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Ancient oak tree at Baldersby Park

About Us

Nature & Nurture Are at the Heart of What We Do

Outdoor adventures in 90 acres of private country parkland at Baldersby Park.

Base Camp provides a place to connect to nature in different ways – through Forest School, physical activity e.g. archery or woodland Olympics, music, art, science, food and foraging, wellbeing and play (a lot of play!). We curate safe, engaging, fun adventures in nature that develop confidence, creativity and a sense of wonder for everyone – not just those who are 'outdoor-sy'!

Rolling parkland at Baldersby Park

Our Story

Learn More About Us

At Base Camp we are passionate about the benefits of being active in, and connected to, nature. Just being present in natural surroundings is proven to have huge benefits to mental health and emotional regulation – in children and adults alike. Base Camp emerged out of the post-Covid fog. Seeing the impact of long, isolating days on screens and how important time outside became during the pandemic, creating a natural space where children could reconnect (with each other and nature) seemed more important than ever. Nearly four years on and the growing concern around the effects of prolonged screen use, the need to swap 'screen for green' remains a priority.

Our Mission

To reconnect those who think nature 'isn't for them' and to further ignite wonder and curiosity to develop a strong and meaningful bond with Mother Earth that will last a lifetime.

If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don't understand it, they won't protect it. And if they don't protect it – who will?
Sir David Attenborough

Facilities

Our Facilities

Deer Shed

Deer Shed

Your day starts here – once providing shelter for the park's deer – this historic building is a place to gather, eat, create and relax. Consider this your base camp for the day. Hand washing and our inclusion corner are also housed here.

Eco-Loos

Eco-Loos

Our compostable loos are a firm favourite with children, providing plenty of discussion about sustainability and water and energy use. Each toilet is housed in an individual cubicle with easy to use locks and sanitary facilities.

Enclosure

Enclosure

Surrounding the deer shed is an enclosed space with a clear line of sight from the deer shed. A smaller, safe and secure space during busy transitions, breaks and lunchtimes with two fallen trees for balancing, climbing or hanging out with friends.

Water

Water

Part of learning outdoors is understanding how to manage our resources responsibly. We bring a full supply of fresh water to every session; safe drinking water stored in sterilized containers and portable 'running water' stations with soap for hand washing.

Barefoot walking activity - mindful outdoor learning

SEND Provision

Our Commitment to Inclusion & SEND Support

At Base Camp we believe that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. We are committed to providing high-quality, inclusive experiences where every child feels valued, safe, and inspired by nature.

Our Experience & Expertise

Our team has experience working with children and families with a wide range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We recognize that every child is unique. To ensure we provide the best possible support, we use a consultative approach with parents and teachers. We encourage you to contact us before booking so we can discuss:

Reasonable Adjustments

We strive to make "reasonable and practicable" adjustments to our activities, equipment, and environment to remove barriers to participation.

Individual Suitability

We assess each child's needs on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to ensure that our setting is the right fit for your child's current requirements.

Safety & Group Dynamics

To maintain a safe and happy environment for all participants, we must ensure that any adjustments made are compatible with the entire group. More often than not, it's the small things that make the biggest difference.

How to Proceed

If your child or student has specific requirements, please get in touch for a chat at hannah@basecamplearning.co.uk

Our History

Baldersby Park Through the Ages

Base Camp is situated in Baldersby Park – a Georgian country estate.

Wide parkland view at Baldersby Park
“There is no more perfect environment to teach in! The children love being outdoors, and for the aspects of the curriculum we are focusing on, provides a much more authentic learning experience.”
— Year 1 Teacher
Nature-based learning at Base Camp

Find Us

Easy to Reach

Base Camp is situated close to the A19 and A1, making it easily accessible from across North Yorkshire and beyond.

Thirsk/Ripon10 mins
Boroughbridge15 mins
Northallerton20 mins
Stokesley30 mins
Harrogate35 mins
York35 mins
Middlesbrough40 mins
Leeds40 mins

Base Camp, Baldersby Park

Park Rd, Thirsk YO7 3BZ

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Ready to Visit Base Camp?

Browse our upcoming events or get in touch to discuss bringing your school or group to Baldersby Park.