Grateful Nature Adventure: A Thanksgiving Forest Bathing Experience for Kids
Forest Bathing Adventures with Kids – Morning
Hi there! I’m Monica, your certified Forest Therapy Guide. I am thrilled to have you and your child join in this engaging practice that supports connection and awareness of our bodies and the world around us.
Forest Bathing, also known as shinrin yoku is a practice that originated in Japan in the early 80’s in response to a pandemic of various mental and physical health issues. The goal of forest bathing is to live in the present moment while immersing your senses in the sights and sounds of a natural setting.
This Forest Bathing Adventure will be suited for children ages 4 and up. The practice of Forest Bathing is open-ended, with no predetermined outcome, but rather focuses on fostering a reciprocal relationship between the “forest” (any natural setting) and the participant. To provide structure, there is a clearly defined sequence of guided events that allows for creativity and serendipity while embracing individual inspiration.
What to expect: Parents must stay with their child and are encouraged to participate in the experience. This is also an opportunity for you to slow down and embody the world around you. I will offer you and your child, “invitations” which are various ways to interact with, The More-Than-Human World also known as “Nature”.
What to Bring: We will be outside through the entire experience.
(Dress)Forest Bathing / Forest Therapy is an experience that slows your body. This means that your body will not be producing any extra energy/heat. It is important to bring extra layers so you can add/take off to ensure you are comfortable. There are grassy areas so it is ideal to wear pants and long socks – in some areas there are stickers and/or possibility of ticks. Pants are not required but they tend to make participants more comfortable.
Every child must bring (Water/Snack)
- Please be sure to bring your child a filled reusable water bottle
- Bring a light snack (snack to be eaten at the end – with the group) Please communicate with me if your child has allergies of any kind.
(Additional Items) We will be outside through the entire experience so you may want to bring/wear the following: Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Insect Repellant. Oftentimes children like to bring a small backpack to keep their belongings. Some children like to bring a drawing pad with a writing utensil. This is not required.
Parent’s Role / Info: Forest Bathing is a sensory journey allowing you AND your child to be present in the current moment. A parent’s role is a support role primarily for safety/boundaries. You are welcome and encouraged to participate in the “invitations” that will be provided. More for younger children, but if your child seeks your attention then please know that you can comfort them. It is ideal that you do not direct your child unless necessary for safety. We each find our own individual ways to connect with the More-Than-Human World. We want to trust the open process. The more direction given ends up limiting the child’s ability to navigate the world independently with their own curious mind. There is no right or wrong way to interpret the, “invitations” offered. Please note that this is not a Forest School. There is no specific learning objective that will take place. The experience is focused on mindfulness and embodiment.
I am excited to share this experience with you! Please reach out with any questions.
Sending Sunshine,
Monica
Investment: $20.00 for first child. $5.00 for each additional sibling. Parents are free and included with registration.
Age group: Experience is geared towards ages 4-12. If children are younger than age 4 they can still participate, just know that they may need additional parent support.
Date: Monday, November 25th, 2024
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: TBD. Locations vary between Jensen Botanical Garden in Carmichael and Schweitzer Grove in Carmichael. A location will be determined 3-7 days prior due to changes in landscape and creating the best experience.
Registration: When registering please use Coupon Code: Venmo
Venmo @Monica-Mendoza-76 Last 4 digits of phone number are 4261
Comment Section for Venmo. Please list “Forest Bathing Kids” (include number of kids) with date of event.
Registration is complete once you have registered online and also sent Venmo payment.
Registration closes on November 24th at 5:00pm.
IF YOU MISSED the registration deadline call/text Monica at 916-835-4261 to see if space is still available.
