, success and failure.  These adventures have shaped my life and career and being able to pass on some of these skills is a wonderful privilege.

I have been a special educational needs teacher for over twenty one years but have never been a fan of being a boring teacher or being stuck inside a classroom so I used to go out, a lot, using the world as a chance to compliment the aims and objectives of my sessions.  In my time as a teacher I have also been a Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh Award Manager, getting young people engaged in the outdoors and helping to set them up for their futures.  I was also the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Exeter College for a long time, working with young people to get the most out of their lives.  This concept remains at the very centre of my practice putting the young person at the heart of everything I try to do.

Before I set up Mission: Wild Adventure I was a Beaver Scout Leader and School Governor and decided that I could use my skill set within a structure of my own design.  The business has evolved over the years, Forest School wasn't enough.  I wanted to add more to it and adding puzzles, games and challenges to the day helps keep children focussed, engaged and having fun.

I am a qualified paediatric first aider, camping group leader, archery instructor, Level 3 Forest School Leader and most importantly, Dad to three highly adventurous daughters.