Family Matters Therapy

Nature Therapy Camp

Nature Therapy Art of Nature Winnetka IL.jpg

Improving Physical and Mental Health While Connecting with Nature

Welcome to the nature therapy camp for children ages 6-9 or ages 10-14. This 5-day adventure-filled camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to reconnect with nature in a calming and therapeutic setting. The program is designed to provide a blend of creative outdoor activities, play therapy, mindfulness, and hands-on learning experiences that awaken children's senses, while improving their physical and mental health.

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Day by Day at the Camp

Day 1: Introduction and Orientation

The first day will be all about getting to know each other and the environment. We will introduce the camp participants to each other and engage them in fun and interactive games. Children will also have an opportunity to explore the natural surroundings, learn about the local flora and fauna, and spend time playing outdoors. We will also introduce the art of nature journaling to the children to inspire them to connect with nature through their own creations.

Day 2: Senses and Mindfulness

On the second day, we will meet at Skokie Lagoons and begin our day with mindfulness exercises - this will help children learn how to focus their attention on the present moment, develop their sense of self-awareness, and increase their emotional regulation. Then we will have a nature walk during which children will be encouraged to use their senses to explore and connect with the environment, identify and collect leaves, and observe any animals around us. After the walk, we will engage the children in fun nature art activities where they create art inspired by nature.

Day 3: Exploring
Nature

The third day will be dedicated to exploring different aspects of nature. There will be various activities that will include building a bug hotel, making birdhouses and looking for birds, exploring and learning names and uses of different plants, and creating nature's shadows poetry. This day will allow the campers to view nature more closely while getting hands-on experience.

Day 4: Connection Through Art

We will introduce various nature art activities like leaf rubbing, drawing nature characters, leaf name tags and making nature crowns which will help children connect with nature while employing their creativity. The activities will encourage children to be imaginative and original. We may get a little dirty as they truly connect with nature!

Day 5: Nature Play Therapy

On the last day, children will have an opportunity to participate in nature-inspired play therapy activities, which will use natural elements as resources for creative play. These activities will be based on nature principles that help children learn different skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, cognitive skills, and emotional regulation.

The 5-day nature therapy experience aims to reconnect children to nature, enhance their sense of awareness, control and perspective, and promote their mental and emotional well-being. By the end of the week, children will have more confidence and creativity, greater resilience, and a stronger connection with nature.

Each group will take place from 9am - 12.

Nature Therapy Camp ages 6-9: August 7-11

Nature Therapy Camp ages 10-14: August 14-18

Each camp cost will be $450. All supplies included in price.