This weekend is an opportunity to play with your children while learning a new way to engage with nature. We will explore the natural world around us through all your senses, sight, smell, touch, hearing and even taste. Using our senses brings our attention into our bodies and into the moment. Research shows that it makes us more attentive, that it relieves anxiety and stress as well as boosts our immune system. And it’s as effective with children as it is with adults.
We will also take nature sensory play indoors for those rainy days when you just can’t get everyone outside. You will gain tools and knowledge to practice nature sensory play at home, so you can support your family’s wellbeing, day to day. It’s easy, effective and enjoyable!
Saturday afternoon you will have free time for swimming, paddling, reading or discovering all that Great Camp Sagamore has to offer. Saturday night we’ll gather around the campfire for storytelling and Smores.
This weekend is suitable for children 8 to 12 years of age. Maximum 2 children per parent.
Led by Certified Nature Therapy Guides Helene Gibbens and Suzanne Weirich, founders of Adirondack Riverwalking, long-time wellness educators and NYS Licensed Hiking Guides who have a passion for connecting people and nature in ways that are healing for both.
Program Facilitators
Helene Gibbens & Suzanne Weirich, founders of Adirondack Riverwalking & Forest Bathing
Instructors
Schedule Overview
Friday
4-6PM: Arrival & registration
6-7PM: Dinner
7:15-8:30PM: Orientation and Weekend Overview
Saturday
8AM – 9AM: Breakfast
9:15AM: Check in & intro Nature Sensory Play
9:30AM – 11:30AM: Outdoor Nature Sensory Play 1
Noon - 1PM: Lunch
1PM - 4PM: Free time – bowling availability
4PM – 4:45PM: Indoor Nature Sensory Play – Children & parents led by H & S
4:45PM-5:30PM: Indoor Nature Sensory Play Part 2 – Children only led by Suzanne
Nature Sensory Play Home Workshop – Parents only led by Helene
6PM - 7PM: Dinner
7:15PM – 9PM: Campfire with Smores
Storytelling Round 1: parents tell nature story from when they were expecting to toddler age to their child/children
Storytelling Round 2: child/children shares the story their parent shared with them to the group
Round 3: What do you love about being outdoors? – OPTION if time left
Sunday
8AM-9AM:Breakfast
Pack and load cars
9:20AM: Gather & check in with group
9:30AM-11:30AM: Outdoor Nature Sensory Play 2
11:30AM - Noon: Closing Circle – draw & share
Noon: Lunch in dining hall or brown bag option