Into the Woods

Stories and Nature in Playwork Training

Abstract

This field report outlines a story-based method called Narrative Journey developed by the author as a means ofengaging young people’s interest in nature. Here, an alternative use is presented to show how a small group of young American adults, aged 18-23, were trained in nature-based playwork skills using the Narrative Journey approach. The paper is presented using a blend of fictional, reflective, and critical narratives and draws on much of the content used during the delivery of the training program. References are made to a variety of theoretical discourses around children’s play in order to compliment the discourses about praxis.