Parent Resources
We know...
We're different.
Programs like ours are rare, and we know some parents have concerns. After all, you are the gatekeeper of your child’s life path.
The following resources speak to our methods and ideals. They’re provided for those parents who are on the fence about joining our program. For more specifics, please check out our FAQ page. If you still find yourself stuck on making the decision to join us, give us a call!
Why Kids Need Nature
Play in nature is a Childhood necessity
Explore expert insights, research, and practical tools that highlight the transformative power of free play and time spent in nature for children’s development.
Books
Free to Learn by Peter Gray
The Danish Way of Parenting by Jessica Joelle Alexander and Iben Dissing Sandahl
There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louve, cofounder of the Children & Nature Network
Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom
Research
The philosophy of Nature Play is rooted in research. One of the most comprehensive researchers of free play in child development is Dr. Peter Gray of Boston College. Our camp library has dozens of copies of Dr. Gray's book, Free to Learn, which are available to camp families to borrow and pass along to friends. Dr. Gray has a blog on Psychology Today's website called Freedom to Learn, and he has given TED talks on the subject as well.
This article by occupational therapist Inez Lawlor highlights the basics of why unstructured play is so vitally important for the developing minds and bodies of children. She also provides an exhaustive list of resources on the subject of free play and its benefits.
On Positive Discipline
Helping children work through conflict resolution helps them develop the skills they need for self regulation and solving problems themselves. Here are some resources for parents on positive discipline:
