Ep 11 - Training

In this deep and often humorous episode, Lewis is joined by a fellow Forest School leader to explore the messy, contradictory, and powerful experience of Forest School training. They compare two very different Level 3 journeys — one recent, one several years ago — and unpack what makes a good trainer, what participants should leave with, and how training formats shape mindset and confidence. The conversation ranges from intensive vs. extended course structures to questioning received wisdom (including controversial tool safety practices), the challenge of teaching adults vs. children, and whether Forest School training should be a transformative journey. Expect real talk, laughs, some mild cult comparisons, and practical reflections on what training should prepare you for. ⏱ Chapter Timings: 00:00 – Intro: Different training paths, different perspectives 01:33 – What makes a good Level 3 Forest School trainer? 03:07 – Tick-box training vs. tailored guidance 04:19 – Intensive week-long courses vs. spaced-out formats 06:18 – The psychology of effort: why tough courses feel more valuable 08:25 – Trial and error: the lost potential of fast-track training 09:06 – Passion and pedagogy: “Knowledge without love won’t stick” 11:12 – Should Forest School training be transformational? 13:29 – Embarrassing (and ironic) fire safety fail story 15:09 – Flow, reflection, and misunderstood “downtime” in training 16:57 – Wanting more: theory vs. practice balance 18:24 – Should training change your worldview? 19:42 – Differing course cohorts: teachers, parents, police 21:44 – Can trainers realistically offer “pure” Forest School? 22:24 – Developing confidence and identity as a practitioner 23:43 – “My trainer showed me this way” – when that’s not enough 25:07 – Rigid rules vs. critical thinking in tool safety 27:10 – Real confidence comes from understanding, not copying 30:13 – The gloves debate: safety theatre vs. meaningful risk 31:21 – Do trainers see their students as reflections of themselves? 33:01 – Risk assessment and teaching parallels 36:08 – Does Forest School have “lineages” like classical music teaching? 38:31 – Wrap-up: long chat, lots to reflect on 🌲 Keywords: Forest School training, Level 3 Forest School, outdoor education, Forest School trainer qualities, risk assessment, tool safety, Forest School philosophy, critical thinking in teaching, experiential learning, transformative learning, Forest School vs traditional school, intensive training, Forest School cohort dynamics, confidence in practice, reflective leadership 🔖 Hashtags: #ForestSchool #ForestSchoolTraining #Level3ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #ExperientialLearning #ReflectivePractice #ForestSchoolPodcast #ChildLedLearning #ToolSafety #Playwork #CriticalThinking #NatureBasedEducation #TransformativeLearning #RiskAssessment #TeacherTraining 🌐 More Episodes & Support: Listen, explore, and get resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.com Support future episodes and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast Get in touch via [email protected]