Our Why – The reason behind these groups is complex but important. Modern day society does not leave much time or room for outdoor free play. Yet, free play, especially in large groups, is one of the most beneficial ways a developing child can spend their time. Children learn a variety of essential skills in large group play that will serve them as they become adults. Unsupervised outdoor play teaches children how to handle risks and challenges of many kinds, hence developing a sense of confidence in oneself. This is an inoculation against anxiety. The youth of America have some of the highest rates of anxiety, depression and isolation than ever seen before. Our mission here at EXPLORE Pediatric Therapy is to combat these diagnoses by getting children back outdoors together.
What will your child gain from this experience? – These groups help to support healthy risk taking, imaginative or explorative play, emotional resilience, problem solving, communication skills and team building skills. Additionally, there are countless benefits from spending immersed time in nature that include decreased stress, lower levels of anxiety, improved immune system and attention restoration.
Details – Groups meet weekly at a designated location. Each group runs for 90 minutes. Each week, our team will provide supplies and loose parts for the group to engage with. Our staff are there to help and step in when needed, but also to give the children the opportunity to work on skills with the least amount of adult intervention. The Forest Adventure Groups follow the public-school calendar. This means that if school is closed for a vacation week, we are as well. However, we do not close at any additional points throughout the year.
Note – These groups are screen free. Meaning, please do not send your child to group with any type of screen or device. The goal is for them to connect to each other and to nature without distraction.
Weather – Our groups will run all year from September to June, despite the weather. If we must cancel due to a storm or unsafe weather, you will be notified 2 hours prior to the start time of group via email. Weather that we consider “unsafe” includes high winds of 35 mph gusts or stronger, blizzard like conditions, or below freezing temperatures with wind chill and gusts.
Cancellation Policies – If your child is absent from group one week due to personal circumstances or choice, they are welcome to attend any of our other site locations for a make-up session at any point throughout the school year services (From September to June).
Cost – This group tuition is $120/month for 90 minutes per week, with unlimited option to reschedule or attend other site locations for make-up sessions. Billing runs on the 10th of each month.
Start Date - Week of September 8, 2024.
End Date - Week of June 15, 2025.
Locations –
· Hingham – Monday’s 4:00pm-5:30pm
· Duxbury – Tuesday’s 4:00pm-5:30pm
· Middleboro – Tuesday’s 4:00pm-5:30pm
· Pembroke – Wednesday’s 4:00pm-5:30pm
· Plymouth - Wednesday's4:00pm-5:30pm
· Marshfield – Thursday’s 4:00pm-5:30pm
Lastly, these groups are not therapy - they are enrichment for the larger population and community of the South Shore.