Nature’s Capacity To Calm and Heal, 2018
Therapeutic Benefits
Through hands-on exploration of nature and animals, program participants begin to see and experience their worlds differently. As people develop curiosity and a sense of wonder and place, they:
- become more engaged and respectful of others
- discover (or rediscover) skills
- feel less isolated
- build confidence and self-esteem
- slow down and live more in the moment
- are more willing to take healthy risks and participate in other activities
Over the years, we have established solid relationships with our client sites. The Nature Connection provides programs, once or twice a month, usually with the same staff and volunteers to foster a sense of comfort and continuity. For each program we consider the needs and histories of the participants, developing a theme that provides opportunities for clients to see, smell, touch, and hear the natural world.
Profound Impact
Our programs have made a profound impact on participants. Children who previously abused animals become active caretakers of animals and stewards of the environments at their schools. Others who felt unable to learn in a traditional manner, find the object-based exploration and interaction allows them to build confidence in their ability to reach out and grasp new concepts. Elders who had been isolated by difficulty communicating or through depression find nature to be stimulating and universal in its language and share their interests and knowledge with others.
A testimony to the success of The Nature Connection programs is the enthusiastic requests from institutions and participants for return visits, year after year.
Community Therapeutic Day School
Nancy Fuller – Executive Director
“The children in our school have serious neurologic and emotional disabilities, and each [child] experiences the world in an individual and unique way. The sensitive support and attention your staff provides allows for an unfolding of curiosity and awareness of our natural surroundings… Your work enhances and complements our work.”
Elder Service Plan | Cambridge Health Alliance
Alison C. Cservenschi
“When the program arrives there is a sudden buzz of excitement in the room and the elders watch the group set up for the program. They sit up, pay attention, and begin to talk to each other without prompts. It’s almost like magic.”
The Cambridge Hospital
Nancy Rappaport, MD
“We know the children and staff grow each time you come to the unit. The children – in a time of hardship- are reminded of their strength and capacity for change.”
