KIDS IN THE WOODS

Taking therapy into the wild to build children's social skills

Nature-Based Kids' Groups in Guelph that Promote Authenticity, Communication, and Confidence

Kids in the Woods is where kids come together to learn how to be a friend and a leader as their authentic selves.

Because your child is pretty amazing, right? Maybe they tell the best jokes, or they're the most caring sibling.

And maybe they also have a hard time making friends or feeling comfortable with groups of peers.

You see them on the outside looking in, and you want to help them make real connections with peers. But figuring out the best way to help them with this can be tough.

With Kids in the Woods, we've created a unique program for kids to build social skills and confidence by having fun in the wild and being true to themselves. No masking here!

More than just a social group, Kids in the Woods combines evidence-based strategies with the power of nature to support children's well-being.

Taking therapy into the wild means the great outdoors transforms into an environment for play-based learning! Research shows that nature has incredible power to support both our physical and mental health. 

Kids in the Woods is ideal for children who are neurodivergent, anxious, or highly sensitive. However, we welcome anyone who wants to get better at:

  • communication and social-emotional skills

  • cooperation and teamwork

  • problem-solving skills

BUILDING CONNECTIONS OUT IN NATURE

Kids in the Woods: Spring 2025 Session

In sessions led by a registered Occupational Therapist, your child will build their social-emotional skills through structured activities, child-led play, and the therapeutic benefits of nature! 

In small groups of 4-6 peers, we’ll learn about friendship and leadership skills, and engage in activities that promote learning and confidence. Each group is also supported by 1-2 OT Assistants, Student OTs, or volunteers. 

Spring Groups will start the week of April 14th

Registration opens February 24th

NEW

Interested in Kids in the Woods Summer Camp? Check it out!

Who are these groups for?

These groups are for children who:

  • Are in JK - Grade 5 and enjoy being out in nature

  • Want to work on improving communication, cooperation, play, and problem-solving skills

  • Can stay with the group in the forest, listen to instructions, and maintain personal safety with an adult nearby (but not necessarily within arms reach)

What's included?

  • Ten 90-minute sessions in the great outdoors, at St Ignatius Jesuit Centre (North end of Guelph)

  • Weekly group summaries for parents to support growth between sessions

  • Individualized Progress notes after the sessions end

When does it run?

Our spring session will run on Tuesdays or Thursdays beginning the week of April 14th and running for 10 weeks

Morning Group:

  • Runs 9AM - 10:30AM

  • Tuesday or Thursday mornings

  • Open to children in JK - Grade 2

Afternoon Group:

  • Runs 4PM - 5:30PM

  • Tuesdays: open to children in Grades 4-6

  • Thursday: open to children in Grades 1-4

Cost (for ten sessions):

$800

NEW

Interested in Kids in the Woods Summer Camp? Check it out!

HOW TO GET STARTED

Ready to join us in the woods?

To explore whether Kids in the Woods is a good fit for your child before you register, we offer free meet + greet calls to answer your questions!

01/

Book your free meet + greet call with us.

02/

On the meet + greet, discuss your goals and how they might align with our Kids in the Woods group.

03/

Register your child for a time that works best for you and we'll begin the intake process! Please note that a $150 non-refundable deposit is due upon booking.

Kids in the Woods FAQs

  • Some benefits plans do cover Group Occupational Therapy services, and others will allow you to submit for OT through your Health Spending Account. Please consult with your benefits provider to check your coverage specifically for group Occupational Therapy services. Be sure to do this prior to registration!

    Occupational Therapy services are eligible for Ontario Autism Program funding and Shannon Rolph OT is a registered provider through the OAP program

  • We believe that the best therapy feels like fun and play - so this is often what you'll see from the outside: exploring, building, crafting, teamwork activities. But what we're always doing is facilitating opportunities to work on the skills we're building together: perspective taking, communication, compromise, flexibility, etc.

    Learn more here: https://www.shannonrolph.ca/blog/beyond-therapy-kids-in-the-woods

  • We find ways to have fun even in the rain and snow! The exception to this is dangerous weather (i.e. thunderstorms) or dangerous road conditions due to ice/snow.

  • As with most groups, sessions missed due to absence or illness are not eligible for a refund.

  • There is a $150 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking. The remainder of the session fee is paid 2 weeks before the session begins.