A playful approach: want to go on a Boggart hunt?

Collins, Di and Hayes, Tracy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6330-6520 (2017) A playful approach: want to go on a Boggart hunt? In: 16th European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning International Seminar (EOE 2017): Atmospheres and Narratives, 28 June - 2 July 2017, Plymouth Marjon University, UK. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

As outdoor educators, we have a diverse range of roles. Dyer (2004:26) suggests we may be enchanters, as we enhance environments and/or experiences so that participants can connect with nature in creative ways. Barlett (2008:1077) echoes this, calling for increased attention to re-enchantment - ‘the phenomena of sensory, emotional, and nonrational ways of connecting with the earth’s living systems’. In this workshop, we will explore the concepts of playfulness and enchantment, through a mix of discussion and activities, with the aim of understanding why this is important. We will be playful with voice, storytelling and natural art – and responsive to the individual needs of participants and the environment. A Boggart is a fictional character that requires imagination to bring to life and to interpret. They embody a sense of mischievousness and the unexpected (Hayes, 2015). ‘Stories have been told about a race of little people called Boggarts for at least a hundred and fifty years… all the reports say that Boggarts are always bright and cheerful and that they love singing and dancing’ (Mills, 2000). Like dialect, the spelling of Boggart varies depending on location, with the northern Boggart contrasting with the southern Boggit. Wherever they are found, and however they spell their name, they have a favourite past-time of confusing grockles (a grockle is a holidaymaker, found mainly in Devon and Cornwall, although also known to spend time in Cumbria). Join us as we hunt for Boggarts amongst the magical folk, enchanted woods and faraway trees of Plymouth.

References
Barlett, P.F. (2008) ‘Reason and Reenchantment in Cultural Change: Sustainability in Higher Education’, Current Anthropology Vol. 49, No.6. Pp.1077-1098
Dyer, A. (2004) ‘A Sense of Adventure’. Resurgence. No. 226. Pp. 25-27.
Hayes T. (2015) ‘A playful approach to outdoor learning: Boggarts, Bears and Bunny Rabbits!’, in Horton J and Evans B (Eds.) Play, Recreation, Health and Well Being, Vol.9 of Skelton, T. (ed.) Geographies of Children and Young People. Springer, Singapore
Hayes, T., Faulkner, A. and Harris, F. (2016) We’re ALL in the Wild. An inclusive guide to supporting young people with SEN/D to discover their local outdoor spaces. Wiltshire: Plantlife
Mills, F. (2000) Boggarts. Herts: Oldcastle Books

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Workshop)
Departments:	Academic Departments > Health, Psychology & Social Studies (HPSS) > Children, Youth, Families and Community Work
Additional Information:	Tracy Hayes is a member of IOL and a Lecturer at the University of Cumbria. She has recently completed her PhD by researching the relationship that young people have with nature, using a creative approach including stories. She enjoys being, and playing, outside.
Depositing User:	Tracy Hayes
Date Deposited:	19 Jul 2017 08:58
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 17:46
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/3107

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