Kinship carers are often forgotten so thank you for remembering us.
Sometimes a single sentence says everything. For many Kinship Care families, school holidays can be an especially difficult time. Finding affordable, accessible and inclusive opportunities for children to play, learn and have fun isn’t always easy. Many carers tell us they feel isolated, overlooked and forgotten, despite the vital role they play in providing love, care and stability for children and young people. That is why Bear’s Big Adventure Days matter.
On Monday 30 June, Children’s Health Scotland welcomed 19 Kinship Care families, more than 80 people, including around 40 Kinship Carers and 40 children and young people, to Edinburgh Zoo for our latest Bear’s Big Adventure Day. Families came together for a special We’re Going on a Bear Hunt themed picnic filled with adventure, laughter, creativity, connection and play.
While it may have looked like a day of games, songs, storytelling and exploring one of Scotland’s most loved visitor attractions, the day was about so much more. At Children’s Health Scotland, we know that play isn’t simply about having fun. Play helps children build confidence, develop resilience, strengthen relationships and learn skills that support their health and wellbeing. For Kinship Care families, particularly families caring for children with health conditions, disabilities and additional support needs, opportunities to play together can be transformative. Play is a fundamental pillar of self-management. Children learn through play and can learn how to self-manage. Which is why these days are proudly supported by the ALLIANCE Self Management Fund.
Play Builds Health and Wellbeing
Too often, play is viewed as an extra. Something children do once the important things are finished. But for children and young people, especially those living with health conditions and additional support needs, play is one of the important things. Through play, children learn how to communicate, regulate emotions, solve problems, build friendships, ask for help and develop confidence. These are all skills that support health, wellbeing and lifelong self-management.
Throughout the day, children and carers worked together on scavenger hunts, movement challenges, animal-themed games, relaxation activities and creative crafts. Families practised teamwork, communication, emotional regulation and mindfulness while creating memories together. Every activity was designed to encourage participation, connection and wellbeing.
Children’s Health Rights in Action
The My Health, My Rights Charter highlights the importance of children being able to access opportunities that support their health, wellbeing, participation and right to play. For many Kinship Care families, these opportunities are not always easy to access. Financial pressures, caring responsibilities, health needs and social isolation can all create barriers to participation.
That is why days like this matter.
Feedback from Families
- 100% of carers who responded said their knowledge of resilience, self-care and self-management had improved.
- 100% reported a better understanding of the needs and health rights of children and young people.
- 100% said they felt more supported because of the day.
- 100% said the event helped them feel more connected to nature.
These outcomes demonstrate that play-based family experiences can have a real and lasting impact on wellbeing.
What Children Told Us
The voices of children and young people are always at the heart of what we do. Children told us that:
- 100% of children who responded said they joined in on the day. The vast majority of children said they talked or used their voice during activities. Showing a rise in self confidence, self esteem and talking about feelings and concerns.
- 100% said they had fun and played with others. We know play is vital and play is how children learn.
- 100% said they learned something new.
Children told us they learned:
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“How to be kind.”
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“What an axolotl is.”
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Lots of songs and animal noises and new games.”
I learned to always love people and that I really matter.
When asked how they would use what they had learned at home, one child told us:
Play games with my brother and be kind to him, gran and granddad.
These simple but powerful responses remind us that play supports learning, confidence, kindness and connection long after the day itself has ended.
Finding Their Voice Through Play
For many children and young people, particularly those in Kinship Care and with health conditions, disabilities or additional support needs, building confidence can be challenging.
That is why we create opportunities where every child can participate in a way that feels safe, comfortable and enjoyable.
Our We’re Going on a Bear Hunt picnic used songs, storytelling, movement, games and shared family activities to encourage children and Kinship Carers to join in, communicate and express themselves. These seemingly simple moments can have a significant impact on confidence and self-esteem
Whether children were singing zoo songs, shouting out ideas during the Bear Hunt adventure, leading animal actions, sharing fun facts about wildlife or simply joining in with a game alongside their carers, every moment helped build confidence and encourage participation.
When children feel confident enough to join in, share their ideas, ask for help, try something new or use their voice in a group setting, they are developing skills that support both their health and wellbeing.
For us, this is one of the most important outcomes of Bear’s Big Adventure Days. Play creates opportunities for children to be heard, to feel included and to discover that their voice matters.
Kinship Care Families Cannot Be Forgotten
One carer summed up the importance of the day perfectly when they told us:
Kinship carers are often forgotten so thank you for remembering us.
Sadly, this is a message we hear all too often. Families also shared that events like this help them feel part of a community, reduce isolation and create opportunities for children to meet others with similar experiences.
Carers told us:
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“It makes us feel part of something.”
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“It helps children have a better connection to family and others.”
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“It brings us all together.”
The growing demand for our Bear’s Big Adventure Days highlights just how important these opportunities have become. Our family picnics now fill within minutes of registrations opening, demonstrating the need for accessible, inclusive and meaningful activities during the school holidays.
Building Community Through Play
Helen Bauld, Training and Programmes Manager at Children’s Health Scotland, said:
Days like our Bear’s Big Adventure Days are so important for Kinship Care families. Time and time again, carers tell us they feel forgotten, isolated and overlooked, despite the incredible role they play in providing love, care and stability for children and young people.
Events like this help families build a sense of community, create friendships and feel seen, valued and supported. We know that play is far more than simply having fun. When families play together, they strengthen relationships, improve wellbeing, build confidence and create positive memories that support both children and adults.School holidays can be particularly challenging for Kinship Care families. Accessing affordable and inclusive activities is not always easy, which is why the demand for our picnics continues to grow. Places are now being snapped up within minutes of opening, demonstrating the very real need for opportunities where families can come together, connect and belong.
We are incredibly grateful to the ALLIANCE, Children’s Aid Scotland and Cash for Kids for recognising that need and supporting Children’s Health Scotland to deliver experiences like this. Their investment is helping ensure that Kinship Care families feel remembered, supported and able to enjoy their right to play, connect and thrive.
A Huge Thank You to Edinburgh Zoo
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Edinburgh Zoo, one of Children’s Health Scotland’s valued partners, for helping make the day such a success.
From welcoming our families into such a fantastic setting to providing engaging enrichment activities and opportunities to connect with wildlife and nature, Edinburgh Zoo helped create a truly memorable experience for everyone involved. As we look ahead to Scottish Children’s Health Week, we would encourage families to check out Edinburgh Zoo’s Wild Challenge which you can do all year round but especially on Monday 7 September 2026 for #BeAtive Monday! It offers more opportunities for children and young people to explore nature, get active and enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.
Thank You to SDS Forth Valley
We would also like to thank SDS Forth Valley for joining us on the day and providing valuable information and support to families.
Having trusted organisations available to offer advice and guidance helps families access the support, opportunities and services they need, strengthening both wellbeing and confidence.
Thank You to Our Funders
Finally, we would like to thank our incredible funders:
Your support made it possible for more than 80 people to enjoy a day of play, connection, learning and wellbeing together at Edinburgh Zoo.
At Children’s Health Scotland, we know that when children and families are given opportunities to play, connect with nature and spend time together, they are not simply having fun.
- They are building resilience.
- They are strengthening relationships.
- They are developing confidence and self-management skills.
- They are building community.
- They are finding their voice.
- They are experiencing their health rights
This is why Bear’s Big Adventure Days matter. We are on the look out for fundraisers and supporters so we can keep these vital days going in 2027. If you’d like to donate, help or support us in making sure these days continue you can email us on enquiries@childrenshealthscotland.org
Do you have a child or young person aged 9-17 living with a health condition or concern? We offer FREE Self Management Skills Programmes for them. Our SMS:CONNECT (our online self management programme) is open for referrals now, with more in person ones set for 2027. REFER BY CLICKING HERE.
Are you a Kinship Carer or support Kinship Carer’s? See how you can join our HUB or get training and support by emailing Niki on CECYPS@childrenshealthscotland.org
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS
