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Description

Grab an old pillowcase and a stick and make your own bindle bag to explore the outdoors.

Resources

You will need
Scissors
Natural materials (for example, leaves, twigs, feathers)
Rope
Pillowcases

Instructions

Before you begin
Ask everyone to bring an old pillowcase to the session.
You’ll need some extra adults to support everyone as they tie knots – why not ask parents and carers to help with this activity?
Story time

Everyone should sit in a circle.
Someone should read The Brilliant Bindle Bag by Jess Connett. Make sure you pick up a copy of the book before the session.
After reading the story, everyone should take some time to reflect on it as a group. We’ve included some questions to help you reflect in the pink box below.

Everyone should get into pairs and write their name or initials at the top of their pillowcases.
Adults may need to support people to write their names or initials.
Everyone should go out and search for a long stick that they can carry over their shoulder.
Everyone should follow the instructions below and tie their pillowcase to their stick to make a bindle bag.
You might want to show everyone what to do before they give it a go. Make sure there are enough adults to help if people find it tricky.

Tying a bindle bag
Split into groups of four people. Ask an adult to support each group.
Lie the pillowcase flat on the ground.
Use scissors to cut six inches along the seam on one side.
Cut the same distance along the seam on the other side of the pillow case, keeping the bottom closed to be used as a sack.
Place items into the bottom of the pillowcase.
Tie the two halves of the pillowcase around the end of the long stick. Make sure the knot is tight so that the bag doesn't slip down the stick.

Bindle race
Everyone should split the into two teams. Each team should make a line.
The person leading the race should place an object on the floor opposite each team.
Everyone should put a stone or ball in their bindle bag and tie it ready to use.
The first person from each team should hold their bindle bag over their shoulder, walk to the object opposite them, walk back to their team, and sit down.
It’s not safe to run while holding a bindle bag, so think about how you’ll stop people running.
When the first person gets back to the line, the second person should go.
Everyone should take it in turns to walk to the object and return to their team.
The first team to sat down after everyone’s had a go are the winners.
Fill it up
Everyone should split into small teams of about four.
Each team should search around (ideally outside) for things that they’d like to place in their bag.
Reminded everyone not to collect any living creatures.
After about 10 minutes, the person leading the activity should bring everyone back together.
Everyone should sit down in a circle.
Anyone who wants to could show everyone what they placed in their bag and explain why they chose those items.
We’ve included some questions to help you reflect in the pink box below.
Reflection
This activity encouraged everyone to appreciate the world around them as they used natural materials to make a useful piece of exploration equipment. It also gave everyone the chance to learn new skills like tying knots and taking turns.

You could chat about these reflection questions throughout the session or at the end.

The Brilliant Bindle Bag

What items did Kurtis collect in his bindle bag?
What other items do you think you could find on a walk in the woods?
Sticks and stones

How can people be safe when they’re walking around with a bindle bag?
How could people make their bindle bag stand out?
Fill it up

Are people happy with the contents of their bag? Why?
If everyone were to do this activity again, would they collect anything different?
Safety
All activities must be safely managed. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Do a risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Always get approval for the activity and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

Scissors
Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using scissors. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.

Outdoor activities
You must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.

Poles and long objects
Be careful when moving poles or long items. Take care if the ends are sharp. Have appropriate supervision for this activity.

Heavy and awkward objects
Don’t lift or move heavy or awkward items without help. Break them down into smaller parts if possible.

Gardening and nature
Everyone must wash their hands after the activity has finished. Wear gloves if needed. Explain how to safely use equipment and set clear boundaries so everyone knows what’s allowed.

Tags

• bindle bag

Badge Links

• All About Adventure - Adventure