Nature Connect Program
Nature offers benefits to childrens growth and development in ways that man-made interventions can’t compare! Just by being in nature can be extremely therapeutic for both children and adults. It is also known to improve mental and/or physical health.
In the Nature Connect Program, Tanya utilises her love of nature and provides individual mentoring sesions tailored around nature-based activities and connecting with the environment.
Our Nature Connect sessions are tailored to each child's needs, goals and interests. Trained Kidz Coach, Tanya, utilises the natural environment and creates a non-formal learning environment. Sessions consist of nature-based activities, nature exploration and nature play to develop social skills, emotional regulation and communication skills.
Using the four modalities of Connect, Empower, Play and Grow developed by Nichole Hamilton at Children's Safe Space, Tanya intuitively supports children by helping them feel safe, empowered and be their authentic self. Holding space for children in this way makes a huge difference in their emotional wellbeing and behaviours.
Depending on the child's interests, Tanya runs the Nature Connect sessions on her beautiful property at Pleasant Sense Farm. Children can absorb themselves in nature and all what the farm has to offer, which leaves them feeling more connected, grounded and calm. Alternatively, sessions can be held in a park or another nature space by arrangement.
Nature Connect sessions at Pleasant Sense Farm include an array of experiences and activities depending on the child's interests and preferences, weather conditions and what's available on the farm at the time.
Although this list is not exhaustive, and can change between seasons, some examples of nature-based experiences and activities can include:
- Pebble art and nature crafts
- Sensory walks
- Gardening
- Planting and taking care of vegetables
- Taking the donkey and goat for a walk
- Recycling and composting
- Worm farming
- Rock hopping and exploring the terrain
- Exploring the fairy garden
- Wild animal spotting
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Collecting chicken eggs
- Cooking and making meals from the garden
- Feeding the animals
- Animal breathing (Yoga breathing techniques)
- Campfire cooking (seasonal)
- Collecting wood
- Helping with farm chores
- Education on sustainability and permaculture
Most importantly, Tanya allows children to be guided by their own curiosity. They learn basic skills through play and discovery, risk-taking, collaboration and using their own intuition.
Individual kids mentoring sessions are suitable for all children who can benefit from reconnecting with nature and for those children with NDIS plans.
Tanya offers a free 1 hour introductory session either at Pleasant Sense Farm or in the child's home to meet each other and see which mentoring program will be the right fit for the child and their family.
Details:
Aim of program: To help children develop life skills, improve social and communication skills and regulate emotions through nature-based learning with a trained mentor.
Duration: 1 or 2 hour sessions
People per session: 1 participant with 1 support person
Cost: Contact Tanya for pricing.
Suitable for: Children with NDIS plans and members of the public.
Access: Wheelchair friendly with some sloped areas requiring assistance.
What to bring: Hats, sunscreen, enclosed shoes, drink bottle and warm clothing in cold or wet weather.
Location: Pleasant Sense Farm only 6 minutes from Mt Pleasant township, South Australia. Address will be given at time of booking.
Using NDIS funding for this service:
Please click here for further information on using the participants NDIS funding to access the Nature Connect Program.
How to book - what's next?
- Complete the online Intake Form or contact Tanya on the details below.
- We will be in touch to arrange your free introductory session.
Please contact Tanya on:
0448 557 329
or email tanya@theparentinggarden.com.au
for further info and pricing.