Nature Play 4 Kids
Reconecting kids and their families with nature for improved health and wellbeing
Richard Louv coined the phrase ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ to describe the negative health implications on children from spending the majority of their time indoors and in front of screens.
The team at Nature Play 4 Kids (NP4K) are committed to reversing this trend by providing parents, schools, corporate organisations and community groups with a range of programs that promote creative and mindful experiences in nature with an emphasis on unstructured play.
With the added bonus of being good for stress levels, the immune system, and general well being, the Nature Play 4 Kids program is guaranteed to bring smiles, laughter and a new found love for the outdoors.
Invite the team to your school, meet us in a reserve for an excursion, come to one of our public events, involve us in your community festival or corporate function.
Just don’t wear your good clothes!
We look forward to seeing you under the trees!
– Matt Glover, Founder NP4K
Seedlings
Our engaging program designed for children aged 3 to 6 years old fosters a strong foundation for a lifelong love of nature and an enriching relationship with the environment.
Through playful exploration and hands-on activities, we inspire young minds to connect with the wonders of the natural world.
Saplings
A dynamic program designed for children aged 6 to 12 years, aimed at fostering a deep connection with nature while providing essential support during important school transitions.
This initiative nurtures curiosity and resilience, helping young minds thrive in both the natural world and their educational journeys.
Forest Family
A vibrant program designed for families with children of all ages, offered during school holidays and weekends.
Join us in exploring the great outdoors with curiosity and enthusiasm. Engage your senses, soothe your nervous system, and expand your capacity for resilience and understanding.
School Programs
Our schools program can take the form of an incursion (we come to you), an excursion (we meet you somewhere in nature), it can form part of your regular curriculum (you use our material), or it can be incorporated into your after school program. It can even be part of of your staff wellbeing day!
Get in touch to discuss how a NP4K program may benefit your school community.
Individual Support
Many of the NP4K team are fully qualified and accredited counsellors, working with individuals and families to improve health and wellbeing.
In clinic counselling suits many children, but sometimes getting outside for a session and utilising nature-based counselling techniques can produce better outcomes.
Counselling sessions are available face to face in some locations or online Australia wide.
Corporate & Community Events
If you run a community festival or celebration and would like to offer some nature play activities – we’re here to help!
If you are responsible for organising a team day or family day for your workplace, why not consider a nature play event facilitated by NP4K?
Don’t forget that a nature play event is not just fun, but it’s also good for you!
What does Nature Play Involve?
Connection
Fostering belonging, wonder and respect for the natural world, self and others
NP4K values connection with nature over simply knowing facts about it.
When children notice how a tree makes them feel, they begin to experience themselves as part of the living world together.
Play
Finding the joy in controlled, unstructured play time under the trees
Play has many of the same health benefits as creativity and mindfulness.
Play can also help teach relational and social interaction skills, and assist in enhancing emtional regulation.
Experience
Nature needs to be felt, rather than intellectualised, by using all of our senses
Being in nature with curiosity and observing with our senses can calm our nervous system, support emotional regulation and widen capacity for resolve and tolerance.
Twenty minutes in nature is enough to improve our wellbeing.
Who we are and what we do
We love to be outside.
We love to play.
Why not bring the two together in a way that makes kids (and the adults that care for them) happier and healthier?
That’s what Nature Play 4 Kids is all about.
Emerging from the counselling work of MGA Counselling Services and the nature based wellbeing programs of Forest Therapy Victoria, NP4K has been developed using evidence based therapeutic practices used by professional and accredited counsellors.
Individual counselling support is available for families in some locations, but will expand across the country inthe coming years.
Online and phone support is available everywhere.
Matt Glover
Founder and Team Leader
Laura Cox
Counsellor and Lead Guide
Liza Costello
Counsellor and Guide
Melanie Cop
Corporate and Community Groups
Newsletter
We don’t send many newsletters – we’d rather be outside playing!
But if you would like to receive updates on the different programs NP4K is offering for school, community organisations or corporate groups, then please add your name and email below.
We hope to see you under the trees!
Privacy Policy: Your information will not be shared with any other groups for any reason.