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Group activities

Flavours Group activities are a great way to explore Dorset’s outdoor spaces together. This guide offers simple steps to help you start your visit, choose fun activities such as nature walks, picnics and creative workshops, and support everyone to feel comfortable and included.

You’ll also find ideas for celebrating your day, reflecting together, and planning your next adventure. Whether you’re leading a small group or a larger outing, these tips will help you make the most of your time outdoors.

Group of school children at Durlston Country Park sitting on the steps outside the Castle.
Flavours

Getting started

Welcome circle

Before you begin your walk or activity, gather everyone together. This helps make sure the day starts smoothly and safely.

•  Check who’s arrived: Make sure everyone you’re expecting is there. Some people might arrive by car or public transport — check in with them too.

•  Welcome your group: Once everyone’s arrived, give a warm welcome. Do a head count — ask someone to help so you don’t miss anyone!

•  Explain the plan for the day: Let people know:

    • What’s happening during the visit
    • Where to meet at the end
    • Where the coach will leave from
    • Where the toilets, baby changing, and drinking water are
    • Who the group leaders are
    • What to do in case of a first aid emergency or if someone gets lost

•  Break the ice: If people don’t know each other, a quick icebreaker or fun quiz can help everyone feel more relaxed and connected.

Group activities

There are lots of fun ways to enjoy the countryside together!

Things you could try include:

  • Nature walks
  • Picnics
  • Creative workshops
  • Drawing or painting
  • Wildlife spotting

Some of the Flavours sites offer extra activities such as:

  • Guided tours
  • Themed trails
  • Orienteering
  • Crafts and storytelling
  • Nature activities for children

Check the site’s website or contact them directly to see what’s available.
We have a list of some of the contacts here.

Celebrate & Share

Take photos, record stories and thoughts from the day – but ensure you have permissions from your group to use and share the content. (link to health & safety page)

At the end of your visit

Before jumping back on the bus, take a few minutes to gather the group together. It’s a lovely way to end the day. Stand in a circle and ask everyone to share one thing they enjoyed or appreciated.

If you have time, try the Jar of Joy activity – this is a great way to celebrate meaningful moments.

You will need: A large jar, pens, small squares of paper

How it works:

  • Ask everyone to think about something joyful, fun, or special from the visit — maybe something they saw, learned, or appreciated.
  • They can write or draw it on a piece of paper, fold it, and pop it in the jar.
  • If time allows, read a few out loud or pass the jar around for people to pick and read one.
  • If you don’t have a jar or paper, ask people to send their thoughts in a WhatsApp message.

On the way home or in the evening

  • Ask group members what the next visit should be.
  • Share photos – happy memories of a great day out!
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