Youth and Family Program

Youth and Family Program

Our goal in the Youth and Family Program is to connect kids (and their grownups!) with nature. We’ve found Nature Play is one of the best ways to do this.

Nature Play is free play that takes place in green spaces, where the child is able to choose their activity freely, is intrinsically motivated and personally directed. In addition to the numerous developmental benefits from free play, allowing the child to have a green space as a play setting extends the benefits even further. Lastly, it’s through this play in nature that children begin to build the lifelong habits of stewardship and conservation.  Learn more about the importance of playing outside in nature.

Our Current Activities

Nature Play Boxes
We’re putting together kits filled with loose parts, open-ended materials, and play prompts, ready to support a child’s creativity and imagination in the great outdoors. Each box contains carefully selected items, disguised as common household goods, that will unlock hours of child-led activity outside. As each child receives their box, they will also be given the most magical element, permission to play however they’d like with their items. Often missing in today’s playscape, this freedom to pursue play independently will transform a child’s experience into a unique and perfectly fitted play practice. If you have any questions, or would like to work with us on creating nature play boxes for your family or organization, please send the Youth & Family Program Coordinator an email at mgoldman@loudounwildlife.org.

Nature Play Spaces
We’re helping build nature play spaces in the community, turning open green spaces into kid-friendly play places, where nature is on center stage. With each play space being created to fit perfectly into its specific setting, these areas serve as a wonderful place to enjoy and discover nature. If you have any questions, or would like to work with us on creating a nature play space in your location, please send the Youth & Family Program Coordinator an email at mgoldman@loudounwildlife.org.