Every now and again we come across an organisation that makes us think ‘What a fantastic idea!’ Born Again Bushcraft is one of those. Consequently, having recently been introduced to its founder, Steven Baxter, by an ex army colleague, I made a point of finding out more.
Born Again Bushcraft is a community outreach recovery programme. It aims to improve the mental health, wellbeing and quality of life for individuals within recovery. The programme enables participants to build relationships and increase their social activity. It delivers this through teaching individuals bushcraft skills and building a strong teambuilding ethos.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The unique programme was developed by Steven Baxter. He grew up in the Scottish Borders and served eight years within the British Army (KOSB). On leaving the military Steven was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an unwanted consequence of his time in Iraq. For years Steven struggled with his mental health and alcohol addiction.
The benefits of bushcraft and the outdoors
He then met Sam Delany (director of Creative Start CIC). Creative Start is an abstinence-based addiction recovery art programme. After engaging in one of Sam’s art project murals, Steven began his recovery. The programme then supported him in developing an outdoor Bushcraft service that aimed to support others in recovery. Steven had already found that he benefitted from Bushcraft activities and being outdoors. Furthermore the piloted recovery programme was highly successful for those with addiction and developed into supporting veterans too.
Triggers and stressors
Born Again Bushcraft was designed to provide people with respite from the hustle and bustle of town/city life and its pressures. Steven wanted to provide people with an opportunity to reconnect with nature. He wanted to limit their distractions from triggers and stressors within their life. Inspired by wilderness therapy he aims to:
- provide people with the opportunity to rediscover their “true” self
- build their self-esteem through his camps.
Equipment provided
A typical camp lasts for three days. Participants are taken to woodland across the UK and provided with all equipment/supplies required free of charge. Steven initially gets participants to set up the camp in teamwork tasks and runs ice breaking activities.
Then he begins to share his knowledge. This includes foraging, camp fire cooking (wild foods and game), ground ovens, basic butchery, plant and tree identification. It also involves woodland crafts, trapping, water purification, fire lighting techniques, shelter building, astronavigation and sensory training. Steven also encourages other participants to lead activities that they are knowledgeable of. This establishes inclusion and equality.
Abstinence policy
All camps are based upon a complete abstinence policy. Military values are instilled between participants enabling them to develop their social engagement and teamwork skills. Participants have reported leaving the camp feeling refreshed, confident and having an increased sense of belonging.
If you’d like to get involved or find out more, use the links below for contact details.
For further information:
Visit the Born Again Bushcraft Facebook page.
Check out Born Again Bushcraft on Instagram.
Have a look at the Creative Starts website.
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