CANMORE – Forest Play has helped children foster a deep connection to nature, self and others since 2011.
Over the years, requests for more programs have increased and Forest Play has continued to expand.
“Connecting children to nature, self and others is essential for their mental, physical and emotional development and well-being,” said Dave Verhulst, director of Forest Play.
With many children today not getting enough time outdoors, which can lead to increased depression, anxiety and obesity, Verhulst uses Forest Play to help reverse that trend.
“Forest Play aims to remedy some of those by getting kids outside and connection to nature.”
Verhulst and his team work to spark curiosity in those who take part in the program, which can have long-lasting benefits.
“Our emphasis is curiosity inspired education. It may not seem like a lot on the surface but curiosity is never random,” he said. “It is different for everyone and when we are outside and we are exposed to the natural world, what happens is our curiosity gets piqued.”
Creating programs for Forest Play, Verhulst then puts emphasis on building that curiosity.
“If we can create a container in our programs that allows people to follow their curiosity, they are more likely to understand what gift they have to bring to the world.”
With the children’s programming so successful, Forest Play is now looking to help adults the same way. Adult programs have existed since 2012, but only as requests.
“The adult programs we are going to be doing are designed to help adults learn to do what we do,” Verhulst said. “We have had teachers, daycare workers and parents. They want to learn more about what we do. So what we want to do is to pass on that knowledge that we have gained to others.”
The courses for adults would be more in line with professional development, and giving opportunities for people to engage in being in a situation so they can experience what Forest Play is.
"These adult programs would be designed to give an immersive experience, but we would also go behind the scenes and explore why we do what we do,” Verhulst said. “Learning the research behind what we do, and the background scaffolding that holds the program together.”
The adult programming has not launched yet, but will be in the new year, with the programs being delivered by the spring.
“I haven’t priced the adult programs but they will be somewhere in the range of $70 for a workshop.”
You can learn more about Forest Play on their website at www.canmoreforestplay.com.
