There’s something special about learning in the great outdoors. Away from whiteboards and worksheets, bushcraft trips offer pupils a chance to connect with nature, challenge themselves in new ways, and develop skills that go far beyond the classroom. Whether it’s building a shelter, lighting a fire, or working as a team to solve a problem, bushcraft is packed with growth opportunities.
These kinds of experiences help pupils build confidence, resilience, and independence, all key ingredients for lifelong success. They’re also a brilliant way to support curriculum learning in a more hands-on, memorable way. In this blog, we’ll explore what bushcraft skills involve, how they benefit pupils, and why a school trip focused on bushcraft could leave a lasting impact long after the backpacks are unpacked.
What are bushcraft skills
At its core, bushcraft is all about learning how to live and thrive in the natural world. It includes a wide range of traditional outdoor skills,things like lighting a fire without matches, building a weatherproof shelter, using tools safely, purifying water, and even navigating using the sun or stars.
But bushcraft is much more than just survival know-how. It’s about encouraging curiosity, practical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the environment. Pupils learn how to observe nature closely, work with their hands, and adapt to changing situations, often using limited resources.
These experiences also teach valuable personal qualities. Bushcraft helps pupils develop patience, independence, and the confidence to give things a go, even if they don’t get it right the first time. It’s a hands-on, trial-and-error style of learning that rewards effort, problem-solving, and teamwork, essential skills they’ll carry with them for life.
Examples of bushcraft skills
Building shelters
One of the main bushcraft skills to learn is shelter-building. This involves learning the ins and outs of how and where to build a shelter to stay dry when out in the bushland. Shelter-building skills help you know what materials to use when making a shelter, whether you already have tarpaulin to take advantage of or if you’re using completely natural resources.
Navigational skills
Navigating your way through wild landscapes is a vital bushcraft skill. Pupils learn how to use compasses and read maps to find their way safely, whether they’re venturing away from camp or seeking out the perfect campsite. These skills build not just confidence but also critical thinking and spatial awareness, important abilities in many areas of life.
Meteorological skills
Understanding the weather is key to thriving outdoors. Pupils learn how to read cloud patterns, track wind changes, and predict upcoming weather using natural signs. By planning around the conditions, they can make safer, smarter decisions, whether it’s choosing the best place to set up shelter or preparing for a sudden rainstorm.
Fire lighting
Fire lighting is another one of the most important bushcraft skills to learn. Why? Because it keeps you warm and allows you to cook food. What’s epic about this is that fire can be created with limited natural resources. It’s also critical to understand the safety precautions when making a fire.
How bushcraft trips benefit pupils with lifelong skills
Bushcraft trips aren’t just exciting adventures; they’re powerful learning experiences that leave a lasting impact. By taking part in hands-on, practical activities, pupils develop a wide range of important life skills that continue to benefit them long after they leave school. From teamwork and resilience to a deeper appreciation for the natural world, bushcraft builds personal qualities that are essential for success in education, careers, and everyday life. It’s about helping pupils grow into confident, capable individuals who are ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.
Practical skills
Bushcraft trips will provide your pupils with loads of valuable hands-on skills such as fire lighting, shelter building, and using natural resources, which are wonderful skills to have throughout life. These practical experiences also help pupils learn to think logically and approach challenges step-by-step, important abilities whether they’re fixing something at home or tackling projects at work later in life.
Teamwork and communication
Many bushcraft activities involve working together in one way or another, especially on a MASTER! Bushcraft Adventure with PGL. Your pupils could be building shelters together or navigating through woodland areas, all of which foster teamwork and communication skills that benefit your students in all aspects of life. Learning to listen, share ideas, and work towards a shared goal sets them up for success in relationships, education, and future careers.
Appreciation for nature
By immersing themselves in nature, your pupils will gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, along with an important sense of responsibility for the environment. Spending time outdoors encourages sustainable thinking and a genuine care for natural spaces, qualities that are becoming increasingly important as pupils grow up in a world that values environmental stewardship.
Resilience
Bushcraft trips always encourage pupils to step out of their comfort zones and adapt to new situations, which only makes them stronger! Whether it’s learning how to start a fire in damp weather or building a shelter that withstands the elements, pupils quickly learn that persistence and problem-solving pay off. These experiences build resilience, determination, and the ability to handle setbacks, skills that will support them through life’s ups and downs.
Confidence
Confidence is always welcomed in life. It’s what makes people strive for their goals and be themselves. Well, bushcraft trips can help boost your pupils’ confidence to the max when mastering new skills, benefiting them in both their academic and social lives. Trying something unfamiliar and succeeding gives them a real sense of achievement, helping them to believe in themselves and take on new challenges with enthusiasm.
Independence and self-reliance
One of the most lasting impacts of bushcraft experiences is the boost to pupils’ independence. Whether they’re setting up their own shelter, or finding their way with a map and compass, bushcraft trips show pupils that they are capable of solving problems and making good decisions. These experiences foster self-reliance and prepare them for the responsibilities of adulthood, from navigating university life to entering the workforce.
Key links between bushcraft school trips and educational outcomes
Bushcraft trips aren’t just a break from the classroom; they’re a powerful way to bring learning to life. Many of the activities pupils take part in during a bushcraft experience are closely linked to curriculum subjects, giving them the chance to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
In science, pupils explore natural materials, investigate ecosystems, and begin to understand biological processes like decomposition and photosynthesis by seeing them in action. It’s a chance to observe how nature works, not just read about it in a textbook.
In geography, pupils use maps, compasses, and natural navigation techniques to understand landscapes and develop spatial awareness. They might study landforms, weather patterns, or the impact of human activity on the environment, all while engaging directly with the world around them.
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) is at the heart of the bushcraft experience. Activities naturally encourage teamwork, communication, empathy, and resilience. Pupils learn to manage risk, solve problems together, and take responsibility for themselves and each other, all vital life skills that align with wider educational goals.
Because bushcraft is so hands-on and practical, it offers an alternative learning environment that suits a wide range of learners. Pupils who might struggle in a traditional classroom often thrive outdoors, where learning feels more active, relevant, and empowering. For SEND pupils in particular, bushcraft can provide a boost in confidence, social interaction, and sensory engagement, helping them shine in a setting that plays to their strengths.
By linking back to classroom learning while encouraging personal growth, bushcraft trips support both academic outcomes and whole-child development.
Boost bushcraft skills at PGL!
Our residential school trips offer pupils an experience they’ll never forget, and a rewarding feeling for teachers too! Life at PGL is about adventure, fun and laughter! With fantastic bushcraft activities and much more on our MASTER! adventures, your pupils will develop lifelong skills while having the time of their lives!
We provide school trips for primary schools and secondary schools that are all about outdoor education!
At PGL, we have an exceptional offering of trips, locations and activities to enjoy, so request a quote today to find your dream school trip.
