The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 667: You are a Living Testimony to Your Children Through the Work You Do | Angela Hanscom, TimberNook
Jan 2, 2026
Angela Hanscom, an occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook, discusses her journey of creating a global movement focused on outdoor play for children. She shares the transformative power of child-led play, highlighting its role in combating social-emotional issues. Angela emphasizes how her own motherhood experience taught her daughters resilience through her actions. She also explores overcoming fears to follow her calling and the importance of discerning divine guidance. This conversation offers inspiration for anyone feeling called to pursue meaningful work.
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From Small Idea To Growing Movement
- Angela Hanscom started TimberNook unexpectedly, planning only small nature classes before summer camps took off.
- She kept saying yes year after year and watched volunteers and experts organically expand the program.
Play As A Child's Primary Occupation
- Angela reframed outdoor play as a child's essential occupation, not just recreation.
- This shift connected occupational therapy principles to nature-based programming worldwide.
Get Mentors For Skills You Lack
- Seek business help when you lack experience instead of trying to do everything alone.
- Angela used SCORE mentors to learn licensing and higher-level planning for TimberNook.