Fall–Spring Offerings | Connection • Regulation • Problem-Solving

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Our nature-based occupational therapy groups provide children and teens with opportunities to build skills through movement, outdoor exploration, meaningful activities, and connection with others.

Groups are intentionally designed to feel engaging and fun while supporting the occupational therapy skills children need to participate more successfully in everyday life. Through hands-on experiences in nature, children practice regulation, problem-solving, flexibility, body awareness, communication, social connection, and motor skills in a supportive small-group environment.

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What We Focus On

Depending on the group and developmental age range, children may work on:

• Building connection with peers and adults

• Problem-solving and flexible thinking

• Emotional regulation and coping strategies

• Body awareness and mind–body connection

• Interoceptive awareness and recognizing body signals

• Sensory processing and regulation

• Attention, focus, and participation

• Motor planning and coordination

• Fine motor and visual-motor skills

• Following multi-step activities and routines

• Communication and collaborative play

• Confidence, independence, and trying new things

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Connection + Problem-Solving in Nature

Our fall and spring groups place a special emphasis on connection and problem-solving. Nature provides an ideal setting for children to practice these skills in real time—whether they are working together to complete a challenge, navigating an unexpected change, creating something as a group, or figuring out how to approach a new activity.

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Children have opportunities to practice:

Connect → Explore → Problem-Solve → Reflect → Try Again

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These experiences help children build skills that can carry over into school, home, relationships, and everyday routines.

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What Makes Our Groups Unique?

 Nature-based: Outdoor environments provide meaningful opportunities for movement, sensory input, exploration, and regulation.

 Connection-focused: We intentionally create opportunities for children to connect with peers, adults, themselves, and their environment.

 Occupational therapy informed: Activities are thoughtfully designed to support the skills children need for participation in everyday life.

 Experiential learning: Children learn by doing, moving, creating, exploring, and problem-solving.

 Small groups: Small group sizes allow for individualized support while encouraging authentic peer interaction and collaboration.

 Fun with a purpose: We believe children can work on important developmental skills while still being curious, playful, and having FUN.

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Fall–Spring Groups

Our fall–spring nature-based occupational therapy group offerings are currently being developed and will be posted here soon.

Fall and spring groups will focus on developmentally matched opportunities for children and teens to build connection, regulation, flexibility, problem-solving, and participation skills through meaningful experiences in nature.

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We may offer both pop-up groups and longer-term group options throughout the school year, depending on interest, availability, and seasonal programming.

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Please check our registration page for the most up-to-date information about current group offerings, upcoming group dates, locations, ages, and registration details.

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Age ranges are provided as general guidelines. We consider developmental needs, group dynamics, and individual goals when determining whether a group is a good fit. If your child falls outside of a listed age range, please reach out to Alycia to discuss whether an upcoming group may be appropriate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Does my child need a medical diagnosis or OT evaluation to participate?

No formal diagnosis is required. Our groups are appropriate for children who may benefit from extra support with fine motor skills, coordination, attention, sensory processing, or regulation that impacts their ability to participate in their daily activities.

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Is this a drop-off group?

Yes. This is a drop-off program. Caregivers can plan to remain nearby but do not need to participate in group sessions. If 1:1 support is needed, please indicate this in your intake packet and contact Alycia (alycia@fundamentalsinnature.com) to discuss how to best support your child at group. Typically families may send a PCA/support person to be the child's 1:1 support if needed for safety and participation in a group setting.

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What is the group size and supervision level?

The group is limited to a maximum of 5 children, with a staff-to-child ratio of 1:3, ensuring close supervision and individualized support.

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What should my child bring?

Families will receive a detailed welcome email prior to the first session, but generally children should come dressed for outdoor play and bring:

 

• Weather-appropriate clothing (rain jacket, extra layers, etc)

• Sunscreen/bug spray

• Sensory, regulation and/or communication tools

• A water bottle, snack if desired  (sometimes we may make snack together as a group)

• Closed-toe shoes

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What happens in bad weather?​

Sessions run rain or shine, with modifications made for safety and comfort. We will utilize the indoor portion of the nature center as needed. Severe weather plans and session cancellations will be communicated to families as needed.

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Is this covered by insurance?​

This program is offered as a private-pay group and is not billed to insurance. Limited documentation or summaries may be provided upon request.

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