Care Outdoors Certificate Program Monterey Peninsula College (Winter 2026)
Join us for a hybrid learning experience that blends immersive online content with three in-person gatherings on MPC’s Nature-Rich Campus.
6 Modules of Experiential Learning!
Access Online Begins February 2nd: Enrollment Open Until February 20th
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Module 1: The Dire Need for Care Outdoors
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Module II: Reimagining Care: Our Bond with Nature
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Module III: Green Care Approaches
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Module IV: The Emerging Field of Eco Gerontology
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Module V: Sensory Engagement with Nature and Removing Barriers
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Module VI: Growing Nature Connected Programs & Community
Hybrid Experiential Learning
Learn online and practice outdoors with your cohort
Benefits of the Care Outdoors Certificate Program
Let's set a New Green Care Standard of Care and Living that can inspire change nationally!
Care Outdoors is more than a course: it's a transformational, experiential learning adventure into
Nature-Connected Care
and Living.
Includes Three Immersive
In-Person Sessions at Monterey Peninsula College
SATURDAYS
10am-12:00pm
February 21st, 28th
March 7th
Optional Care Outdoors Big Sur Adventure TBA!!!
Engage with a supportive cohort, sharing insights and strategies while learning online and practicing Care Outdoors together during our in-person Saturday sessions on campus.
These sessions are designed to be fun, interactive, and experiential as we practice Care Outdoors including Awe Walking, Nature Photography, Mindfulness, Forest Bathing– so you can apply what you're learning while connecting with our cohort in the natural world.
Course Schedule and Flexibility
Enjoy the flexibility of learning at your own pace through online modules, with structured Saturday gatherings to connect and practice outdoors and on campus.
Course Content
Explore evidence-based green care and nature-inspired strategies to improve health and wellbeing for yourself, older adults and people of All Ages: Whole Communities!
Learn to design and lead healing outdoor experiences tailored to different populations, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in your community.
Email: [email protected] for more information and to ENROLL!
I anticipate using the course most in my work by:
“Working with special needs students and incorporating their Occupational Therapy session in an outdoor space as often as possible.”
Valerie, MPC 2025 Fall Session
Why Outdoor Engagement Matters
"My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of Nature." –Claude Monet
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Being indoors for extended periods can negatively impact mood, potentially leading to depression and stress, which can, in turn, disrupt sleep patterns.
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Research shows lack of exposure to natural sunlight, which helps regulate the body's sleep-wake rhythms, can further exacerbate sleep issues.
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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.
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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.
Care Outdoors Feels Good!
Numerous Studies Show, Meaningful Engagement Outdoors for All Ages:
“To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.” –Helen Keller
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Reduces Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation
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Inspires Awe and Gratitude
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Increases Physical Activity
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Fosters Connectedness & Promotes Social Inclusion
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Improves Cognitive Function & Reduces Stress
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Strengthens Immunity & Bolsters Digestion
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Improves Sleep and Hydration
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Generates Joy, Calm, Gratitude, Pain Reduction, Wellbeing
Nature is Our #1 Care Ally!
Meaningful Engagement Outdoors 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.
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 the Great Outdoors contributes to overall wellbeing and improved quality of life for all ages.
Design & Utilize Outdoor Spaces for Growing Wellbeing:
Identify specific features of outdoor spaces that can enhance nature connected experiences and discover simple yet profound ways to share care outdoors.
Cultivate Nature-Connected Programs and Community:
Explore the emerging field of Eco Gerontology
Nurture Meaningful Outdoor Experiences:
Develop creative and evidence-based person-centered outdoor experiences that grow reciprocal-shared care, and how to tailor them to meet specific needs and preferences of individuals and your community.
Become a Green Care Community!
Green Social Prescribing is gaining momentum globally.
Care Outdoors will uniquely position you to lead the charge in designing and optimizing the therapeutic use of your outdoor spaces, grow nature-connected programs and experiences for All Ages.
Join us in pioneering science-based, nature-inspired care!
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, Outdoors.
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.
Stay Connected!
Add your email to the mailing list to get the latest updates.
Meet Monica
LIVE LEARN GROW
Frequently Asked Questions
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How flexible is the course in terms of time commitment?
The Care Outdoors Program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing participants to complete the modules at their own pace. While the course takes a minimum of five weeks, you can engage with the material at any time that suits your schedule. The asynchronous learning approach ensures you can balance your professional and personal commitments while gaining valuable skills and knowledge. Each module is designed to be digested in small bites, with at least two hours of dedication per week ideally recommended for practice and reflection.
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Why is experiential learning important for Care Outdoors Training?
Experiential learning is vital because it shifts learning from passive consumption of information to active engagement with the material. By directly experiencing the content through practice and reflection, participants gain the benefits of growing nature connectedness, develop a deeper understanding, and enhance their ability to internalize and apply what they've learned – thus nurturing the Art of Care Outdoors as a leader. This hands-on approach fosters a somatic connection, increasing the likelihood of retaining knowledge and skills over the long term.
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How should I prepare for Care Outdoors Training?
As you prepare for this educational adventure, consider dedicating specific days and times to learning. This asynchronous online learning program allows you to view course materials and complete experiential learning practices each week at your convenience. I encourage you to designate a quiet area in your home as your indoor learning space, preferably with a window view, where you'll engage with the online learning content. Additionally, consider outdoor spaces you currently have access to that can serve as outdoor learning spaces at home and in your community, which will be utilized for course practices.
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How do participants typically utilize the Care Outdoors Leadership Training certification?
The sky's the limit! A play therapist recently shared she is now the project director for a grant-funded, dementia-friendly sensory garden at a community park. Another Care Outdoors Leader, previously working with clients in a memory care community, now offers meaningful engagement with nature in their outdoor spaces. A retired participant found that Care Outdoors enriched her volunteer work at an accessible nature retreat for people living with disabilities. An organizational cohort is seeking a partnership with a local farm to offer green care farm programs. Participants utilize this certification in various impactful ways, integrating green care values and practices into their professional roles in mental healthcare, child, youth, elder care, and community services.
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Are there other CEs available?
NCCAP is an accredited organization, and other professional organizations may also approve this course.
