As part of Scottish Children’s Health Week 2026, we’re celebrating #BeCalm Wednesday by reflecting on the wonderful experiences shared during this year’s Bear’s Big Adventure Days.
This year, families joined us for three unforgettable adventures at M&D’s Theme Park, Edinburgh Zoo, and Stirling Castle with one more adventure to go at the Glasgow Science Centre. Each day provided children and kinship care families with opportunities to have fun, build confidence, make memories, and develop important self-management skills in welcoming and supportive environments.
🌟 Why Calm Matters
Being calm doesn’t mean being quiet—it means feeling safe, supported, and connected. For many kinship care families, our Adventure Days offer valuable opportunities to step away from everyday challenges and simply enjoy being together.
Whether families were exploring historic castles, discovering fascinating animals, or enjoying exciting rides, each adventure encouraged children to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop positive ways to support their emotional wellbeing.
One kinship carer shared:
These days give us time to just enjoy being together. There are no pressures, no appointments, just happy memories being made.
🎢 Highlights from Bear’s Big Adventures
🎠 Bear’s BEAR-ied Treasure Picnic at M&D’s Theme Park
At M&D’s Theme Park in Glasgow, children embraced new experiences, challenged themselves to try different rides, and celebrated achievements both big and small.
Throughout the day, families explored how courage grows when we step outside our comfort zones, helping children recognise their own strengths and resilience.
I was scared to go on one of the rides at first, but I did it and felt really proud of myself! – Young Participant
🛡️ Building Self-Management Skills for Life
At the heart of every Bear’s Big SMS Adventure Day is our commitment to helping children develop Self-Management Skills (SMS).
Through play, exploration, and shared experiences, children learn strategies that help them:
- Recognise and manage their emotions
- Build confidence and resilience
- Develop positive relationships
- Understand their health and wellbeing needs
- Know their rights and how to express their views
These experiences support the principles of the My Health, My Rights Charter, helping children understand their:
✅ RIGHT TO HEALTH
✅ RIGHT TO BE HEARD
✅ RIGHT TO PLAY AND HAVE FUN
✅ RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE
💬 A Word from Helen Bauld
Our Bear’s Big Adventure Days create opportunities for families to slow down, connect, and simply enjoy being together. These experiences help children build important self-management skills while creating lasting memories with the people who care for them most. We continue to hear from kinship care families how valuable these days are in helping them feel connected, supported, and understood. Seeing children smile, make new friendships, and develop confidence is what makes these days so special.
❤️ Thank You
A huge thank you to all the families who joined us on this year’s adventures and helped make each day so memorable.
We’re also incredibly grateful to our funders and partners whose support makes these opportunities possible. Their commitment helps us continue empowering children and families through play, learning, connection, and self-management.
📣 Want to Get Involved?
If you’re a Kinship Carer in Scotland and would like to find out more about Bear’s Big SMS Adventure Days, please contact Niki at:
📧 LAFS@childrenshealthscotland.org
If your organisation would be interested in partnering with us for future Adventure Days, we’d love to hear from you too.
Together, we’re helping children build confidence, develop self-management skills, and create happy memories—one adventure at a time. 🧸💙
