Families from across Scotland set sail on a day of laughter, movement and connection as Children’s Health Scotland launched its first Bear’s Big Adventure Day of 2026 — a swashbuckling pirate takeover at M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park.
Disguised as a day of pure fun, Bear‑ied Treasure delivered something far more powerful: inclusive, child‑led health‑related play that strengthened family bonds, reduced isolation and supported kinship carers and children to feel seen, supported and valued.
The impact was immediate and measurable.
100% of Kinship Carers reported feeling more supported as a family because of the day, with 100% also saying their understanding of resilience, self‑care and self‑management had improved. For families living with ongoing health pressures, connection and play made the difference.
- More than two‑thirds of carers (69%) who attended care for a child with additional support needs, highlighting just how essential accessible, inclusive spaces are — and how rare they remain.
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland, said:
“Children don’t learn about wellbeing by being told — they learn by playing, laughing, moving and being together. When play is inclusive, child‑led and shaped by families, it becomes one of the most effective tools we have for health and wellbeing.
Our kinship carers tell us again and again that loneliness is one of the hardest parts of their role. Days like this show what real support looks like — when everyone can take part, without cost, pressure or judgement. Play isn’t a luxury; it’s essential.”
Play With Purpose
Throughout the day, families took part in pirate‑themed adventures including treasure‑map scavenger hunts, team challenges, parachute play and storytelling — all designed to support emotional regulation, confidence, movement and connection.
Children were clear about the difference it made.
“Today helped me have fun and relax. I got to spend time with my family and meet other children like me.”
Another added:
“I don’t worry about being left out here — everyone gets a turn.”
“It Makes Us Feel Less Alone.”
For kinship carers, the impact went even deeper. Carers spoke powerfully about isolation, financial pressure and the importance of being in spaces where their families are welcomed without explanation.
One carer shared:
“Being a kinship carer can be a very lonely journey. Events like this make a very difficult role more bearable make me feel valued.”
Another said:
“This kind of day would be financially impossible for us otherwise. It’s not just a day out, it’s a chance to connect, build community and let our children see families like theirs.”
A recurring message was how rare it is for children to see others with shared experiences:
“It’s important for my kids to know they are not alone and that there are other families like ours.”
Removing Barriers, Creating Belonging
The day was made possible thanks to the support of The ALLIANCE, Dr Guthrie’s, Scottish Children’s Lottery, and Children’s Aid Scotland, whose funding removed barriers such as cost and access — allowing families to focus on connection rather than logistics.
M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park partnered with Children’s Health Scotland to create a welcoming, accessible space and provided free access to the park, ensuring families could enjoy a full day together — without financial stress.
More Than a Day Out
Bear’s Big Adventure Days form part of Children’s Health Scotland’s wider commitment to children’s health rights, early intervention and whole‑family wellbeing. They show what happens when children lead the play, families are listened to, and support is designed around real lives.
As one carer put it simply: “It makes us feel less alone.”
Find Out More
Kinship carers interested in support from Children’s Health Scotland, or in hearing about future Bear’s Big Adventure Days, can contact Niki Smith at LAFS@childrenshealthscotland.org.
SOME MEMORIES FROM THE DAY
