About the school programmes
There are five ‘regular’ two-hour programmes, with fun and educational activities for every level. From carrying branches, building shelters and listening to the grass grow with preschoolers, to researching a suitable habitat for the badger with pupils in years 7 and 8. In these programmes, the pupils and parent helpers get to work in groups on assignments after an introduction by the guide. The guide is their point of contact and supports them in carrying out the activities.
We also offer a more extensive nature experience through the ‘Het Bewaarde Land’ programme. In Het Bewaarde Land, pupils in years 4, 5 and 6 of primary school are guided in small groups by volunteers. They help their group become familiar with nature: climbing trees, building shelters, eating herbs and berries, learning about all kinds of plants and animals, playing stealth games and much more. For three weeks, they spend one full day each week in the heart of nature.
Training to become a volunteer
You do not need to be a walking encyclopaedia of nature. An affinity with nature and experience guiding children is enough! IVN Brabant provides thorough training, consisting of a training day during which you become acquainted with the programmes, an internship with experienced volunteers and, of course, the necessary theoretical knowledge. On 14 September, the training to become a school guide at De Loonse en Drunense Dunes National Park begins.
For volunteers who would like to work at Het Bewaarde Land, the training starts on 31 August. Het Bewaarde Land is also offered at other locations in Brabant, namely in Kampina in Boxtel, the Nulandse Heide in Rosmalen, Groot Loo in Hilvarenbeek and Tilburg’s Stadsbos013. New volunteers are very welcome at these locations too.
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