A Successful Inclusive Nature Play Day
On June 7, 2023, the Valparaiso University Occupational Therapy Program hosted our first Inclusive Nature Play Day, in collaboration with the Indiana Children and Nature Network. The event was open children and adults of all abilities, and 24 children and 10 caregivers attended the event. We were thrilled to have wonderful weather and a great turnout! The purpose of the event was to encourage children and their caregivers to spend time outdoors. We also hoped to model some ideas for outdoor play and social activities that promote physical and mental health.
The event began with a welcome from our Valparaiso University Mascots, Beacon and Blaze. Children were able to give Beacon and Blaze high fives and hugs, take pictures with the mascots, and receive outdoor toys like sidewalk chalk and bubbles. Dr. Carroll then read two nature related books to the group. Children also participated in an interactive rhyme with movements about a planting a seed that grows into a tree.
The main focus of the event was a nature scavenger hunt around campus along an accessible path. Children had the option to hunt for colors along the walks, with each child being given two color cards that would match flowers, trees, and rocks. Other children used a one-page scavenger hunt guide with photographs of twelve plants, trees, or other nature related items around campus. One highlight of the nature walk was the famous Merlin Oak Tree on campus. The Merlin tree is the oldest tree on campus, and was present when Valparaiso University purchased the land that would become the campus we know today. While visiting Merlin, children stopped to think about what they saw, felt, heard, and smelled under the tree, connecting with nature through their senses.
After returning back to the start of the nature walk, students engaged in nature-related crafts on the tables outside of Harre Union. Crafts were provided for a variety of age and ability levels and children and caregivers were able to choose the craft that was the best fit for them. Children were also able to run around the lawn, sit and rest in the shade, or enjoy some quiet time cooling off inside of Harre Union.
Overall, the first Valparaiso University Inclusive Nature Play Day was a success and we are looking forward to holding this event again in the future. We plan to have our Occupational Therapy Doctorate students involved in the planning and delivery of the event, providing valuable hands on-experience and an opportunity to engage with children from the community. We would also love to outreach to the disability community more in the future to ensure that the benefits of time in nature are available to children of all abilities.
Thank you to the Indiana Children and Nature Network for promoting Nature Play Days and the importance of children spending time outdoors. To learn more about the Indian Children and Nature Network visit https://www.indianachildrenandnature.org/
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Theresa Carlson Carroll, OTD, OTR/L, CLA
