30/05/2026
A Year at Acrewood: A Celebration of Logan
Session: Nature & Nuture 1:1
Almost a year ago, when Logan first visited Acrewood, there were understandable worries about whether it would work for him.
“In a school setting, Logan wouldn’t go outside,” his Mum explains. “He struggled with weather changes, he was quiet, anxious and emotional. His mental health was really suffering.”
The outdoors felt overwhelming and unpredictable; an autistic nightmare. Rain, mud, cold fingers and wet clothes were all things Logan worked hard to avoid. Confidence was low, anxiety was high, and like many children who arrive at Acrewood, the world had started to feel smaller around him. But even then, there was a spark. “Despite all of that, he was so eager to start.” That eagerness became the beginning of something extraordinary. At Acrewood, we often say that children flourish when they are accepted exactly as they are. Logan’s journey was never about forcing him to become someone different. It was about meeting him where he was, understanding what made him feel safe, and creating space for confidence to grow naturally.
When Logan arrived, he was very much a tech whizzkid. He loved technology, structure and familiarity. Nature felt uncertain. Group situations felt daunting. But slowly, gently and entirely at his own pace, Logan began building a connection with the world around him. The child who once avoided being outdoors now splashes in puddles without hesitation. The child who disliked feeling wet now gets disappointed if sessions are cancelled because of bad weather.
“He gets upset if he’s unwell and can’t attend,” says his Mum. “He’s outside at every opportunity… and perhaps most amazingly of all, he even puts his technology down.”
Over the past academic year, Logan’s confidence has quietly unfolded in hundreds of small but important ways. He now happily joins conversations, gives opinions with confidence and attends group activities with pride.
“The improvement in his confidence and mental health has been so noticeable,” his Mum tells us. “People are always commenting on how well he looks and how much happier he seems.”
At Acrewood, we have had the privilege of watching Logan become not just part of the sessions, but part of the fabric of the community itself. From carefully growing his own avocado seed to creating games and activities for other children, Logan has found a real sense of belonging here. He contributes ideas, supports others and takes pride in the space around him. Acrewood is no longer simply somewhere he attends. It is somewhere he helps shape.
One of the most special things to witness has been Logan’s growing confidence within group experiences. The quiet child who once hung back now arrives with pride, purpose and familiarity. He belongs here, and more importantly, he knows he belongs here.
When asked about Acrewood, Logan simply said:
“It feels like I can just be me here.”
For us, those words mean everything.
Because behind the campfires, muddy boots, animal care and outdoor projects, that is what Acrewood has always been about. Creating spaces where children feel safe enough to rediscover themselves following school trauma.
A year on, Logan’s journey is not defined by what he struggles with. It is defined by his growth, connection, resilience and joy. This is not any kind of achievement on our part but just a case of enabling Logan to be his most amazing self and a little Acrewood magic sprinkled in! All we needed was the enthusiasm Logan came with and we cannot wait to see where the next year takes him.
(We have one remaining Nature & Nuture 1:1 Session available)
