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