Nature Nurture Program - Farm Sensory
Our Nature Nurture Program is an interactive and hands on Farm Learning Camp designed for children (and adults) diagnosed with ASD and other developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants can sign up for one of our 3-day camps which will be available during winter break 2024. This camp will run from Monday - Wednesday from 9:00AM - 12:00PM. Space is limited and registration will open September 2024.
We will also be hosting Farm Frolic Fridays and Sensory Sundays beginning July 2024. Registration and schedule will be open and posted June 1, 2024.
Participants can sign up for one of our 3-day camps which will be available during winter break 2024. This camp will run from Monday - Wednesday from 9:00AM - 12:00PM. Space is limited and registration will open September 2024.
We will also be hosting Farm Frolic Fridays and Sensory Sundays beginning July 2024. Registration and schedule will be open and posted June 1, 2024.
BENEFITS of the nature nurture program
- Sensory Stimulation: Outdoor environments provide rich sensory experiences that can help individuals with ASD regulate their sensory systems. Natural elements like the feel of grass underfoot, the sound of birds chirping, or the sight of sunlight filtering through trees can be calming and enjoyable.
- Sensory Integration: Engaging in outdoor sensory activities can help individuals with ASD integrate sensory information more effectively. Activities such as swinging, jumping, climbing, or exploring different textures can aid in sensory processing and regulation.
- Physical Exercise: Outdoor activities encourage physical movement, which is essential for overall health and well-being. Exercise helps individuals with ASD improve their motor skills, coordination, and muscle strength
- Social Interaction: Outdoor settings offer opportunities for socialization in a less structured environment. Group activities like nature walks, playground games, or sports can facilitate social interactions and communication skills development.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Nature has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body. Being outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety levels in individuals with ASD, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.
- Enhanced Communication: Outdoor sensory activities can provide new opportunities for communication and language development. Exploring nature together can spark conversations, encourage asking questions, and provide context for learning new vocabulary.
- Improved Attention and Focus: Outdoor environments often offer a variety of stimuli that can capture and maintain attention. Engaging in outdoor activities can help individuals with ASD improve their ability to focus and attend to tasks.
- Sensory Exposure and Desensitization: Exposure to different sensory experiences in outdoor settings can help individuals with ASD become more tolerant of sensory input that may have previously been overwhelming or aversive.
- Emotional Regulation: Spending time outdoors can promote emotional regulation by providing a calming and grounding environment. Activities like breathing exercises, mindfulness, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature can help individuals with ASD manage their emotions more effectively.
- Creativity and Imagination: Outdoor environments stimulate creativity and imagination. Individuals with ASD can explore, experiment, and create in natural settings, fostering imaginative play and problem-solving skills.
Program Goals
- Provide individuals with ASD opportunities for sensory exploration and stimulation in a natural outdoor environment.
- Foster social interaction and communication skills through group activities.
- Promote physical activity, motor skills development, and coordination.
- Support emotional regulation and relaxation through exposure to nature.
- Encourage creativity, imagination, and problem-solving.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Session 1: Farm Introduction and Orientation
By offering a variety of outdoor sensory experiences on the farm, this program aims to provide individuals with ASD a fun and enriching opportunity to connect with nature, explore their senses, and engage in meaningful activities within a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Introduction to the farm environment, safety rules, and guidelines.
- Guided tour of the farm, including introductions to animals, crops, and farm structures.
- Sensory scavenger hunt: Participants search for different textures, smells, sounds, and colors around the farm.
- Hands-on experience with farm animals (e.g., feeding, grooming, petting).
- Animal sensory stations: Set up stations with different textures (hay, fur), sounds (animal noises), and smells (animal feed) related to farm animals.
- Group activities such as animal-themed games or role-playing.
- Planting seeds or seedlings in the farm's garden beds.
- Sensory garden exploration: Encourage participants to touch, smell, and observe different plants and flowers.
- Garden-themed sensory art activities (e.g., leaf rubbings, flower pressing).
- Harvesting fruits, vegetables, or herbs from the farm.
- Farm-to-table sensory experience: Participants engage in washing, sorting, and preparing harvested produce.
- Farm crafts station: Create simple crafts using natural materials found on the farm (e.g., pinecone bird feeders, leaf prints).
- Guided nature walks around the farm's trails or surrounding areas.
- Nature-themed sensory exploration: Collecting natural objects (rocks, leaves, flowers) and discussing their properties.
- Picnic lunch outdoors, with opportunities for socializing and relaxation.
- Maintain a structured routine with clear instructions and visual supports to help participants understand expectations and transitions.
- Provide sensory accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or fidget toys for individuals who may be sensitive to environmental stimuli.
- Offer choices and flexibility to accommodate individual preferences and needs.
- Encourage peer interactions and collaboration through group activities and teamwork.
- Incorporate sensory breaks or quiet zones for individuals who may need moments of relaxation or self-regulation.
By offering a variety of outdoor sensory experiences on the farm, this program aims to provide individuals with ASD a fun and enriching opportunity to connect with nature, explore their senses, and engage in meaningful activities within a supportive and inclusive environment.
PRogram Resources and requirements for participation
- Individuals must have a guardian with them at all times
- Volunteers will be holders of the BTL1 Certificate, RBT, ABAT, or BCAT Certified and trained accordingly