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THE GREAT OUTDOORS!
do you remember playing in the “great outdoors” as a kid? it was always fun to be outside with friends, whether
walking, talking, cycling or playing games and sports.
then as time ran out it would get dark and you were hungry, you knew it was time to go home. or perhaps your parents
had to come and get you because you were having so much fun outside that you lost track of time.
for a wide range of reasons today's children are often not experiencing as much active play time as their parents did.
Monkey F.A.C.E is a social enterprise run by Gills
McDaniel in Stewarton. The aim of the business is to
provide Fun Active Children's Events for children and their
families. What better way to spend an afternoon than an
outdoor adventure!!
"After a successful Easter Egg hunt in the woods last
year, we decided to branch out further a field offering more
people the chance to join in the fun. We took inspiration
for these Easter Events, from the fabulous parks we have
on our doorstep. In April we provided events in Fullarton
Woods in Troon, Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock
and Lainshaw Woods in Stewarton. We even went as far as
sunny Milngavie for an event in Mugdock Country Park."
To engage the children, the Monkey F.A.C.E team created
an interactive story, linked with an outdoor treasure trail.
The children and their families would work together to
solve clues and follow the trail in the 'Search for the Golden
Egg'. Along the trail they met Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack
(from the Beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood & The
Wolf. The fairytale characters provided clues that led to
The Witch! She had stolen the Golden Egg but needed
the children to help with her potion to make it magically
appear! And what was inside? - Chocolate Eggs of course!
A picnic lunch was included followed by one hour of
active games with the characters - What's the time Mr
Wolf, Once there was a Princess, The Giant's Golden Egg,
Cinderella's Golden Slipper, Catch the villains and save the
castle and relay races.
Gills McDaniel said, "Kids love being outdoors. They don't care if its raining or
cold, they just get on with it. Active kids are healthy kids and outdoor activities are
especially healthy for them. It gives them a chance to burn off energy and it offers
them an opportunity for more social interaction with peers. It helps to develop their
powers of observation and their assessment of risk, offering more opportunities for
creativity and free play. It helps to build a strong link between physical health and
outdoor play, at a young age. Our aim is to provide activities to engage the children
and their families to get outdoors, have fun and come together as a community.
"We have begun plans for our summer events, meeting Alice in her Wonderland
Adventure! Check out www.monkeyface.org.uk for dates and 'like' us on Facebook."