By Danny W. Pettry II
Nature has always been one of my favorite co-therapists. I’ve seen how simply stepping outside can change the energy of a group. When we take younger kids on sensory nature walks near our local library, something shifts — laughter, curiosity, and calmness naturally unfold.
One of my favorite places is the our local museum’s 40-acre property with its wooded hillsides and nature trails. The trails, including the Teubert Foundation Sensory Trail just beyond the Steelman Butterfly Garden, offer gentle to steep paths for all abilities. Guided tours last about 90 minutes, and they’re a perfect example of how nature invites exploration, relaxation, and learning all at once.
The benefits of nature are endless: reducing stress, improving mood, sparking creativity, and promoting connection. As rec therapists, guiding people into green spaces can be one of the simplest yet most powerful interventions we use.
So next time the walls feel like they’re closing in, take your group outdoors. Let the trees, trails, and fresh air do the heavy lifting.
Want to go deeper?
Learn more about how to integrate nature into your recreational therapy practice with our self-study CEU courses in the August CEU Bundle.
Need CEUs? Earn your hours online anytime at Rec Therapy Today.