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Young Shoots
Young people · Ages 13–19 · SEND & SEMH
An exciting outdoor programme for young people aged 13–19 with SEND or SEMH needs. Bushcraft, cooking, conservation, and exploring the natural world — helping young people build skills, make friends, and grow in confidence.
- Ages 13–19 with SEND or SEMH needs
- Delivered in cohorts
- Funded by BBC Children in Need
Who it's for
Young people
Ages 13–19 with SEND or SEMH needs
Format
Cohort-based
Delivered in groups — see calendar for next cohort
Funded by
BBC Children in Need
No cost to participants
How to join
Check the calendar
Contact us for the next cohort
About Young Shoots
Adventure, skills, and nature — for young people who need it most
Young Shoots is an exciting, hands-on outdoor programme for young people aged 13–19 who have SEND or SEMH needs. Delivered in cohorts, Young Shoots gives young people the chance to explore nature, develop practical skills, build friendships, and grow in confidence through a series of engaging outdoor sessions.
From bushcraft and outdoor cooking to conservation activities and wildlife exploration, every session is designed to challenge, inspire, and include — creating a safe space where young people can be themselves, discover new interests, and achieve things they might never have thought possible.
Young Shoots is funded by BBC Children in Need, which means there is no cost to participants or their families.
Funded by BBC Children in Need
No cost to participants or their families
What to expect
What happens in a Young Shoots session?
Each cohort runs across a series of sessions packed with outdoor adventure, practical skills, and opportunities to connect with nature and with each other.
Bushcraft & woodland skills
Fire-lighting, tool use, shelter building, and knot-tying — practical woodland skills that build independence, problem-solving, and confidence in a natural setting.
Nature & conservation
Wildlife identification, habitat conservation, and environmental awareness — helping young people connect with and care for the natural world around them.
Outdoor cooking
Preparing and cooking food outdoors using campfire and outdoor kitchen techniques — a teamwork-focused activity that builds practical life skills and a sense of achievement.
Teamwork & friendship
Activities designed to encourage collaboration, communication, and mutual support — helping young people build positive relationships and social confidence.
Exploration & discovery
Walks, foraging, map reading, and outdoor exploration — encouraging curiosity, independence, and a love of the outdoors.
Growing & gardening
Hands-on growing activities connecting young people with the seasons, with food, and with the satisfaction of growing something from seed to plate.
Delivered in cohorts — places are limited
Young Shoots runs in cohorts, meaning a group of young people come together for a series of sessions over a set period. This approach helps build strong friendships and a real sense of group identity and belonging. Places are limited so we can give each young person the support they need.
Small group sizes
Limited places to ensure high-quality support for every participant
Multiple sessions per cohort
Building connections and skills over several weeks
Free to attend
Funded by BBC Children in Need — no cost to families
What young people say
Hear from Young Shoots participants
“X is still in touch with friends he made on the Young Shoots course, he wouldn’t have those friends if it wasn’t for Growing Works”
Parent of Young Shoots participant
“She has loved attending the current sessions and has requested to attend any more that arise, this in itself is more than I could have imagined or asked for. She has stated many times that the volunteers are amazing and she doesn’t have to pretend to be anyone other than herself”.
Parent of Young Shoots participant
“Building a fire and cooking our own food was something I never thought I’d be able to do. I feel so proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Young Shoots participant
How to join
Check the activity calendar for the next cohort
Young Shoots is delivered in cohorts throughout the year. Check the activity calendar for upcoming cohort dates, or get in touch and we’ll let you know when the next one is starting.
View the activity calendar
Upcoming Young Shoots cohort dates are listed on our activity calendar. Places are limited — if you're interested, get in touch as soon as possible to register your interest for the next cohort.
Other activities
Explore our other programmes
Adults · Tue & Thu 10am–1pm
Therapeutic gardening for adults experiencing mental health challenges or social isolation. Tuesday and Thursday sessions.
Families · SEND
A whole-family programme for households with children who have SEND or SEMH needs. Saturday sessions at our allotment and Oakwell Hall.