Larchwood Farm Nature Camp Curriculum Update!
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been developing a two-week curriculum for Larchwood Farm Nature Camp. Our camp will support day campers ages 6-12 years with physical, cognitive, social, and/or emotional challenges. Our curriculum will not only be based in nature, but it will also be based in play. After all, play is one of the most important occupations for kids! Through play, our campers will develop skills in three domains: motor skills, executive functions, and social-emotional skills.
Occupational therapists focus on enabling clients to perform their most meaningful activities. So, how will we find out what’s most important to our campers? We will use an intake assessment to identify the needs, goals, and preferences of our campers. A large part of our camp is also focused on occupational therapy student development! The curriculum will be led by occupational therapy students under supervision who will assess, observe, and evaluate campers, all while documenting their progress throughout their time at camp.
Earlier this week, I facilitated a focus group over Zoom with a handful of wonderful and extremely knowledgeable occupational therapists who were able to spark my imagination with amazing curriculum ideas and suggestions. Here are a few of the activities that our camp will include:
1. DAILY NATURE WALKS!
Nature walks are a perfect way to develop gross motor skills while exploring nature. Our daily nature walks will be guided by the interests and dynamics of the group, and we will always take full advantage of teachable moments like wildlife sightings to spark curiosity and continued exploration. After all, kids are more motivated to learn and grow when they are given ample opportunity to explore what interests them the most!
2. YOGA AND MINDFULNESS!
Yoga and mindfulness are fantastic ways to promote self-regulation skills in kids. From kid-friendly yoga, guided meditation, painting the clouds and photography, Larchwood Farm Nature Camp will incorporate daily yoga and mindfulness practice to support our campers in learning sensory and emotional regulation.
3. STEM PROJECTS!
From designing and building a sun shelter for an animal to working in teams to build floating boats made entirely of natural materials, STEM projects promote communication, cooperation, planning, and problem-solving.
4. NATURE ART!
From creating leaf rubbings to flower crowns to musical instruments made from natural materials, arts and crafts are an amazing way to be creative and have fun all while developing fine motor skills.
AND MORE!
If our nature camp is something that you are interested in for your children or someone you know, join our mailing list and receive updates about camp development and registration!
Camp Goals
01 : Improve fine motor, gross motor, coordination, and balance skills while exploring nature.
02 : Develop executive functions including problem-solving, planning, and organization.
03 : Regulate senses and emotions through participation in group activity and play.
04 : Larchwood Farm Nature Camp will run in 2-week blocks. Each session will be 10 days long.
