Parenting under self-isolation could become a little bit easier as survival expert Bear Grylls introduces a new initiative called 'The Great Indoors' – a collection of 100 activities designed to encourage kids to try new challenges and learn new skills at home.

Bear Grylls meeting a group of scouts
Chief Scout Bear Grylls has launched a new initiative designed to help young people around the world during the coronavirus school shutdown ©Photofusion/Keith Morris/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

The world-renowned adventurer and chief Scout has teamed up with the Scouts UK to launch 'The Great Indoors' initiative, a collection of more than 100 activities that children (and adults) can do to tackle boredom and stave off cabin fever. The activities range from boosting communication skills to problem-solving and include challenges such as creating a "storm in a teacup", designing monster bookmarks and lollipop catapults, becoming a "black-out poet", making hot air balloons, learning code, practising digital camera skills and much more. And it doesn't matter where in the world you are, anyone can join in.

Colourful graphic of scout activities available online for children stuck at home under quarantine
The Great Indoors features 100 activities ©Scouts UK

Grylls said he hopes the activities will help children channel their "huge energy in a positive way" as schools and public spaces across the UK closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The activities will be accompanied by weekly live videos on Facebook, hosted by Grylls and scout ambassadors, including naturalist Steve Backshall.

"Whether you're climbing Everest, or just trying to make it through to bedtime, a little planning and positive spirit will make all the difference," said Grylls. "It's not often you'll find me talking about the great indoors – but this is the exception. Try them out, look after each other, and, most of all, make this challenging time a safe and positive time."

You can access The Great Indoors here.

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