There is something special about dens and hideaways, perhaps connected to the basic human need for a private space you share with only a select few.
So pupils at Rugeley School in Staffordshire were thrilled to hold a "den day" – and, in the process, raise money for a good cause.
The children, who have autism and other learning difficulties, took part in Save the Children’s first ever Den Day, which saw pupils, families and schools across the country unleashing their creativity.
The idea was to build the most impressive impromptu dens and hideouts out of things close to hand, while at the same time raising money for those less fortunate around the world.
Children were sponsored to transform their sofa, school desk or even a boring cardboard box into a magical super den.
Bear Grylls backed the scheme, saying: "I’ve never needed an excuse to build a den and neither do you! Save the Children’s Den Day was a great way to use your imagination and have fun … get sponsored, get building and start saving lives."
Rugeley’s pupils built dens in the forest and inside school. Using teamwork and social skills, they raised £45.00 for the charity.
The principal of Rugeley School run by Aspris Children's Services said he was extremely proud of their efforts.
“It was great to see the pupils working together and using their imagination to create their dens. Den Day is a fantastic way to teach the children about important global issues. It was a really memorable learning adventure, not just for the students but for the teachers too.”
The money raised helps Save the Children provide vital aid for children and their families in disaster struck regions.
Save the Children UK’s Head of Fundraising Campaigns, Vicky Fallon, thanked the local children.
She said: “Millions of children around the world have no safe place to sleep; they might not have a bed, blankets or even a roof to sleep under. By building their dream den and raising money, pupils from Rugeley School have helped give children around the world a safe, warm place to dream.”
Rugeley School is a specialist residential school for young people aged five to 19 with moderate to severe learning difficulties.
For more details on Aspris Children's Services, please call 0118 970 8068 or click here to make an enquiry.