Prices Starting at:
$235/night/person - Double Occupancy
$297/night/person - Single Occupancy
*All Inclusive
This weekend is an opportunity to play with your children while learning a new way to engage with nature. We will explore the natural world around us through all your senses, sight, smell, touch, hearing and even taste. Using our senses brings our attention into our bodies and into the moment. Research shows that it makes us more attentive, that it relieves anxiety and stress as well as boosts our immune system. And it’s as effective with children as it is with adults.
We will also take nature sensory play indoors for those rainy days when you just can’t get everyone outside. You will gain tools and knowledge to practice nature sensory play at home, so you can support your family’s wellbeing, day to day. It’s easy, effective and enjoyable!
Saturday afternoon you will have free time for swimming, paddling, reading or discovering all that Great Camp Sagamore has to offer. Saturday night we’ll gather around the campfire for storytelling and Smores.
This weekend is suitable for children 8 to 12 years of age. Maximum 2 children per parent.
Led by Certified Nature Therapy Guides Helene Gibbens and Suzanne Weirich, founders of Adirondack Riverwalking, long-time wellness educators and NYS Licensed Hiking Guides who have a passion for connecting people and nature in ways that are healing for both.
Program Facilitators
Helene Gibbens & Suzanne Weirich, founders of Adirondack Riverwalking & Forest Bathing
Instructors
Helene Gibbens
Helene Gibbens has been teaching yoga, meditation and wellness for over 20 years. After growing up in Montreal, she found her heart yearned for open spaces. Taking her yoga practice out of doors brought her great joy and led her to the practice of Forest Bathing. Helene is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, NY State Licensed Hiking & Paddling Guide and Certified Yoga Teacher. She cherishes meandering time in nature, re-kindling her sense of wonder for all the wisdom of the natural world, in addition to skiing, hiking and gardening.
Suzanne Weirich
Suzanne Weirich grew up exploring the woods, streams and fields around the North Country. Her passion for nature has never left her. She spent much of her career as a classroom educator, including leading youths on weekend outdoor excursions. Suzanne is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, NY State Licensed Hiking Guide with a Masters in Outdoor Education. She enjoys skiing and kayaking in addition to spending quiet time in the woods.
Schedule Overview
Friday
4-6PM: Arrival & registration
6-7PM: Dinner
7:15-8:30PM: Orientation and Weekend Overview
Saturday
8AM – 9AM: Breakfast
9:15AM: Check in & intro Nature Sensory Play
9:30AM – 11:30AM: Outdoor Nature Sensory Play 1
Noon - 1PM: Lunch
1PM - 4PM: Free time – bowling availability
4PM – 4:45PM: Indoor Nature Sensory Play – Children & parents led by H & S
4:45PM-5:30PM: Indoor Nature Sensory Play Part 2 – Children only led by Suzanne
Nature Sensory Play Home Workshop – Parents only led by Helene
6PM - 7PM: Dinner
7:15PM – 9PM: Campfire with Smores
Storytelling Round 1: parents tell nature story from when they were expecting to toddler age to their child/children
Storytelling Round 2: child/children shares the story their parent shared with them to the group
Round 3: What do you love about being outdoors? – OPTION if time left
Sunday
8AM-9AM:Breakfast
Pack and load cars
9:20AM: Gather & check in with group
9:30AM-11:30AM: Outdoor Nature Sensory Play 2
11:30AM - Noon: Closing Circle – draw & share
Noon: Lunch in dining hall or brown bag option
