Have you heard of nature-based enrichment groups or nature-based occupational therapy? Are you wondering if these nature-based options are suitable for you and your child? Are you not entirely sure what these groups or services consist of?

Let’s dive into nature-based enrichment groups and nature-based occupational therapy and compare them to clinic-based therapy. Each of these services offers different opportunities and provides benefits, and they are all great options for you and your family depending on your needs and wants.

What are nature-based enrichment groups?

Nature-based enrichment groups are what we offer at HOPE Grove. These groups allow time for children to engage in their most important occupation, play, in the great outdoors. Children of all abilities can come to these groups and have the opportunity to participate in inclusive and supported free play. Children can come to these groups to play, socialize, learn new skills and concepts, and grow. Nature-based enrichment groups are not considered therapy, but nature is very therapeutic and many benefits come from spending time in nature.

Benefits:

Promotes resilience, curiosity, and growth
Social interactions and connections
Positive outcomes in children’s mental health, academic performance, social development, and cognitive development
Supported, child-led play opportunities

To learn more about nature-based play, refer to these links:

What is Nature-based Occupational Therapy?

Groups at HOPE Grove are facilitated by an occupational therapist but are not technically considered occupational therapy as we are not providing a comprehensive assessment of each individual. Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop necessary physical, cognitive, and sensory skills to reach developmental milestones and gain independence when performing daily tasks or occupations.

A nature-based pediatric occupational therapist will use nature and the outdoors as a setting to facilitate the development of skills and abilities in children. These services can be provided to children in groups or one-on-one with a therapist. Nature has so much to offer and so many aspects of nature can be used as therapeutic interventions.

Benefits:

Nature is therapeutic
Very holistic (looks at and addresses the whole person)
Nature provides so many sensory experiences
Positive outcomes for children’s mental health (reduced anxiety, depression, and stress)
Opportunities to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, perseverance, resilience, social-emotional development, and mindfulness

To learn more about nature-based pediatric occupational therapy, refer to these links:

What is Clinic-based Occupational Therapy?

Clinic-based occupational therapists often follow the medical model, address the referrals and diagnoses from doctors, and are directed by insurance. These services are provided in therapy rooms or gyms at a clinic or hospital setting.

Benefits:

One-on-one time with the therapist
Access to therapy equipment and tools
Address a variety of tasks and environments
Address a wide variety of conditions and diagnoses

To learn more about clinic-based pediatric therapy, follow this link: https://www.myotspot.com/pediatric-occupational-therapy/

Are you interested in joining a nature-based enrichment group?

Nature-based enrichment groups are offered year-round at HOPE Grove. There are a few different options of groups and services available. At this time, no private occupational therapy services are offered at HOPE, but if you are interested, please inquire about the possibility of these services being provided in the future. Leave a comment or get in touch with us at HOPE Grove by phone or email!

~Angela & Kristin

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