Science bears out what many of us have suspected all along – that playing in nature has a positive effect on mental health . Books like “Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder” by Richard Louv have sparked a national discussion about how losing a connection to the nature world is linked to increased anxiety, stress, and depression. Research suggests that play and particularly “nature-based” play is an integral tool to developing that all-important coping mechanism in the human brain.
This concept inspired the creation of Camp Kawartha’s own “Nature Playscape” project which officially opened to the public on Friday Oct 23rd at the Environment Centre located at 2505 Pioneer Road near Trent U. The Nature Playscape features seating areas, climbing areas, a sand tracking and play area, gardens, an art space, a “soundscape” for making music and even a beehive with a viewing area! Kids use the natural materials provided in an imaginative, non-prescribed way to develop a sense of wonder, of stewardship and a positive sense of self. Thank you to everyone who worked on and supported this worthy project! If you’d like to come and enjoy this unique space, you can access it through Trent U’s Wildlife sanctuary trails (parking and entrance just south of Nassau Mills Rd).
Article published in the Cottage Country Connection – November 2015
Submitted by Shawna Foxton, Registrar for our Outdoor Education Centre (Schools & Groups
