All Girls Self Awareness Camp

Why Time in Nature + Meaningful Activity Matters

Spending time in nature while engaging in purposeful, enjoyable activities is more than just "nice"—it's a powerful therapeutic tool. Research consistently shows that these two elements together support the development of:

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🌱 A Stronger Sense of Agency

Agency is the feeling of being in control of your actions and outcomes. Nature-based and meaningful activities give children and adults alike real opportunities to make choices, solve problems, and experience success. When individuals actively shape their experiences—such as building a fort, navigating a trail, or planting a garden—they learn:

“I can do hard things. I can influence my world.”

Evidence:

• Korpela & Staats (2014) found that time in nature enhances self-determination and feelings of control.

• Ryan & Deci’s Self-Determination Theory supports the idea that autonomy and purpose (key features of meaningful activity) enhance intrinsic motivation and agency.

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🌿 Increased Resilience

Resilience grows when we experience challenge and the internal capacity to respond. Nature naturally presents varied, manageable stressors—weather changes, uneven terrain, group cooperation—which promote adaptability and persistence.
When these are paired with meaningful tasks (like creating art, building, or exploring), children develop confidence in their ability to recover and try again.

Evidence:

• Wells & Evans (2003) found that nature exposure buffered children against the negative impacts of life stress.

• Ungar (2012) showed that meaningful, culturally relevant activities foster resilience in children and youth.

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🌞 Deepened Self-Awareness

Being in nature often slows the pace and reduces external distractions, creating space for internal reflection. When individuals engage in meaningful, creative, or sensory-rich tasks outdoors, they become more attuned to their feelings, thoughts, and bodily states.

Evidence:

• Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests that natural environments support reflective thinking and emotional regulation.

• A study by Mayer et al. (2009) found that nature exposure enhanced emotional awareness and connection to self.

Is This Camp a Good Fit for Your Child?

This camp is a wonderful fit for girls who would benefit from a stronger sense of belonging and connection with peers in a supportive, nurturing environment.

We focus on whole-child wellness through meaningful, engaging activities. Wellness can look like feeling less stress, learning to manage big emotions, building confidence, and discovering personal strengths.

As part of our camp rhythm, we incorporate relaxation strategies and mindful movement to support emotional regulation and body awareness.

Camp experiences will include:

• 🎨 Creative art expression

• 🌿 Nature excursions, including hikes to Homestead Parklands and Perch Lake

• 🧘 Mindfulness practices in nature

• 🤝 Group activities designed to enhance social awareness and foster friendships

Each day offers opportunities for your child to connect with others, grow in confidence, and feel more grounded—in themselves and in community.

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Research tells us that connecting with nature is a powerful tool to support self regulation. 

Come enjoy a beautiful experience! Each child will be expected to function in a group independently.  Camp will primarily be outdoors. 

Location:  LOCATION MAY BE AT RAINBOW TREE OR HOMESTEAD PARKLANDS/PERCH LAKE Rainbow Tree Therapies 477 Perch Lake Road Hudson, WI (10 minutes East of Stillwater, MN; 10 minutes South of Somerset; 15 minutes from downtown Hudson). 
Class size:  Limited to 9 Campers
Contact Lisa with questions: 1-715-205-2703 or rainbowtreeinfo@gmail.com

Please bring:  water bottle, yoga mat if you have one, and snack.

Click HERE to purchase the camp. Please note, you will also need to complete the registration form (available at time of purchase) to complete your reservation.  

Registration Form (Complete after checkout)

 

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