About Us
Operation Play Outdoors was established in July 2015 and is based in the City of Glasgow, Scotland. The owner Craig Thomson has a huge passion for play and understands the benefits play can have on all aspects of life as well as the huge developmental benefits for all those that take part. He has noticed in his experience working with children and young people that play has been changing and play itself is becoming something we do more on computers and video games and less and less real play is happening within families, schools, and communities.
Operation Play Outdoors was created to challenge barriers to play and increase play opportunities throughout the central belt of Scotland and further afield. We are noticing a sharp rise in obesity and mental health issues across all ages and generally a much less active younger generation. Play can help tackle these issues and above all be fun for those that take part, after all if we don’t enjoy something, we are less likely to do it again.
The electronic age is taking over and so many children and young people find their fun through electronic platforms like PlayStation’s and Ipad’s, however with this uptake of electronic play less and less children are going outside, playing on their streets, socialising with their peers and getting the physical activity they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
This company aims to work with all ages and groups to get more people outdoors and playing. We see the value in encouraging adults to play more, by doing that we are likely to encourage more children to play as well. A common theme we see amongst parents is the lack of confidence to go outdoors and entertain their children or not having the time to go out and play, so resorting to quicker and easier play platforms like computers. We challenge this by giving every individual we work with new ideas for play and show them the benefits that real play can have, not only on them but the people around them.
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Our Staff
Find out more about the team behind “Operation Play Outdoors”.
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Our Ethos
What we do and the services we deliver follow our five environmental commitments…
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Our Clients
We are open to everyone and can provide tailored experiences
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Feedback
Some kind words & cool pictures from previous participants, both indoors & out
Our Staff
Craig Thomson
Director
Craig has spent many years travelling to various places throughout the world and found a real passion for exploring the outdoors and working with children and young people. His passion has seen him work in various places, including summer camps, outdoor education centres, schools, early years and playwork services, youthwork, residential care, to name a few and that has given him an array of experience that he brings to his role at Operation Play Outdoors Ltd.
Although born in Glasgow and starting Operation Play Outdoors in Glasgow, Craig has spent many years abroad, working in places like Canada, Australia and New Zealand and has consistently worked within the Outdoor Education and Playwork sectors.
In his spare time, aside from playing outdoors and climbing trees, Craig enjoys hiking and generally exploring the outdoors. Craig believes that we don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
Craig Thomson
Owner Manager
Craig has spent many years travelling to various places throughout the world and found a real passion for exploring the outdoors and working with children and young people. His passion has seen him work in various places, including summer camps, outdoor education centres, schools, early years and playwork services, youthwork, residential care, to name a few and that has given him an array of experience that he brings to his role at Operation Play Outdoors.
Although born in Glasgow and starting Operation Play Outdoors in Glasgow, Craig has spent many years abroad, working in places like Canada, Australia and New Zealand and has consistently worked within the Outdoor Education and Playwork sectors.
Craig is a qualified level 3 Forest School Leader and Senior Playworker and his passion to bring more play to the communities of Glasgow and Scotland is second to none. Craig has big ambitions to tackle the barriers which currently affect the amount of time we dedicate to play and is inspired to create innovative and exciting play opportunities that challenge the norm.
In his spare time, aside from playing outdoors and climbing trees, Craig enjoys hiking, and generally exploring the outdoors and is always open to trying new things. Craig believes that we don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
Alexandra Weir
Play Co-ordinator
My name is Alex and I have been working as part of Operation Play Outdoors for almost two years! Now recently employed as a full-time member, I had previously been working sessional building up my experience with the company.
Similar to Craig, I have done my fair share of travelling around the globe. From the age of 16 I have travelled to places such as Australia, India, Thailand and the U.S.A delivering charity projects, collecting new experiences and making new friendships along the way.
Having studied a variety of subjects ranging from music, art, dance and therapy, I have recently found my passion for working outdoors whilst working with Craig at Op Out as well as studying Countryside Management. I have always had an interest in animals, nature and the general outdoors and have always particularly enjoyed engaging with the public.
Working at Op Out has made me come to realise just how extreme my passion is for working with children and adults, helping to create an interest in the natural environment and to encourage natural play outdoors again. Something in which I feel is extremely important, but has unfortunately been forgotten somewhere along the lines. I am always keen to see what each day brings working at Op Out, there is always new exciting opportunities and challenges (and I love a challenge!). It’s true when they say “every day is a school day”! It has allowed me to express my creative side as well as build my confidence in certain areas. To say it is a fulfilling job would be an understatement.
Our Ethos
Our Ethos
As an outdoor based company, we are fully aware of the impact our services and the human activity as a whole can have on the planet. Through our programmes we actively seek to educate others on the environment around them as well as raising awareness of the bigger picture on how to make changes that are positive for the environment. We are pleased to call ourselves a carbon neutral company, ensuring that all the work that we do and services we deliver follow our five environmental commitments as highlighted below.
We use only Vegware
All of the throwaway products like plates, cups, cutlery, etc that we use is fully biodegradable and compostable and we regularly re-use with in some of our own garden space and clients garden spaces. All of our products are sourced from Vegware
We leave no trace
We follow leave no trace principles in all the programmes and services we deliver. This simply means as part of our programmes we clean up all that we have created, we take all of our rubbish and equipment away and leave no visible sign that we’ve been there. Ensuring the space is ready for more people to enjoy and play in.
We stay Carbon Neutral
It is our commitment to remain a Carbon Neutral company moving forward. We do this through our commitment to plant trees every year with our clients as well as regular conservation task throughout the year to ensure we are protecting and giving back to the environment. We take selected groups away every year for Tree Planting opportunities at no cost to them, to date we have helped plant over 10,000across Scotland.
We Educate
As part of our programmes we feel it’s important to educate others on ways to protect and conserve the planet. Many of our programmes will look at practical ways to help the environment and we are constantly highlighting the importance of looking after our natural world.
We Conserve
Throughout our programmes we are always looking at opportunities to conserve the natural world, whether that be through increasing awareness, education others on practical steps they can take, actively working with environmental organisations to address conservation needs like invasive plant removal, tree planting, biodiversity survey’s and habitat building. Our programmes will actively encourage looking after your local and wider environment, protecting the natural world for others to enjoy.
Who We Work With
We Are Open to Everyone
We are open to working with all groups and organisations. Play is a universal language and something that we can all share as well as our connection to the natural world. We work with a wide variety of groups providing exciting and valuable outdoor experiences. We really enjoy the vast array of play opportunities that can be had and will tailor our programmes to ensure everyone get the most from their experience outdoors. We have worked with Schools, Charities, Youth Groups, Private Groups, Nurseries, After School Cares, Faith Groups, Housing Associations, Environmental Organisations, Corporate and Community Groups as well as working with lots of Adult Only Groups. But if you don’t come under any of those headings that is no problem, we are open to everyone please get in touch and we can look at providing tailored outdoor experiences and play opportunities for your group.
Loose Parts Play Trailer
We provide our loose parts play trailer to a range of groups, schools and nurseries to get the chance to try loose parts play as part of their outdoor learning experiences
Queen Margaret Drive Street Play
We have closed Queen Margaret Drive for street play several terms in previous years, with an annual celebration of street play as well as bringing the community out onto the street to socialise, enjoy the local shops and make the most of being able to play on one of the busiest roads in Glasgow or one day only
SWAN Woodland Project
We worked with the Scottish Women’s Autism Network to develop a programme of woodland experiences for their group. We visited a variety of woodlands throughout Glasgow and further afield trying a range of activities in a calm and enjoyable woodland environment.
Parkhead Forest School
We have delivered several Forest Schools over the years in Parkhead in partnership with Parkhead Youth Project. The forest schools offer local children the chance to get outdoors and make the most of a local woodland space, learning more about their local environment as well as offering numerous opportunities for play and outdoor learning
Al Masaar Summer Programme
We have worked in partnership with Al Masaar in Falkirk to offer a wide range of outdoor play opportunities to children from the local community. The children experience woodland activities and work towards their own John Muir Award as well as getting the chance to go camping as part of their summer woodland programme
Testimonials
We have worked with a wide range of organisations and groups delivering programmes both indoors and outdoors, short term and long term. When clients approach us we create a bespoke programme tailored to their needs and aspirations. We strive to bring more play to all groups and work with you to plan the best possible programme for the participants. We continue to branch out, reaching new groups and spreading the joy of play and being outdoors.
What our clients are saying
"Fantastic Afternoon "
“What a fantastic afternoon my wee boy had great fun, great activities provided and the singing and dancing round the fire at the end helped to warm up the very cold adults … Thanks a million.”
Parent at one of our events
"The Children Can't Wait"
“The children can’t wait to get outdoors and do some forest school. They have been asking me about it all week.”
Teacher at school in Bathgate
"Absolutely Loved Them"
“We played some of your games while we were on holiday, we absolutely loved them!”
Parent who attended a family session
"What a Great Day"
“You are helping us get outdoors and have fun socialising with others. What a great day I’m having and thank you for doing this for us.”
Participant from Muslim Women’s Resource Centre
"Loved it"
“Loved it, best training I’ve been on. Games were lots of fun! Trainer very knowledgeable.”
After School Care Staff Member attending one of our Play Training Days
"Well Explained"
“I enjoyed everything. Well explained and entertaining. Fantastic amount of activities to do and well equipped. Thank you!”
Attendee at one our training days
What our clients are saying
"Fantastic Afternoon "
“What a fantastic afternoon my wee boy had great fun, great activities provided and the singing and dancing round the fire at the end helped to warm up the very cold adults … Thanks a million.”
Parent at one of our events
"The Children Can't Wait"
“The children can’t wait to get outdoors and do some forest school. They have been asking me about it all week.”
Teacher at school in Bathgate
"Absolutely Loved Them"
“We played some of your games while we were on holiday, we absolutely loved them!”
Parent who attended a family session
"What a Great Day"
“You are helping us get outdoors and have fun socialising with others. What a great day I’m having and thank you for doing this for us.”
Participant from Muslim Women’s Resource Centre
"Loved it"
“Loved it, best training I’ve been on. Games were lots of fun! Trainer very knowledgeable.”
After School Care Staff Member attending one of our Play Training Days
"Well Explained"
“I enjoyed everything. Well explained and entertaining. Fantastic amount of activities to do and well equipped. Thank you!”
Attendee at one our training days
Our Staff
Find out more about the team behind “Operation Play Outdoors”.
Our Staff
Craig Thomson
Director
Craig has spent many years travelling to various places throughout the world and found a real passion for exploring the outdoors and working with children and young people. His passion has seen him work in various places, including summer camps, outdoor education centres, schools, early years and playwork services, youthwork, residential care, to name a few and that has given him an array of experience that he brings to his role at Operation Play Outdoors Ltd.
Although born in Glasgow and starting Operation Play Outdoors in Glasgow, Craig has spent many years abroad, working in places like Canada, Australia and New Zealand and has consistently worked within the Outdoor Education and Playwork sectors.
In his spare time, aside from playing outdoors and climbing trees, Craig enjoys hiking and generally exploring the outdoors. Craig believes that we don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
Craig Thomson
Owner Manager
Craig has spent many years travelling to various places throughout the world and found a real passion for exploring the outdoors and working with children and young people. His passion has seen him work in various places, including summer camps, outdoor education centres, schools, early years and playwork services, youthwork, residential care, to name a few and that has given him an array of experience that he brings to his role at Operation Play Outdoors.
Although born in Glasgow and starting Operation Play Outdoors in Glasgow, Craig has spent many years abroad, working in places like Canada, Australia and New Zealand and has consistently worked within the Outdoor Education and Playwork sectors.
Craig is a qualified level 3 Forest School Leader and Senior Playworker and his passion to bring more play to the communities of Glasgow and Scotland is second to none. Craig has big ambitions to tackle the barriers which currently affect the amount of time we dedicate to play and is inspired to create innovative and exciting play opportunities that challenge the norm.
In his spare time, aside from playing outdoors and climbing trees, Craig enjoys hiking, and generally exploring the outdoors and is always open to trying new things. Craig believes that we don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
Alexandra Weir
Play Co-ordinator
My name is Alex and I have been working as part of Operation Play Outdoors for almost two years! Now recently employed as a full-time member, I had previously been working sessional building up my experience with the company.
Similar to Craig, I have done my fair share of travelling around the globe. From the age of 16 I have travelled to places such as Australia, India, Thailand and the U.S.A delivering charity projects, collecting new experiences and making new friendships along the way.
Having studied a variety of subjects ranging from music, art, dance and therapy, I have recently found my passion for working outdoors whilst working with Craig at Op Out as well as studying Countryside Management. I have always had an interest in animals, nature and the general outdoors and have always particularly enjoyed engaging with the public.
Working at Op Out has made me come to realise just how extreme my passion is for working with children and adults, helping to create an interest in the natural environment and to encourage natural play outdoors again. Something in which I feel is extremely important, but has unfortunately been forgotten somewhere along the lines. I am always keen to see what each day brings working at Op Out, there is always new exciting opportunities and challenges (and I love a challenge!). It’s true when they say “every day is a school day”! It has allowed me to express my creative side as well as build my confidence in certain areas. To say it is a fulfilling job would be an understatement.
Our Ethos
What we do and the services we deliver follow our five environmental commitments…
Our Ethos
Our Ethos
As an outdoor based company, we are fully aware of the impact our services and the human activity as a whole can have on the planet. Through our programmes we actively seek to educate others on the environment around them as well as raising awareness of the bigger picture on how to make changes that are positive for the environment. We are pleased to call ourselves a carbon neutral company, ensuring that all the work that we do and services we deliver follow our five environmental commitments as highlighted below.
We use only Vegware
All of the throwaway products like plates, cups, cutlery, etc that we use is fully biodegradable and compostable and we regularly re-use with in some of our own garden space and clients garden spaces. All of our products are sourced from Vegware
We leave no trace
We follow leave no trace principles in all the programmes and services we deliver. This simply means as part of our programmes we clean up all that we have created, we take all of our rubbish and equipment away and leave no visible sign that we’ve been there. Ensuring the space is ready for more people to enjoy and play in.
We stay Carbon Neutral
It is our commitment to remain a Carbon Neutral company moving forward. We do this through our commitment to plant trees every year with our clients as well as regular conservation task throughout the year to ensure we are protecting and giving back to the environment. We take selected groups away every year for Tree Planting opportunities at no cost to them, to date we have helped plant over 10,000across Scotland.
We Educate
As part of our programmes we feel it’s important to educate others on ways to protect and conserve the planet. Many of our programmes will look at practical ways to help the environment and we are constantly highlighting the importance of looking after our natural world.
We Conserve
Throughout our programmes we are always looking at opportunities to conserve the natural world, whether that be through increasing awareness, education others on practical steps they can take, actively working with environmental organisations to address conservation needs like invasive plant removal, tree planting, biodiversity survey’s and habitat building. Our programmes will actively encourage looking after your local and wider environment, protecting the natural world for others to enjoy.
Our Clients
We are open to everyone and can provide tailored experiences
Who We Work With
We Are Open to Everyone
We are open to working with all groups and organisations. Play is a universal language and something that we can all share as well as our connection to the natural world. We work with a wide variety of groups providing exciting and valuable outdoor experiences. We really enjoy the vast array of play opportunities that can be had and will tailor our programmes to ensure everyone get the most from their experience outdoors. We have worked with Schools, Charities, Youth Groups, Private Groups, Nurseries, After School Cares, Faith Groups, Housing Associations, Environmental Organisations, Corporate and Community Groups as well as working with lots of Adult Only Groups. But if you don’t come under any of those headings that is no problem, we are open to everyone please get in touch and we can look at providing tailored outdoor experiences and play opportunities for your group.
Loose Parts Play Trailer
We provide our loose parts play trailer to a range of groups, schools and nurseries to get the chance to try loose parts play as part of their outdoor learning experiences
Queen Margaret Drive Street Play
We have closed Queen Margaret Drive for street play several terms in previous years, with an annual celebration of street play as well as bringing the community out onto the street to socialise, enjoy the local shops and make the most of being able to play on one of the busiest roads in Glasgow or one day only
SWAN Woodland Project
We worked with the Scottish Women’s Autism Network to develop a programme of woodland experiences for their group. We visited a variety of woodlands throughout Glasgow and further afield trying a range of activities in a calm and enjoyable woodland environment.
Parkhead Forest School
We have delivered several Forest Schools over the years in Parkhead in partnership with Parkhead Youth Project. The forest schools offer local children the chance to get outdoors and make the most of a local woodland space, learning more about their local environment as well as offering numerous opportunities for play and outdoor learning
Al Masaar Summer Programme
We have worked in partnership with Al Masaar in Falkirk to offer a wide range of outdoor play opportunities to children from the local community. The children experience woodland activities and work towards their own John Muir Award as well as getting the chance to go camping as part of their summer woodland programme
Feedback
Some kind words & cool pictures from previous participants, both indoors & out
Testimonials
We have worked with a wide range of organisations and groups delivering programmes both indoors and outdoors, short term and long term. When clients approach us we create a bespoke programme tailored to their needs and aspirations. We strive to bring more play to all groups and work with you to plan the best possible programme for the participants. We continue to branch out, reaching new groups and spreading the joy of play and being outdoors.
What our clients are saying
"Fantastic Afternoon "
“What a fantastic afternoon my wee boy had great fun, great activities provided and the singing and dancing round the fire at the end helped to warm up the very cold adults … Thanks a million.”
Parent at one of our events
"The Children Can't Wait"
“The children can’t wait to get outdoors and do some forest school. They have been asking me about it all week.”
Teacher at school in Bathgate
"Absolutely Loved Them"
“We played some of your games while we were on holiday, we absolutely loved them!”
Parent who attended a family session
"What a Great Day"
“You are helping us get outdoors and have fun socialising with others. What a great day I’m having and thank you for doing this for us.”
Participant from Muslim Women’s Resource Centre
"Loved it"
“Loved it, best training I’ve been on. Games were lots of fun! Trainer very knowledgeable.”
After School Care Staff Member attending one of our Play Training Days
"Well Explained"
“I enjoyed everything. Well explained and entertaining. Fantastic amount of activities to do and well equipped. Thank you!”
Attendee at one our training days
What our clients are saying
"Fantastic Afternoon "
“What a fantastic afternoon my wee boy had great fun, great activities provided and the singing and dancing round the fire at the end helped to warm up the very cold adults … Thanks a million.”
Parent at one of our events
"The Children Can't Wait"
“The children can’t wait to get outdoors and do some forest school. They have been asking me about it all week.”
Teacher at school in Bathgate
"Absolutely Loved Them"
“We played some of your games while we were on holiday, we absolutely loved them!”
Parent who attended a family session
"What a Great Day"
“You are helping us get outdoors and have fun socialising with others. What a great day I’m having and thank you for doing this for us.”
Participant from Muslim Women’s Resource Centre
"Loved it"
“Loved it, best training I’ve been on. Games were lots of fun! Trainer very knowledgeable.”
After School Care Staff Member attending one of our Play Training Days
"Well Explained"
“I enjoyed everything. Well explained and entertaining. Fantastic amount of activities to do and well equipped. Thank you!”
Attendee at one our training days