On 9 April 2025, Children’s Health Scotland hosted Bear’s EGGcellent Picnic at Culzean Castle and Country Park, welcoming Kinship Care Families from across Scotland for a day dedicated to self-management skills, children’s health rights, fun, and making lasting memories as a family.
Supported by ALLIANCE Scotland, the Scottish Government, and the Robertson Trust, the event provided a safe and welcoming space for families to connect, play, and explore self-management skills in a fun and child-centred environment. Each family received a specially curated picnic basket filled with food and practical tools to support their self-management journey, along with the opportunity to design their own EGGcellent Egg—a keepsake filled with things that make them feel eggcellent, reinforcing the power of positive thinking.
At Bear’s Picnic, children are listened to, respected, and heard, with their families at the core of the experience. The event creates a meaningful space not only for children but also for Kinship Carers, offering social connections and peer support. One Kinship Carer reflected on the emotional significance of the event:
Usually, when you go out, you hear children shouting ‘Mum’ or ‘Dad.’ Not here. Here you hear ‘Gran,’ ‘Grandpa,’ ‘Auntie,’ ‘Uncle.’ It really makes you feel like you aren’t alone having days like this.
Feedback from attendees highlighted the incredible impact of the event:
- 100% of participants said they had a better understanding of self-management skills thanks to Bear’s Picnic.
- 100% felt they had improved knowledge of health rights.
- 100% felt better supported because of the experience.
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland, shared her thoughts on the event:
Bear’s Picnics are extraordinary opportunities for Kinship Care Families to come together, learn, and celebrate the power of self-management in a supportive and joyful environment. Bear’s EGGcellent Picnic day was filled with laughter, learning, and togetherness, showing just how important these events are for the children, their carers, and the wider community. We are incredibly grateful to ALLIANCE Scotland, the Scottish Government, and the Robertson Trust for their continued support, ensuring that Kinship Care Families across Scotland have access to such vital experiences.”
A heartfelt thank you to ALLIANCE Scotland, the Scottish Government, and the Robertson Trust for making Bear’s Picnic possible. This event marks the first of many Bear’s Picnics planned for the year, with our next BIG Adventure at the Glasgow Science Centre already fully booked!
If you are a Kinship Carer looking for more information on Bear’s Picnic or our Looking After Your Family & Self Programme, please email Niki at LAFS@childrenshealthscotland.org.
