Julia Rediske, a graduate social education worker and specialist in forest and nature pedagogy, and Jasmin Hoffmann, a graduate social education worker, have set up the non-profit association "Wir sind draußen e.V." ["We're outside"]. They are convinced that "education and power should be replaced by needs and relationships". For them, needs-based pedagogy and accompanying children at all stages of life's development are at the forefront of their activities.
Two years ago, they had the idea to set up a forest kindergarten together. Numerous hurdles had to be overcome and applications had to be approved. On 1 September 2019, the dream of the two teachers came true: the forest kindergarten "Die Kienäppel" started its work. A maximum of 15 children can be looked after every day from 8 am to 1 pm. A 5 000 m² forest area was leased for this purpose. In bad weather, the club house of the local sports club can be used.
Julia Rediske: "The clue lies in the name: a large part of our time together with the children should be spent outside on the forest site."
As the main sponsor, BUTTING provided not only financial support but also a new site trailer for the project. Hermann Butting was quickly convinced by the concept: "Children are growing up in a rapidly changing environment today. Exercise areas where children can act independently and can play are becoming increasingly rare. Here the children can enjoy this freedom. In addition, the individual promotion of each child's development is a matter close to the two teachers' hearts. I was impressed by their courage and initiative."
BUTTING – Progress by Tradition