We believe that nature play is a fundamental part of childhood. It promotes physical activity, enhances creativity, and improves cognitive and social development. That’s why we’re excited to announce our Garden Butterflies Spring Play series beginning March 20th (The first day of Spring)! Classes will be Pay-What-You-Can with registration, up to 12 students max, to make the series more accessible, yet comfortable, for everyone. Our classes are now priced on a pay-what-you-can basis, allowing you to pay it forward if you choose. Donations are welcome but not required, as we want to ensure that all parents are able to pay what they can afford.
What is Spring Play?
Spring Play is a series of classes that celebrate nature, singing, movement, mindfulness, and most importantly, play in the garden! We’ll be hosting a range of activities that encourage children to engage with nature, including nature scavenger hunts, nature treasure hunts, and nature art, as well as classic games that promote physical activity, collaboration, problem-solving, and fun.
Why the Change?
We wanted to do more to be inclusive and offer more opportunities for nature play and socialization. By changing our approach to focus on more play and less structure, we believe that we can offer a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. By eliminating the added costs and prep time, we can provide even more opportunities for families to enjoy themselves without any financial barriers, and educators can spend less time prepping supplies and lesson planning. Instead of the previous one-hour classes, we expect to spend about 30 minutes together as a class, followed by a playful activity (open play) in the garden.
What You Can Expect from Spring Play
At Spring Play, you can expect a fun and welcoming environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and exploration. When you first arrive, feel free to explore or visit with the chickens! Expect about 30 minutes of song, movement, and a special story as we celebrate nature at Ogden Community Garden. Then parents will guide their children as they play and explore the garden. Children will have time to play and socialize, and each week we will engage in an activity like nature art, scavenger hunts, and other games.
The Benefits of Nature Play and Socialization
According to research, nature play provides several benefits for children, including improved physical health, increased creativity and imagination, and better cognitive development. Additionally, socialization with peers is crucial for children’s social and emotional development. By playing together, children learn essential social skills such as cooperation, sharing, and communication.
When Can Parents Register Their Children?
The first month of the Garden Butterflies Spring series is available for registration NOW and classes will begin March 20th (the first day of Spring). Classes are every Monday at 8 AM. We can’t wait to see the children explore, learn, and have fun in a safe and welcoming environment. Join us for a memorable experience! Register to reserve your placement for our March program here!
