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Providing strength-based and neuroaffirming care through nature-based play.
What is Nature-Based Occupational Therapy?
Nature-Based OT uses the power of the outdoors as a therapeutic partner. Instead of working inside a clinic, children participate in guided play and exploration that supports:
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Emotional regulation through sensory-rich outdoor experiences
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Social connection and communication in small peer groups
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Motor planning and coordination through natural challenges like climbing, balancing, and building
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Confidence and resilience by exploring, problem-solving, and taking healthy risks
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Each child’s unique goals are supported by our occupational therapy team through play, reflection, and connection to nature.
Our Nature-Based OT Groups help children build emotional regulation, social skills, and physical confidence through play, exploration, and connection with the outdoors.
While our current sessions are full and running for 2025, we’re already planning for Spring 2026 and would love to keep you in the loop when registration opens. If you’d like to express interest for an upcoming group, please fill out our Google Form with the button below.
What a Typical Session Looks Like
Every 2-hour session blends structure and freedom, giving children space to grow while feeling supported and safe.
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A session includes:
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Opening circle: Warm-up games and sharing time to connect as a group
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Child-led adventures: Exploring, building, climbing, creating, and experimenting outdoors
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Snack and reflection: Preparing and sharing a healthy snack together
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Free play time: Unstructured exploration with gentle facilitation from our OT team
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Closing circle: Reflecting on successes, challenges, and growth
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Sessions take place in Odell Park and the Fredericton Botanical Garden, surrounded by beauty, movement, and sensory wonder.
Who are these groups for?
Our groups are designed for children aged 5–12, allowing us to break up these ages into different groups depending on their primary focus and goal.
We welcome children who:
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Have a diagnosis such as Autism, ADHD, FASD, motor coordination difficulties, anxiety, and/or
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Are needing extra support with emotional regulation, social skills, motor skills, or sensory processing.
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Many of our participants don’t have a formal diagnosis, just a need for a safe, encouraging space to grow.
Group Structure & Support
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8-10 weekly sessions
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Small group size: 6–8 children
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High support ratio: 1 adult per 3 children
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Initial OT assessment & goal setting in the first two sessions
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Weekly feedback for parents and an OT progress note at the end of the program
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Receipts provided for insurance reimbursement
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Cost varies depending on funding eligibility. Learn more about pricing here
Why families love it
“My child came home more confident every week and even started teaching us outdoor games they learned in group!”
— Parent of a 7-year-old participant
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Families tell us that Nature-Based OT helps their children:
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Regulate emotions more easily
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Build stronger friendships
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Try new things with confidence
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Feel calmer and more connected
