Nature for Youth in Therapeutic Schools & Residential Programs
The Nature Connection’s programs for youth are geared to encourage curiosity, spark engagement with peers, and establish a safe and calm environment. Many of the children we serve have experienced complex trauma in their young lives, or have cognitive impairments and/or behavioral challenges. Some are estranged from their homes or their families of origin, living in residential schools or specialized treatment centers.
In such settings, our therapy animals are the perfect facilitators. Many of our animals were rescued from shelters, or have physical impairments, awakening insights in youth about themselves and their own lives. They learn empathy, knowing all too well the fears and anxiety of moving to a new foster family, or the difficulty of living with a disability.
As young people connect with our volunteers and the animals during our monthly or bi-monthly visits, they become immersed in the natural world – becoming curious about ecology and habitats, asking questions, and learning to value themselves and the world around them.
“When The Nature Connection is here, the behavioral issues go away. I’ve seen it. The program is powerful medicine because it grounds [the children] to nature and to themselves, and connects them to each other through the animals.”
Erica Nazzaro
Clinical Coordinator of Intensive Foster Care | The Home for Little Wanderers
Making Connections
Along with learning about the animals and the environment, youth also learn to:
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Take healthy risks
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Build confidence
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Become more resilient to stress and anxiety triggers
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Slow down and be present
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Connect in new ways with peers and adults
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Discover new skills they didn’t know they had
Bring Nature to Your Community
We offer one-time and recurring programs for therapeutic schools and residential programs across the region. Let’s create a program that fits your students’ needs.
Contact us to learn more or book a visit!
978-369-2585