Wild & Well Stewards
A supported leadership pathway for young people aged 13–16
As children grow into their teenage years, many are ready for something different — a space that recognises their maturity, their empathy, and their growing sense of who they are in the world.
Wild & Well Stewards is a supported leadership pathway for young people aged 13–16, attending Wild & Well Kids Club sessions alongside younger children. It’s not a staff role and it’s not volunteering. It’s something more personal than either — a meaningful way to contribute to a community while still being held and cared for within it.
What is a steward?
Stewards attend sessions alongside younger children, helping to create a calm and welcoming environment while being guided by experienced adult facilitators throughout.
Depending on the session and their confidence, Stewards may:
- Help welcome children and model kindness and calm
- Support games, activities, and group transitions
- Offer gentle reassurance to younger children
- Spend time outdoors connecting with nature
- Take part in age-appropriate reflective check-ins
- Help with setting up and packing away
All involvement happens alongside adult facilitators. Stewards are never left alone with children and are not responsible for behaviour management.ent.
Who is this for?
The Steward role is particularly suited to young people who enjoy being outdoors, like helping others in a gentle and thoughtful way, are sensitive, reflective, or quietly confident, or feel out of place in loud or competitive environments.
No previous experience is needed — just a willingness to show up with care.
Not a pressured role
We are very intentional about how this pathway is held. Stewards are not expected to look after children. They are not counted as staff. They are always supported by adults. And their wellbeing matters just as much as the younger children they’re alongside.
This role is about learning through contribution — not performance or expectation.
Safeguarding & care
All sessions are led by experienced facilitators with backgrounds in education, therapy, and outdoor learning. Safeguarding is central to everything we do. Adult facilitators are present at all times, clear boundaries are taught and upheld, and parent or carer consent is required before attending.
Looking ahead in the steward pathway
For some young people, the Steward role becomes the beginning of something much bigger.
Wild & Well Stewards is the first stage of a longer pathway within Living Nature:
Ages 13–16 — Wild & Well Steward
Supported leadership alongside younger children. Learning through contribution, connection, and care.
Ages 16–17 — Senior Steward
For Stewards who have completed the programme and are ready for more responsibility. A transition year with greater involvement in session planning and delivery.
Ages 17+ — Junior Facilitator (paid)
Experienced Senior Stewards may be invited into paid support facilitation roles within Living Nature. We’re developing a structured Living Nature Facilitator Training to support this transition — combining practical experience, reflective learning, and formal qualification pathways.
Young people who move through this pathway with us don’t need to be trained from scratch. The ethos is already in them. That’s exactly how we want to grow.
If this longer pathway interests you or your young person, please get in touch to find out more.
Duke of Edinburgh
For some young people, the Steward role may be suitable for supporting the Volunteering section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, depending on individual requirements and commitment. We’re happy to discuss this with families before booking and can confirm participation where appropriate. There is no expectation to pursue formal awards — each young person is welcome to engage at their own pace.
Practical information
Location: Werneth Low Country Park
Sessions: Align with Wild & Well Kids Club dates
Ages: 13–16
Places: Maximum four Stewards per session
Cost: Reduced rate to reflect the Steward role — current prices on the booking page
Places are offered on a first-come basis and may not be available on every session.
The Steward role is rooted in wellbeing, community, and care. Any formal accreditation is a secondary benefit rather than the primary focus.
FAQs
A Wild & Well Steward is a young person aged 12–16 who attends our Kids’ Wild & Well sessions in a supported leadership role. Stewards help create a calm, welcoming environment for younger children while being guided and supported by adult facilitators.
This is not a staff or volunteer role — Stewards are participants in a structured, supported pathway.
The Steward pathway is designed for young people aged 12–16. If your child is just outside this age range and you feel this role may be suitable, please get in touch and we’re happy to talk it through.
No. Stewards are not volunteers or staff and are never counted in staffing ratios. They are participants in a supported leadership-in-nature role and are always supervised by adult facilitators..
To ensure the role remains meaningful, well supported, and safe, Steward places are capped at a maximum of four per session.
Stewards may help with welcoming children, supporting games and activities, setting up and packing away, and offering gentle reassurance to younger participants. They also take part in age-appropriate reflective check-ins.
All involvement happens alongside adult facilitators, with clear guidance and boundaries.
For some young people, this role may be suitable for supporting the Volunteering section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, depending on individual requirements and commitment.
If you are hoping to use this role for DofE, please contact us before booking so we can discuss suitability and expectations.
Steward places are offered at a reduced rate to reflect the supportive role young people take within the club. Current prices are listed on the booking page.
Steward places are booked per session via our booking page. After booking, new Stewards will be asked to complete a one-off Steward Registration Form. Returning Stewards do not need to complete this again.
Yes. We are committed to inclusion and have experience supporting young people with a range of additional needs, including anxiety and sensory differences. Please share any relevant information on the Steward Registration Form so we can offer appropriate support.
That’s absolutely okay. The Steward pathway is designed to be supportive and flexible, and there is no pressure to continue if it doesn’t feel like the right fit.