Nature-based social-emotional learning combines outdoor experiences with intentional activities that develop core life skills.
This approach uses natural settings like forests, gardens or parks as learning environments where high schoolers can practice self-awareness emotional regulation and social skills.
Studies show that outdoor SEL activities reduce stress levels by up to 70% while increasing focus attention span and emotional resilience. Natural settings offer built-in challenges that help youth develop grit, perseverance and confidence.
This 90-minute nature immersion is led by one or two certified ANFT forest therapy guides and includes presence and grounding activities, mood mapping with nature objects, connecting with roots of trees and trees in general to experience relationships and the experiences that ground us as well as reaching out for new experiences through journaling.
Wild Heart Nature Connection is registered with Western BOCES and Eastern BOCES Arts in Education. Immersions take place at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, NY.
This approach uses natural settings like forests, gardens or parks as learning environments where high schoolers can practice self-awareness emotional regulation and social skills.
Studies show that outdoor SEL activities reduce stress levels by up to 70% while increasing focus attention span and emotional resilience. Natural settings offer built-in challenges that help youth develop grit, perseverance and confidence.
This 90-minute nature immersion is led by one or two certified ANFT forest therapy guides and includes presence and grounding activities, mood mapping with nature objects, connecting with roots of trees and trees in general to experience relationships and the experiences that ground us as well as reaching out for new experiences through journaling.
Wild Heart Nature Connection is registered with Western BOCES and Eastern BOCES Arts in Education. Immersions take place at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, NY.
What schools are saying about Wild Heart Nature Connection's SEL program:
"Students in the social-emotional learning elective, Grit & Resilience, participated in forest bathing/guided nature therapy at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum earlier in the school year. The program corresponds with our mental health, mindfulness, and meditation lessons and followed our in-school Mindfulness Day. Wild Heart Nature Connection helped students (about 50 participants total) to connect with nature, as well as their bodies and minds. Students shared their feelings and participated in activities to stay present and mindful while walking through the park. The trip culminated in a full group debrief about the day and students remarked excitedly about what they had learned and what techniques they will take from the experience into their daily lives. A number of students eagerly shared the framework with friends that could not attend. We are looking forward to the next trip we are planning with Wild Heart Nature Connection!"
"Students in the social-emotional learning elective, Grit & Resilience, participated in forest bathing/guided nature therapy at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum earlier in the school year. The program corresponds with our mental health, mindfulness, and meditation lessons and followed our in-school Mindfulness Day. Wild Heart Nature Connection helped students (about 50 participants total) to connect with nature, as well as their bodies and minds. Students shared their feelings and participated in activities to stay present and mindful while walking through the park. The trip culminated in a full group debrief about the day and students remarked excitedly about what they had learned and what techniques they will take from the experience into their daily lives. A number of students eagerly shared the framework with friends that could not attend. We are looking forward to the next trip we are planning with Wild Heart Nature Connection!"