4-Week Experiential Learning Enrollment is Open!

"Learning by doing, with thinking and reflection, is always more effective and lasting." - John Dewey

  • The Dire Need for Care Outdoors: Explore the Science of Nature Connectedness

  • Discover Evidence-Based Green Care Approaches

  • Remove Barriers & Nurture Simple Yet Profound Nature-Inspired Meaningful Engagement

  • Learn about the Emerging Field of Eco Gerontology and How to Grow Nature Connected Programs and Community

Why is Care Outdoors Important?

Numerous Studies Show, Meaningful Engagement Outdoors:

“To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.” –Helen Keller

  • Reduces Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

  • Inspires Awe and Gratitude

  • Increases Physical Activity

  • Fosters Connectedness & Promotes Social Inclusion

  • Improves Cognitive Function & Reduces Stress

  • Strengthens Immunity & Bolsters Digestion

  • Improves Sleep and Hydration

  • Generates Joy, Calm, Gratitude, Pain Reduction, Wellbeing

Inspiring Introduction to Care Outdoors Video!

Why Outdoor Engagement Matters

"My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature." Claude Monet

  • Being indoors for extended periods can negatively impact mood, potentially leading to depression and stress, which can, in turn, disrupt sleep patterns.

  • Research shows lack of exposure to natural sunlight, which helps regulate the body's sleep-wake rhythms, can further exacerbate sleep issues.

  • Prolonged lack of natural sunlight can lead to various health effects, including weakened immune system, low energy levels, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), weaker bones, and weight gain, due to reduced production of vitamin D and serotonin, disruption of circadian rhythm, and slowed metabolism.

  • Decreased outdoor activity leads to reduced physical movement compared to being outdoors, where activities like walking are more common, potentially contributing to a sedentary lifestyle with associated health risks.

#1 Course Outcome:

Upon completion of the course, you will achieve a comprehensive understanding of the design and application of outdoor spaces that nurture nature connectedness and evidence-based green care approaches. This understanding will enable you to co-create therapeutic outdoor experiences that promote health and wellbeing for people of all ages, including people living with dementia, disability, and mobility impairments.

Nature is Our #1 Care Ally!

Outdoor Engagement isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for holistic wellbeing. Research confirms that moments outdoors and in Nature reduce stress, boost mood, and foster social connections. Care Outdoors is vital for both individuals and communities.

Become a Green Care Community!

"We find that the patients derive more benefit from employment in the garden than anywhere else, and this is natural because they have the advantage of fresh air as well as occupation." - Nottingham Borough Asylum, 1881

Green Prescriptions are becoming increasingly mainstream; this course will uniquely position you to lead the charge in designing and optimizing your outdoor spaces, promoting nature-based wellness programs and experiences for all ages. 

Join us in pioneering science-based, nature-inspired care and become a Green Care Community!

Be equipped to foster purpose, joy, connectedness, and reduce isolation for those under your care while preventing care burnout for your dedicated team. 

Each week, you will engage with video content, lectures, and interactive discussions facilitated through a user-friendly online platform. 

This online component allows flexibility and accessibility, enabling you to access course materials and engage in discussions conveniently.

In addition to the online sessions, you will have the opportunity to experience the approaches firsthand through experiential learning activities. 

Experiential learning enables you to apply the concepts learned online in a real-world setting. 

Barriers to Care Outdoors

Embracing opportunities to share care outdoors and connect with Nature through embodied experiences, such as observing the beauty of Nature, finding joy in watching wildlife, and taking awe walks or simply sitting in awe, positively impact the quality of life and overall wellbeing of care receivers and care providers.

These experiences can help older adults maintain their connection to the world around them while improving the health and wellbeing of entire care teams!

Despite the acknowledged benefits, many people of all ages face significant barriers to accessing outdoor environments when their ability to do so depends on others.

Care Outdoors: Overcoming Barriers

  • The Art of Care Outdoors

    Equips teams with strategies based on research and best practices to overcome these barriers.

  • Mainstreaming Nature-Based Activities

    Are a crucial challenge to ensure their integration into everyday life for older adults living with dementia. mobility impairments, and disability.

  • Addressing Barriers 

    To access and promoting knowledge exchange among stakeholders are essential steps toward achieving greater inclusivity and wellbeing for all.

  • Inclusive Outdoor Spaces

    Creating accessible outdoor environments ensures that everyone of all abilities can benefit from the Nature Experience. By prioritizing inclusivity, Care Outdoors promotes equity and enhances the quality of life for all.

  • Evidence-Based Practices

    The Art of Care Outdoors uses evidence-based approaches and resources to implement person-centered, meaningful, outdoor and nature-inspired activities for everyone.

  • Empowering Teams

    Providing meaningful outdoor engagement isn't innate; it requires training and expertise. The Art of Care Outdoors equips individuals and teams with the knowledge and skills to facilitate enriching outdoor experiences.

The Art of Care Outdoors

  • Boost Health & Wellbeing, Overcome Loneliness and Foster Connection!

    Discover the evidence-based pathways of nature connectedness and simple yet profound ways to alleviate mental fatigue, reduce stress, increase vitality, and rejuvenate your carer spirit. Learn how to apply simple yet profound ways to remove barriers to sharing care outdoors. Inspire a more profound sense of community and be a catalyst for meaningful connection.

  • Holistic Care Mastery

    Be equipped to nurture purpose, promoting less medication, joy, connectedness, and decrease isolation and loneliness for those you are caring with while improving your health and vitality.

  • Earn Valuable Continuing Education Credits and the Care Outdoors Leader Certificate

    Green prescriptions are becoming increasingly mainstream; as a Care Outdoors Leader, you will find yourself uniquely positioned to lead the charge in promoting nature-based wellness programs and experiences.

Self-Paced Experiential Learning

Once you're registered, you have the flexibility to take the course at your own pace during any 4–weeks that fit your schedule. No rush, no pressure – learn comfortably at your convenience. ​ Throughout the course, you will explore evidence-based green care and nature-based approaches, learn and experience how fostering the human-nature connection positively impacts health and wellbeing.
Enroll TODAY!

Course Learning Objectives


Understand the Therapeutic Benefits of Outdoor Environments

Explore the mental, physical, social, and environmental health benefits of the Nature Experience and understand how outdoor environments can contribute to overall wellbeing and improved quality of life.

Design, Optimize & Utilize Outdoor Spaces for Therapeutic Practices:

Identify specific features of outdoor spaces that can enhance therapeutic experiences and discover simple yet profound ways to optimize outdoor engagement.

Cultivate Nature-Connected Programs and Community:

Explore the emerging field of Eco Gerontology 

in relation to Nature-Based Care while developing strategies for creating and sustaining nature inspired programs and community initiatives for All Ages.

Nurture Meaningful Outdoor Activities:

Develop creative and evidence-based person-centered outdoor activities that grow reciprocal-shared care, and how to tailor them to meet specific needs and preferences of individuals and your community. 

  • Laugh Outdoors!
  • Green Care Farming!
  • AWE Walking with Magical Hats!

Meet Monica

LIVE LEARN GROW

I am an Eco Gerontologist and approved CE educator dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to unearth the full health potential of their surroundings. My expertise lies in generating supportive, accessible, and multifunctional outdoor healing places that enhance quality of life for people of all ages. I have a strong academic foundation, including a Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Philosophy from the University of Toledo. Additionally, I have over 25 years of experience as a Healing Arts Professional, specializing in massage, sound healing, mindfulness, laughercise, play, breath awareness, and aromatherapy. My research interests are focused on Green Care, Nature Connectedness, AWE, and Community-Based Housing. Through my work, I have gained extensive knowledge and practical experience in the design, development, and execution of customized wellness programs that showcase cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to care and living. I am passionate about nature-inspired practices, recognizing their vital role in promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Working closely with health professionals, carers, and communities, I strive to create fun and engaging outdoor opportunities that benefit both people and the planet. My mission is to deliver ethical and professional care grounded in evidence-based practices, using a person-centered and reciprocal-shared care approach. ~ Connecting All Ages to the Goodness of Our Shared Home ~

Monica Eastway

Instructor

The Care Outdoors Leader

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