Rain or shine: Swedish Forest Schools

In October 2008 I had the opportunity to visit Lidingo Island, the birthplace of I Ur och Skur - Swedish forest schools. I visited several forest schools in and near Stockholm and met more than 30 teachers who work in these schools, along with several parents. Background Skogsmulle was a concept developed by Gosta Frohm in 1957. He was involved at a national level with the Association for Promotion of Outdoor Life (Friluftsframjandet) and came from a military background. "Skog" means "wood" and "Mulle" is a fictional character who helps children learn to love and care for nature. It is estimated that 1 in 4 Swedes have attended Skogsmulle activities in their childhood. Friluftsframjandet offer comprehensive training for adults wishing to become Skogsmulle leaders lasting a minimum of four days