New youth nature guides ready for adventure in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide
Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide has welcomed nine brand-new youth nature guides. On 28 October – following an autumn full of learning, discovery and hands-on activities – they received their official certificate from IVN Nature Education. They are now fully prepared to take children out and about in this special nature reserve.
The new guides are joining the welcoming network of volunteers from De Vroente and the Libelhamel Club of the ‘ Grenspark ’. A group of people who are keen to pass on their love of nature to the next generation.
Learning by doing
During the training course, the participants ventured out into nature themselves. They familiarised themselves with the landscape, practised using playful teaching methods and discovered how children learn best: through first-hand experience. No prior knowledge is required – just enthusiasm and a passion for nature and children.
Thanks to the new guides, the programmes run by ‘ de Vroente ’ and the Libelhamelclub can continue successfully, enabling children to explore the diverse landscape.
What did the participants think?
The participants looked back on the training course with a sense of satisfaction. They described the programme as “informative, fun and inspiring” and said they found it a comprehensive package from which everyone could gain something. “It was a well-rounded programme with plenty of variety” and “At the end of the day, we’re all still a bit like children”, were some of the comments shared afterwards.
Fancy becoming a youth nature guide?
In the spring of 2027, a new Youth Nature Guide training course will start, this time at Van Gogh National Park West. During this course, you will learn how to engage children in nature activities, outings and educational programmes in an enthusiastic and creative way. And how to take a group of young people out into nature. The course is aimed at anyone who enjoys working with children and has a love of nature. Knowledge of nature is useful, but not essential. Would you like to become a Youth Nature Guide? If so, you can register your interest using the form on this website: www.ivn.nl/brabant/vrijwilliger-kn.