The wonders of nature unfold a world of possibilities, especially for kids who are neurodivergent, anxious, or highly sensitive. Kids in the Woods, our Occupational Therapy program rooted in nature, is ready to support your child in building their skills and confidence in a truly authentic way.

In this blog post, we'll tell you more about what makes Kids in the Woods so special, and answer common questions you might have about the program

Kids in the Woods is a new approach to therapy where we take OT into the wild to help kids their confidence and connection to nature and each other. Because nature-based therapy is a relatively new approach, parents often have questions about what it looks like and whether it might be the right fit for their child.

In this blog, we’ll explore a bit more about why nature-based therapy is so awesome, more details about what the Kids in the Woods program is, and will answer all of your frequently asked questions.

Let’s jump in!

What is Kids in the Woods?

Kids in the Woods is a group program for kids in JK through grade 7. Our goal in the program is to help kids build their social skills and confidence.

How do we do that?

One thing we know is that neurotypical children tend to learn about their social world implicitly - which means they learn inherently by observing. But neurodivergent children have a hard time learning this way and really benefit from explicit teaching about the social world. At Kids in the Woods we help kids learn explicitly (i.e. through clear teaching) how to understand and better engage with their social world. We do this through evidence-based approaches and curriculums.

We build on this learning through strategically chosen activities and skillful coaching with our OTs and OT Assistants. We use supported play to help reinforce the skills we’re learning in the group - this means that as your child is playing with their peers, they have adults there to help coach them through tricky moments or cue them to use strategies and skills that they’re developing.

At Kids in the Woods we build confidence by support children to authentically engage in play with their peers, and to feel successful in that. This might mean inviting your child to play with the group in a slightly different way, for example by being the photographer when they aren’t comfortable getting right inside the group play, yet. OTs are skilled at understanding child development, mental health, and modifying tasks to find a child’s ‘just right challenge’ - which is where growth really happens!

Why nature-based OT?

Nature-based occupational therapy for children offers a unique and holistic approach, where we lean into the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors to support physical, sensory, and emotional development. When immersed in nature, children experience enhanced sensory stimulation which leads to improved focus, self-regulation, and a strengthened sense of well-being. This supported sense of focus and self-regulation is super important, because what it means is that while we’re in nature kids are more likely to be within their “Window of Tolerance.” When our nervous system is in this calm and alert state that’s when we’re most able to learn and build relationships. Add to that how engaging and fun nature is and you’ve got a perfect recipe to support growth and positive change - and best of all, it doesn’t feel like “therapy” at all!

If that all isn’t good enough, studies have shown that spending time in nature has a profound impact on children's well-being, both in the short and long term. Time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost cognitive function.

But the benefits of nature connection go beyond just feeling good in the moment. Studies have also shown that children who spend time in nature are more likely to develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment and take action to protect it.

What does a typical session look like?

We tailor sessions to the unique goals of each group, so this means that each session is different. Through structured learning, planned activities, and child-led exploration, we help children develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills.

One thing is always true: the way that we do this is through play and fun!

A typical session might look like this: a quick entry activity to help kids transition into the group, like finding missing puzzle pieces hidden in the forest and working together to find the message of the week. Then a team-building activity that helps to build connection among the group. We generally have a planned activity that facilitates the skills we're working to build. For example, a scavenger hunt around the forest where the group must work together to solve clues or complete tasks. We leave time each week for child-led exploration in the forest. This is also a time where we can help kids put into practice the skills they're working on, with our guidance and support. Throughout our time together each child gets an opportunity to lead an activity based on their unique interests. And we wrap up each session by sharing a drink. This is a time where we learn new things together often through books or stories, or where we support conversation among peers.

See the pictures below for a good representation of what groups actually look like!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is this covered by my benefits?

Yes! If you have extended benefit coverage for Occupational Therapy, you're in luck. Occupational Therapy services are also covered by the Ontario Autism Program funding.

Not sure if you have OT coverage? Please be sure to give your benefit company a call to double check.

→ What age is this for?

At this time Kids in the Woods is for kids in JK through grade 4

We intentionally have mixed ages in each group because research shows that this is an excellent way to facilitate growth. It gives the older kids a chance for leadership, and younger kids the opportunity to learn from older peers - all things we love to see!

Our morning group is for kids in JK - grade 2

Our afternoon group is for kids in grade 1 - grade 4 and for grade 5 - grade 7

→ Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No referral is needed to access Occupational Therapy services

→ Are there any exclusion criteria?

Kids in the Woods is meant to be a very inclusive program for kids with all kinds of different strengths. However, safety is a very important factor when we're out in the woods. Therefore, in order to be eligible for the program, your child must be able to stay with the group in the forest, follow instructions, and maintain personal safety with an adult nearby but not necessarily within arms reach.

→ How do you keep parents involved?

At Kids in the Woods we wholeheartedly believe that keeping parents involved is essential to supporting your child’s progress. After all, we’re only with your child for 1.5 hours per week! During the program you will have access to a Google Classroom where your OT will post updates after each session. These updates will include not only pictures or videos of what your child had a blast doing that day, they’ll also share more about the things your child is learning during OT. When possible, we share extra resources for you to dig deeper to enhance your own learning and understanding, too. Feedback from past families is that using the Google Classroom really helps you to feel like you were part of the session, too, and enables you to help support the learning and growth between sessions!