The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 660: The Brain Develops Through Movement and Touch | Kathryn Kraft, TimberNook
Dec 26, 2025
Kathryn Kraft, a pediatric physical therapist and founder of the nonprofit LIVEfor, discusses the vital role of movement and touch in child development. She shares how sensory-rich play fosters focus and emotional regulation instead of relying on worksheets. Kathryn explains how TimberNook programs provide inclusive outdoor experiences that encourage creativity through free play, revealing the profound benefits of unstructured time in nature. Her passion stems from personal experiences that shaped her mission to support all children in their outdoor adventures.
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Start With Community Partnerships
- Start services where families already are and offer flexible, low-cost options to remove barriers to access.
- Contact local organizations and ask for donations or equipment partnerships to expand inclusive programs.
Paddleboarding Changed Everything
- Kathryn describes adaptive paddle boarding where wheelchairs stayed on the beach and kids gained confidence in the water.
- That experience pushed Live4 to become a 501(c)(3) and expand inclusive outdoor programs.
Plan Accessibility Details In Advance
- Prepare site details (wheelchair width, traction, battery needs) and secure adaptive equipment before inclusive sessions.
- Call local accessibility groups to borrow outdoor power wheelchairs when needed.