New programs coming soon!

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 dangerous trend in childhood - one that is moving children inside, in front of screens, and into highly structured activities at increasingly younger ages.  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 (as well as countless others) offer a hopeful antidote to the problems that come from this alarming disappearance of childhood.  The solution is to intentionally create the time and space for children to play in nature again.  This early experience of connecting with nature is vital for the optimal development of the whole child, and it will contribute to children’s love for nature as they grow into future environmental stewards.  Not only are the children benefiting, though.  Adults need nature and socially supportive communities as well, and caregivers who attend our programs report feeling playful, relaxed, joyful, and deeply connected to one another.  Nature, play, and community are essential for the well-being of people of all ages.