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

  • 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

7 Modules of Experiential Learning! Online! Enroll TODAY!

"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

  • Reimagining Care: Our Bond with Nature

  • Discover Evidence-Based Green Care Approaches

  • The Emerging Field of Eco Gerontology

  • Sensory Engagement with Nature & Removing Barriers

  • Grow Nature Connected Programs and Community

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:

After completing the course, you'll gain expertise in optimizing the therapeutic use of outdoor spaces. You'll learn to design nature-inspired programs and environments that foster nature connectedness, creating therapeutic outdoor experiences that enhance health and wellbeing for all ages, including people living with dementia, disabilities, and mobility impairments.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Are there other CEs available?

    NCCAP is an accredited organization, and other professional organizations may also approve this course.

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.
Lavender Farm

Self-Paced Experiential Learning


Course Schedule and Flexibility

You can log into the course and progress through the learning modules at your own pace, aligning with your schedule and lifestyle. No rush, no pressure—learn at your convenience


Weekly Check-ins and Community Connection

The Care Outdoors Community Page is our hub for global connections, where you can share stories, experiences, awe-walk photos, and access additional learning resources—all while becoming part of a vibrant community.


Course Content

Throughout the course, you'll explore evidence-based green care and nature-inspired approaches. You'll learn and experience how fostering the human-nature connection positively impacts health and wellbeing, empowering you to create therapeutic outdoor experiences for diverse populations.

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 

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. 

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 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, growing nature-based wellbeing 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.

Stay Connected!

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Thank You

Meet Monica

LIVE LEARN GROW

Monica Ann Eastway, M.S. 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 spaces 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. I am passionate about nature-based practices, recognizing their vital role in promoting the health and well-being 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 Planet ~

Monica Eastway

Instructor

What People Are Saying:

“I absolutely LOVED Care Outdoors Continuing Education!!! In all my years of continuing education, the assignments have never felt so good! Engaging in Awe Walks, Noticing Nature practices, and reflecting in my outdoor 'Sit-Spot' provided a refreshing and powerful way to learn. These experiential activities allowed me to personally slow down and feel the science. Monica's nature meditation videos helped me become more aware of my breath, and I now feel confident to lead care outdoors. Everything is better outdoors! I wholly recommend her courses if you want to slow down and learn green care ways to promote wellbeing for yourself and those you care for. Since taking her course, I feel less burnt out and revived with new ways to incorporate nature care for all. ”