1KHO 292: Magic Happens When We Allow Children to Foster Independent Play | Cassie Butters, TimberNook Provider
May 29, 2024
auto_awesome
Cassie Butters, founder of TimberNook Mid-Michigan, discusses the importance of independent play in childhood development. She highlights how TimberNook's child-led play in nature fosters social skills, conflict resolution, and physical development. The podcast explores the benefits of getting dirty, transforming education, and nurturing well-rounded, resilient children through the power of play and community.
Timbernook emphasizes risky play and unstructured activities to strengthen bones and foster independence.
Timbernook collaborates with schools to enhance educational practices and promote child development through unstructured play.
Timbernook aims to expand nationally by offering diverse opportunities for kids to develop crucial life skills through unstructured outdoor play.
Deep dives
Timbernook: An Outdoor Play and Learning Program
Timbernook, an innovative outdoor program spearheaded by Cassie Butter in Michigan, is inspired by Angela Hanscom's book 'Balanced in Barefoot'. The program focuses on outdoor play and learning, allowing kids to thrive in nature. Timbernook offers unique opportunities for children to play in the woods, fostering independent play, creativity, and social interaction. The program encourages authentic play, enabling kids to resolve conflicts and learn essential skills through hands-on experiences.
Starting Timbernook in Michigan
Cassie's journey with Timbernook started after her daughter faced challenges in the traditional school system. Disregarding professional advice against homeschooling, Cassie was inspired by Angela Hanscom's book to provide a nature-based program in Michigan. She embarked on the Timbernook provider training, leading to the inception of a unique outdoor play space in Jackson, Michigan.
The Impact of Timbernook on Children
Timbernook emphasizes risky play and unstructured activities, empowering children to assess their capabilities and manage risks. By allowing kids to engage in activities like climbing trees or hay bales, Timbernook strengthens bones and fosters independence. The program aims to counteract the lack of risky play opportunities and build children's confidence and physical abilities.
Community Outreach and Partnerships
Timbernook provides field trips and collaborations with schools to offer unique play experiences for children. By partnering with schools, Timbernook aims to enhance educational practices, reduce stress among teachers, and promote child development through unstructured play. Building community support and engaging parents in the process are vital components of Timbernook's mission.
Expanding Timbernook's Reach
With a focus on promoting play as an essential part of childhood development, Timbernook aims to expand its programs nationally. By offering year-round and summer camps, incorporating themes like storytelling and extreme art, Timbernook provides diverse opportunities for kids to explore, create, and develop crucial life skills through unstructured outdoor play.
Cassie Butters is starting TimberNook Mid-Michigan!!!
Join the passionate founder of TimberNook Mid-Michigan and Ginny Yurich as they discuss all sorts of things related to childhood play. Discover Cassie’s journey from seeking answers in the book "Balanced and Barefoot" to creating an enchanting outdoor program designed to bring the magic of play back into children's lives. Cassie shares the emotional and logistical process of starting a TimberNook, the invaluable support from her community, and the exciting programs kicking off in Jackson, Michigan.
Learn how TimberNook's child-led play in nature fosters social skills, conflict resolution, and physical development in ways traditional settings often overlook. Cassie discusses the critical importance of play for children’s growth, the benefits of getting dirty, and how initiatives like TimberNook can transform education and development. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about the power of play, nature, and community in nurturing well-rounded, resilient children.
**
Sign up for TimberNook Mid-Michigan here >> https://timbernook.com/provider/timbernook-mid-michigan/