WildRoots Nature Play

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At WildRoots, our focus on immersion in nature through play is grounded in the work of many experts in a range of professional fields who have been documenting a problematic trend in childhood.  Children are spending most of their time inside, in front of screens, or in highly structured adult-directed activities.  Add to this the developmentally inappropriate pushdown of academics and early pressure to "succeed," and children are suffering.  There is no longer the time or space in their days for true play.  Childhood is disappearing, along with all of the critical developmental experiences of open-ended play, especially exploratory outdoor play within mixed age groups.  

Experts such as Peter Gray, Jonathan Haidt, Richard Louv, and Angela Hanscom (and many others) offer a hopeful antidote to the complex developmental issues that arise from the alarming disappearance of childhood.  What we need to do is intentionally create the time and space for our children to lead their own play in nature again.  True play gives children control over their lives and unleashes powerful learning that is both integrated and deeply rooted.  These early experiences of connecting with nature through play are vital for the optimal development of the whole child, and will contribute to children’s continued love for the natural world as they grow into future environmental stewards.  

Not only are the children benefiting, though.  Adults also need nature and socially supportive communities.  We need to give ourselves permission to reconnect with our own sense of wonder and joy.  Caregivers who attend our programs report feeling playful, relaxed, joyful, and deeply connected with one another.  Nature, play, and community are essential for the well-being of people of all ages.