Group A: Fine Motor FUNdamentals

Nature-Based Occupational Therapy Group | Ages 4–7

 

 Held at Eastman Nature Center in Maple Grove, MN

 6-Week Group | Starting June 22 to August 3rd (No group the week of June 29th)

Mondays, 1:00–3:30 PM

 Maximum of 5 students

 Staff-to-child ratio: 1:3

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Program Overview

Fine Motor FUNdamentals is a 6-week, small-group, nature-based occupational therapy program held at Eastman Nature Center (part of Three Rivers Parks) designed to support children ages 4–7 in developing foundational fine motor and visual-motor skills through meaningful, play-based experiences outdoors.

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*Note: The age ranges are set to support a specific developmental range, but there is flexibility. Please reach out to Alycia directly if your child falls outside of this age range chronologically but may be a good fit developmentally and based on the needs of the specific group members.

 

Sessions are thoughtfully structured to balance skill-building, movement, creativity, and regulation, while still allowing space for curiosity and connection with nature. Children engage in hands-on activities that build strength, coordination, and confidence—without feeling like “work.”

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Skill Building through FUNctional Activities

Through play and guided exploration, children will work on:

 

• Hand strength and endurance

• Sensory processing skills needed for fine motor development

• Grasp development and tool use

• Bilateral coordination

• Hand-eye coordination and visual-motor integration

• Motor planning and multi-step task completion

• Attention, regulation, and body awareness

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Group B: Mind + Body FUNdamentals

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Nature-Based Occupational Therapy Group | Ages 7–13

 

 Held at Eastman Nature Center

 6-Week Group | Starting June 22 (No group the week of June 29th)

Thursdays, 1:00–2:30 PM

 Maximum of 5 students

 Staff-to-camper ratio: 1:3

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Program Overview

Mind-Body FUNdamentals is a 6-week, small-group, nature-based occupational therapy program designed to help children ages 7–13 strengthen the connection between their bodies, emotions, and actions.

 

Through movement, outdoor play, reflection, and guided group experiences, children learn how their bodies send signals (such as energy level, stress, hunger, or emotions) and how to respond to those signals in supportive and effective ways. The goal is to help children build awareness, flexibility, and practical tools they can use across daily routines, learning environments, and social situations.

 

Sessions are intentionally structured while remaining child-centered, offering a balance of physical activity, calming input, discussion, and hands-on experiences in nature.

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Skills we support:

• Body awareness and mind–body connection

• Interoceptive awareness (noticing internal body signals and emotions)

• Emotional regulation and coping strategies

• Sensory processing and nervous system understanding

• Self-monitoring, flexibility, and problem-solving

• Attention, focus, and participation in daily tasks

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What makes our group unique?

•  Nature-based OT approach that naturally supports regulation and emotional awareness

•   Focus on building interoceptive awareness and neurological pathways, helping children understand why their bodies respond the way they do

•  Experiential learning through movement, play, and reflection through real-life experiences

•  Led by a licensed pediatric occupational therapist

•  Small group size (maximum of 5 children) for individualized support

•  Low staff-to-child ratio (1:3) to ensure safety, connection, and meaningful engagement

 

Who is this group a good fit for?​

Mind-Body FUNdamentals is ideal for children who:

• Experience big emotions or difficulty with regulation

• Struggle to notice or explain how their body feels

• Benefit from movement, outdoor learning, and sensory input

• Need support with attention, transitions, or emotional awareness

*Note: If your child has aggressive tendencies towards themself or others, this group is not a good fit at this time. Please reach out to us to discuss individual therapy sessions.

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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 motor skill 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 Eastman 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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 We are looking forward to a great summer at FUNdamentals in Nature OT!