Larchwood Farm Children's Nature Camp Update!
So the journey begins…
Did you know that Markdale, Ontario, a community only minutes from Larchwood Farm, is the birthplace of the largest independent ice cream manufacturer in Canada, Chapman’s Ice Cream?
My name is Regan and I’m a 2nd year occupational therapy student at the University of Toronto. I’m incredibly excited to be joining Alanna on this journey to develop Larchwood Farm Children’s Nature Camp for my fieldwork placement!
I’m in the beginning stages of my research to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment of the Grey County community. You may be wondering, what exactly is a Community Health Needs Assessment? Essentially, I want to learn about the strengths, needs, and resources of the community, so I can get a better sense of what our camp should offer, and to whom!
Having been born and raised in Toronto, I don’t have much experience with rural Southwestern Ontario, and I have never had the opportunity to visit Markdale or its surrounding areas. I’m extremely grateful that embarking on this project has given me the chance to learn about the unique communities and townships of Grey County, from their contributions to the Canadian ice cream industry and beyond!
Some of the questions I’m looking to answer are…
What are the benefits of nature for kids and who benefits the most?
What are the strengths and needs of kids and families living in Grey County?
Who are the potential users of our nature camp?
What health-related programs and services already exist in Grey County and who do they serve?
… and more!
Over the next 8 weeks, I’ll be posting weekly updates about my progress as Alanna and I build Larchwood Farm Children’s Nature Camp from the ground up. Stay tuned for more and click the button below to sign up for camp updates!
Check out our spring photo gallery to see what’s happening in nature at Larchwood Farm.
Exploring the beautiful Historic Distillery District of Toronto!
Nestled in Grey County on 101 acres, Larchwood Farm Children’s Camp will connect kids to nature with a therapeutic sense, guided by Occupational Therapy frameworks and theories. Our camp team will include Occupational Therapy Students, Registered Occupational Therapists and Summer Student support staff.
Camp Goals
01 : Improve fine motor, gross motor, coordination and balance skills while exploring nature.
02 : Develop cognitive 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 weekly blocks. Each session will be 5 days long.
