TimberNook Saskatoon
TimberNook is a nature-based program that is designed to be a sensory rich play experience that rest
Children have an unhurried opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in deep meaningful play using the worldwide curriculum. Our location is 15 min east of Saskatoon and the rolling prairies hills and forest are the backdrop for this grand play.
πβοΈ Hello, Summer! βοΈπ
The first day of summer is finally here, and it's time to soak up all the sunshine! π»
Grab your sunglasses, slather on that sunscreen, and let's head outside to bask in those glorious rays. Whether it's a picnic in the park, a stroll on the beach, or just lounging in the backyard, today is all about celebrating the season of endless sunshine.
Let's make this summer unforgettable! π΄ππΊ
π Do you hear summer calling? π
YES, I DO!
Excited for a week at the lake with my family before the hustle of summer camp kicks in! πΏ
Can't wait to unwind by the water, sleep in, roast marshmallows over a campfire, reel in a few fish, and simply soak up the beauty of nature! Wishing everyone an amazing start to summer! βοΈ
-Shelley
Check out our programs today google TimberNook Saskatoon or follow link. https://timbernook.com/provider/timbernook-saskatoon/
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ππCastaways is coming to Saskatoon! πβ΅οΈ
Join TimberNook Saskatoon Summer Camp for a brand NEW week-long 2024 summer adventure! βStrandedβ on a deserted island, children are given only the bare essentials to make their own little world in the woods. Each day is filled with adventure and excitement as the theme unfolds and children build huts, clothing, maps and more! βοΈ
Castaways Summer Camp
Embark on an exciting survival adventure on a deserted island!
π
Camp Dates: August 12 - August 16, 2024
β° Hours: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
π§π¦ Ages: 7-12 years
π² Cost: $415 per child/week
This week at TimberNook Saskatoon, the Castaways will embark on an exciting adventure, surviving and thriving after a βshipwreckβ on a deserted island.
-TimberNook Saskatoonβs summer camps maintain a 6:1 child to adult ratio.
-The specifics about this program will be emailed one week prior to the start date.
-This is a drop-off program. Please pack a big lunch, lots of snacks, & a full water bottle. Please apply bug spray & sunscreen prior to arriving at camp.
-This program is a 100% outdoor nature program. Weather appropriate attire is required.
-Nightly emails with beautiful photos containing a summary of each day are included.
-Children must be able to independently toilet and use an outhouse.
Registration is OPENED! Grab your child's spot!π
https://timbernook.com/program/274-castaways-timbernook-saskatoon/
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! πΊ
We hope you enjoy this special day and know how special you are!
πSending love all the Dads!π
ππ Embark on an Epic Star Wars Adventure at TimberNook Saskatoon! π π½
Join us for a thrilling week at TimberNook Saskatoonβs GOING WILD- Star Wars camp! Your children will transform into Jedi masters, construct rebel strongholds, and master the force in a galaxy far, far away.
Throughout the week, kids will:
π Train like Rey, learning survival skills and using their instincts to navigate the wild.
π return home adorned with Mandalorian armor and helmets, wielding lightsabers in the spirit of intergalactic fun.
π Build rebel bases and strongholds inspired by Princess Leiaβs strategic genius.
π Discover the secrets of the galaxy, following in the footsteps of PadmΓ© Amidala, and learning about diplomacy and leadership.
May the force be with them on this thrilling journey!
ποΈ Camp Dates: July 22 - July 26, 2024
β° Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
π§π¦ Ages: 7-12 years
π² Cost: $415 per child/week
π Location: TimberNook Saskatoon Map- # 6 Bergheim Road
π Ready for an Epic Star Wars Adventure? Sign up today and let your child build lifelong memories at TimberNook Saskatoonβs Summer Camps, playing the TimberNook way!
ππ²π
π Register Here: https://timbernook.com/program/going-wild-timbernook-saskatoon-2/
ππ TimberNook Saskatoon Summer Camps 2024! π²ποΈ Count down to camps!
Reach out if the camp you want is full to be added to waitlist! Also ask about camp ages. We do allow siblings to attend together camp and can be flexible on age ranges suggested for each camp. Email Shelley at [email protected]
Storybook Summer
Explore magical tales through grand play in the woods!
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Camp Dates: July 8 - July 12, 2024
β° Hours: 9:00 am-1:00 pm
π§π¦ Ages: 4-8+
π² Cost: $290 per child/week
Friends in the Wild Summer Camp
Jump into outdoor fun with stuffed animals and imaginative play!
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Camp Dates: July 15 - July 19, 2024
β° Hours: 9:00 am-1:00 pm
π§π¦ Ages: 4-8+
π² Cost: $290 per child/week
Star Wars Summer Camp (Going Wild on website!)
Transform into Jedi masters in a galaxy far, far away!
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Camp Dates: July 22 - July 26, 2024
β° Hours: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
π§π¦ Ages: 7-12 years
π² Cost: $415 per child/week
Village Folks Summer Camp
Dive into adventure, building your own village with new friends!
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Camp Dates: July 29 - August 2, 2024
β° Hours: 9:00 am-1:00 pm
π§π¦ Ages: 5-10 years
π² Cost: $290 per child/week
Castaways Summer Camp
Embark on an exciting survival adventure on a deserted island!
π
Camp Dates: August 12 - August 16, 2024
β° Hours: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
π§π¦ Ages: 7-12 years
π² Cost: $415 per child/week
Check out more details here!
https://timbernook.com/provider/timbernook-saskatoon/
πποΈπ§π¦
Ever wondered if TimberNook is a franchise? Let's clear that up! π
TimberNook Saskatoon is your local small business, licensed to run TimberNook programs. This means we can tailor our programs to fit our community's needs while maintaining TimberNook's high standards. Unlike franchises, we enjoy flexibility and creative opportunities. π³
Our programs are led by certified providers, ensuring quality and consistency. Becoming a provider isn't easyβyou need qualifications like a Masterβs degree in OT, PT, or teaching. Once accepted, there's a week of intense training at TimberNook headquarters in New Hampshire, followed by on-site training. π
Shelley, our dedicated teacher, forest school practitioner, early childhood educator, and mom, can attest to the life-changing experience of being part of the TimberNook team. Sheβs grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on childrenβs lives. πΏ
Curious about TimberNookβs renowned curriculum and philosophy? Visit TimberNook to learn more!
π³ Ever tried playing hide-and-seek with nature?
Step behind a tree and watch the magic unfold! πΏβ¨ It's nature's own invisibility cloak - no one will spot you! π Embrace the thrill of blending into your leafy surroundings and let the adventure begin! ππ
πΏπΎ Embark on an Outdoor Adventure with TimberNook Saskatoon's Friends in the Wild Summer Camp! π²π¦
Join the excitement at TimberNook Saskatoon's Friends in the Wild Summer Camp, offering a week of thrilling adventures for your child and their stuffed animal companion! ππ»
ποΈ Camp Dates: July 15 - July 19, 2024
β° Hours: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
π§π¦ Ages: 4-8+
π² Cost: $290 per child/week
π Location: TimberNook Saskatoon # 6 Bergheim Road
Let your child build lasting memories as they run wild and free, exploring the wonders of the forest and creating lifelong connections with their woodland buddies.
π Ready for the Adventure? Sign up today and let your child experience the joy of the great outdoors the TimberNook way!
https://timbernook.com/program/friends-in-the-wild-timbernook-saskatoon/
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π Unlocking the Pyramid of Learning! π§ β¨
Curious about how children learn and grow? Dive into this fascinating article on the importance of the Pyramid of Learning! ππ
Discover the key pillars that support your child's development:
πΆ Sensory Processing: Exploring the world through touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound.
π€ΈββοΈ Motor Skills: Building strength, coordination, and control through movement and play.
π§ Cognitive Skills: Stimulating the mind with problem-solving, memory, and attention tasks.
π£οΈ Language and Communication: Expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas through speech and interaction.
π± Social-Emotional Development: Nurturing relationships, empathy, and resilience for well-rounded growth.
Join us on a journey of discovery as we uncover the foundations of your child's learning pyramid! ππ‘
Read more: The Importance of the Pyramid of Learning
ππ¨ Embrace Adventure and Empowerment with TimberNook! π³πͺ
Yes! Sometimes, our efforts to keep kids safe can actually hinder their development. It's time to support them in learning the skills to navigate the world confidently, instead of shielding them from all risks in childhood! π
From mastering physical skills to honing social-emotional skills, kids thrive when they have the freedom to explore, play, and learn through movement and practice. πβ¨
At TimberNook, we believe in fostering a culture of adventure and empowerment, where children are encouraged to take healthy risks, make choices, and build resilience in a safe and supportive environment. Join us on this colorful journey of growth and discovery! ππΏ
π± Last spring, we had a planting journey in our woods - planting 10 evergreen trees! Each child carefully selected their tree, and from that moment, a beautiful connection was formed. π³π
π¦π½π³ The magic truly began as these young guardians lovingly tended to their chosen trees, watering them and even having full conversations with them. It was a sight to behold, witnessing the bond that grew stronger with each passing day. πΏπ¬
π² And oh, the excitement! Every visit to the woods became an eagerly anticipated event, as the children eagerly sought out their trees, eyes gleaming with wonder and anticipation. Their joy was infectious, filling the woods with laughter and love. π³β¨
πΏ This is the power of connecting children to nature. When they feel that deep-seated love and connection, they become its stewards, its protectors. And as we watched these young hearts care for their trees, we were reminded of the immense impact that nurturing this bond can have on both them and the environment. ππ
π³ Let this be a reminder to us all - that in fostering this connection, we not only sow the seeds of love and care within our children but also within the very earth that sustains us. Together, let's continue to nurture these bonds and watch as they blossom into something truly beautiful. π±πΈ
π±Parent Question: My kids love digging in SAND! I want to say yes but the mess they bring inside is making me crazy! Help me say YES to sand play!?!
Your kids are not alone! Kids love to dig in sand, whether it's at the beach or the playground! ποΈThere are so many reasons to say YES to digging! Did you know that digging in the sand provides great "heavy work" to the muscles and joints? πΏπ¦
This resistance helps to neurologically override the light touch sense of "messy fingers & hands" that can feel aversive to so many children. Over time, providing more full-body sensory experiencesβespecially outdoorsβhelps to create effective changes to the senses.
So, the next time your kids are covered in sand, rememberβthey're not just having fun, they're also developing important sensory skills! π Let's embrace outdoor play and watch as they grow and thrive!
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π Looking for an unforgettable summer experience that will create memories to last a lifetime? Look no further than TimberNook Saskatoon summer camps! π²
STORYBOOK SUMMER CAMP
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JULY 8 to JULY 12
π¦π§ AGES 4 to 8+
β° 9 am to 1 pm
Details:
π¦ 6:1 child to adult ratio
π¦ Drop-off program
πΏ 100% outdoor nature program
π· Nightly emails with beautiful photos
βοΈ Private location
Every day at camp, your child's imagination will soar with different themes inspired by classic stories! The week kicks off with the beloved story ROXABOXEN, where children will create their own village with friends. From pirates to fairies, each new story brings a new adventure! There will even be water experiences on those hot summer days! π¦
This is not your regular summer camp! π We are part of an international organization that creates play experiences designed to ignite the senses and allow children to be creative and lead their own adventures. Surrounded by nature, they will have the time and space to discover themselves and the world around them! π
Don't miss out! Sign up now: TimberNook Storybook Summer Camp
π³πβ¨
https://timbernook.com/program/22-storybook-timbernook-saskatoon/
Read that again!!!
πββοΈ"MOVEMENT TURNS THE BRAIN ON TO PAY ATTENTION!"πΆ
Let children move!ππΆ
πΏπ³I think we need to remember ADULTS also need time outside away from the hustle and bustle!
πGet outside today!π
"We have to develop a society that understands play, and the many good things it does for children's brains and minds." - Dr. Jaak Panksepp
Outdoor play is indeed the ultimate occupation, especially when shared with other children! π
By tapping into a child's intrinsic motivation systems, outdoor play sets the stage for sensory integration, organizing the brain in remarkable ways. Children are more likely to tackle difficult tasks, conquer fears, regulate emotions, explore new play scenarios, navigate conflicts, and challenge themselves beyond expectations.
Consider this: a child who typically shies away from getting dirty may eagerly wade into giant mud puddles when inspired by peers catching frogs. Another child, perhaps uninterested in classroom construction or STEM projects, may eagerly collaborate with others to build forts in the woods. The possibilities are endless...
The choice, the motivation to explore and play, has the power to overcome fears, anxieties, apathy, and disinterest. Through facing challenges and pushing their limits in play, children cultivate confidence and a strong sense of self.
Outdoor play is truly a priceless occupation, one that we must defend!
πΏπ Join us for TimberNook Saskatoon's Spring Sessions, where toddlers and preschoolers connect with nature and ignite their imaginations! πΈπ
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Camp Dates: 3 sessions: Fridays: June 7, 14, & 21
β° Times: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
π° Cost: $90
πΆ Ages: Walking to age 5 with caregiver
π Location: TimberNook Saskatoon at #6 Bergheim Road
π Program Details:
Tiny Ones: A true family program, caregivers and children bond while exploring the joys of outdoor play.
Arrival: 9:25 am
Attire: Weather-appropriate clothing required
Babes in arms welcome at no cost
Specifics emailed one week prior
Nightly emails with photos and summaries included
Don't miss out on creating lifelong memories with your little ones at TimberNook Saskatoon! π³β¨ https://timbernook.com/program/43-tiny-ones-timbernook-saskatoon-3/
πΏ Discover the Secret to Strong Readers and Writers! π
Find out why outdoor play is crucial for children who are learning to read and write! π‘
"Readers need strong eye-muscles for tracking, and time in nature helps this happen. On uneven terrain, kids are constantly adjusting their gaze. This begins as early as infancy for babies who are held on hikes. With each step, the slight up and down motion forces the eyes to work together, strengthening their ability to track.
An adequate writing posture is needed for emerging writers. This posture begins with core strength and balance. Today, many kids are so movement starved that they are falling out of their desks for no apparent reason at all! The ability to sit still actually begins with movement. Children who engage their bodies in diverse and complex movements develop what is needed for desk sitting."
π Dive deeper into the connection between outdoor play and literacy skills here: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/blog/outside-play-is-crucial-for-emerging-readers-and-writers?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR06BDQ_9LXz_wwEYPanb30XkioeplAnavG7A0dMV5ftaLwzF7aXmfinQl4_aem_ASOKQ3FWGgNyYpUK4d9CqTRIl_9JpLL3DoaVagWY6j2wrnxZJtV8H7Xy4XbeZb2qSTu-hLoGezMgdi_Z65qcZm1O
πΏ How do you keep score of your time spent in nature?
π³ Is it through the number of steps you take on a forest trail, the birdsongs you hear, or the moments of serenity you feel? π¦
πΆ Let's redefine the metrics of our outdoor adventures and treasure each connection made with the natural world. π
π Share your nature scorecard in the comments below! π²
πΎ Peek-a-boo, prairie gophers, we see you! πΏοΈ Playing hide-and-seek from their cozy burrows, these little adventurers add a sprinkle of fun to our prairie landscapes.
πΎ Who else can't resist a smile when catching a glimpse of these playful peek-a-boo masters?
Share your favorite gopher sightings below! π
It Shelley's birthday today! Wish her a great day!
Shelley went swimming last year on her birthday!! Yep, swimming in the dugout! This year you could find her outside in the garden or crafting on the deck!
Happy Birthday Shelley!
π« Sibling Rivalry: Understanding and Support π«
Ever wonder why siblings fight? Here's the scoop:
π Natural Competition: Siblings want attention, resources, and freedom, which can lead to arguments.
π Personality Differences: Each child is different, with their own likes and dislikes that can clash.
πͺ Power Struggles: Siblings may fight to be in charge or control things in the family.
π Jealousy and Comparison: Comparing siblings or feeling left out can make them upset with each other.
But don't worry! Here's how to help:
β¨ Promote Fairness: Treat each child fairly so they feel equal and don't get jealous.
π£οΈ Encourage Communication: Teach them to talk about their feelings and fix problems without fighting.
π Foster Bonding: Give them chances to do fun things together to become closer.
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Model Good Relationships: Show them how to talk nicely and solve problems with others.
With patience, understanding, and your help, siblings can learn to get along and love each other more! π
Did you know we love to have sibling groups and pairs attend our programs? Mixed age groups create a more authentic play group more like a neighborhood feeling! Check out our programs: https://timbernook.com/provider/timbernook-saskatoon/
What a wonderful week it's been at TimberNook Saskatoon!
π It's truly heartwarming to see children embracing their curiosity, unleashing their imagination, and engaging in a world of movement, exploration, and connection with nature and each other. Witnessing their authentic and self-directed play fills us with joy and awe. Our little adventurers are simply incredible! πΏβ¨
πποΈ Dive our summer camp from a Castaways point of view!
Hey there, it's Max! I have to tell you about the most epic summer camp ever at TimberNook Saskatoon! π£ββοΈπ₯
We weren't just campers, we were full-on Castaways on an island adventure! ποΈ The leaders greeted us with huge grins and showed us to our "shipwrecked" spot where we would be working all week.
First day, we got down to survival business. We built solid shelters using sticks, ropes and other found materials, just like real castaways! πΏ There's something cool about creating stuff from nothing. π
But being a castaway isn't all smooth sailing. We tackled challenges like building rafts to escape the island and got crafty making tools from washed-up stuff. πΆ But each challenge brought us closer as a team, teaching us we can do anything when we stick together. π€
It felt like the adults disappeared for real and we were really alone and shipwrecked but deep down we always knew they were close by watch out for us. So if you're up for the ultimate outdoor adventure, come to TimberNook Saskatoon! Trust me, you won't wanna miss out on the magic of summer camp!"
ποΈ Camp Dates: August 12 - August 16, 2024
β° Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
π§π¦ Ages: 7-12 years
π² Cost: $415 per child/week
π Register Here https://timbernook.com/program/castaways-timbernook-saskatoon-3/
Unlocking Potential Through Play!
Did you know that occupational therapists often have children go upside down, spin in circles, and swing in various positions to help them develop a strong balance sense and improve attention? ππ
Let's encourage children to play outdoors frequently, where the natural landscape inspires and challenges their senses and muscles. π It's not just playβit's essential for their growth and development! πΏ
π
πΏPARENT QUESTION: "I love the idea of getting my children outside this summer but I am not sure they are outside kids. What kinds of things will the kids do at camp?"- Beth
At our Storybook TimberNook camp, children dive into a world of imagination and adventure in the beauty of nature. ππ³ From building forts to crafting their own instruments, every day is filled with wonder and discovery.
π So, what exactly do children do at our camp?
Their day will start with checking in with staff and they can explore our "waiting room" while we wait for all friends to check in. Once everyone is there we will gather and play a group games or activity. We will also review the rules and the plan for the day. Everyone will enjoy their first snack while listening to a story. After everyone is fueled up they children discovery the invitation in the woods, which is based on the theme/ story of the day. The children have the opportunity to engage with the invitation or to seek out what they would like to discover. It is very child driven and each and every child finds success.
Here are some possibilities of what they might do:
π Explore: Children uncover the hidden treasures of the outdoors and the grand play invitation that is set out daily.
π οΈ Create: Using loose parts like lumbar, tires, ropes and tarps, they let their creativity soar as they build forts and other structures in the woods.
π Imagine: Inspired by playful stories, they may act out their favorite characters and embark on epic quests.
π± Learn: Through hands-on experiences, they develop essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience.
π Play: Most importantly, they laugh, run, and play freely in a safe and nurturing environment.
Our camp isn't just about being outsideβit's about connecting with nature, fostering creativity, and making memories that last a lifetime.
π So, if you're still unsure, we invite you to explore our website and discover the magic of TimberNook Saskatoon for yourself! β¨
https://timbernook.com/program/22-storybook-timbernook-saskatoon/
π²
π³ Last Chance Alert! π³
Today is the final day to sign up for May Fridays Tiny Ones at TimberNook Saskatoon! πΏ Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with your little ones in the heart of nature.
Our Spring sessions for Toddlers and Preschoolers are designed to ignite imagination and create unforgettable memories for children ages 1 to 5, alongside their caregivers. π» Each Friday, from May 10th to May 31st, we'll embark on magical adventures in the woods of TimberNook Saskatoon!
π
Camp Dates: May 10, 17, 24, & 31
π€ Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
π° Cost: $120
πΆ Ages: Walking to age 5 with caregiver
π Location: TimberNook Saskatoon at #6 Bergheim Road
But wait, there's more! Our Tiny Ones program isn't just about outdoor playβit's about family bonding and creating cherished memories together. π Plus, babes in arms are welcome to join at no additional cost!
π² Sign up today before it's too late!π
π€©Think of TimberNook Saskatoon when you are donating household items!π
πΏOutside and garage: Mallets, pin hammers, cool gears and gages, tarps, rope, twine, metal shovels, helmets, kid sized wheelbarrows and rakes, scoops and carabineers.
πΌReno Materials: BRICKS, patio pavers, scrap plywood and lumbar.
βοΈHousehold: Pillow cases, fake flowers, clothes drying rack, baskets with handles, picnic basket, fancy lace table clothes, mailboxes, beach decor like seashells and counts.
πToys: toy boats, musical instruments, dress up skits and hats.
β€οΈAnything STARSWARS. Dress up, capes, cloaks, and small world play.
βοΈKitchen items- ice cream scoops, colanders, flour stiffer, and scales.
πOffice: Tape, chalk, card stock, kid scissors, crafting paper, and old notebooks.
If you have something that you think we can use REACH OUT!! We would rather have items recycled and used then going to the DUMP!π§Ί
Reach out to arrange a pick up or drop off!
BIG THANK YOU!
π In the heart of the forest, a group of children embarked on a thrilling adventure. Among them was Emma, a curious explorer with eyes full of wonder.
πΏ As they roamed the forest, Emma's attention was captured by a simple stick lying on the ground. With a spark of imagination, she saw it as a scepter fit for a queen.
π With her newfound treasure in hand, Emma led her friends on a quest through the enchanted woods, casting spells.
π³ As they played, the forest echoed with laughter and joy, each child lost in their own world of make-believe. The simple stick had become a gateway to endless possibilities, their imaginations was on fire!
β¨ Playing with sticks isn't just about funβit's about fostering creativity, imagination, and outdoor exploration. Sticks encourage children to engage with nature, develop motor skills, and learn to assess risks in a safe environment.
π Let's encourage our children to embrace the magic of stick play, for in the simplest of things, the greatest adventures await. πΏπ
TimberNook Saskatoon
TimberNook Saskatoon is a true private prairie oasis on 160 acres. You enter through the βsister treesβ and follow a winding path into the bluff of poplar trees to βthe clearingβ where our campfire is located. Our location has many other enchanted spots such the hidden hollows, the willows, a mud pit, a gentle seasonal stream, and lots of open rolling hills of natural prairie grasslands. We provide the props and initial inspiration, and the children use their imaginations and creativity to create experiences they will never forget. Come play the TimberNook way! Location: https://goo.gl/maps/frTJSiCdM51XgBku9
TimberNook Saskatoon is the first TimberNook location in Saskatchewan. Sisters, Crystal and Shelley bring a love of outdoor adventure and early education to this new business.
Crystal Itterman, a registered pediatric Occupational Therapist with a BA in Psychology, has 14 years of experience working in local Saskatoon schools. Crystal is a passionate advocate for the importance of free play in the natural environment as a crucial element in childrenβs healthy physical, emotional and educational development. Crystal has worked with parents and teachers to emphasize that the best treatment for building self-regulation, fine motor, gross motor, and sensory motor development is to have kids frequently playing and moving outdoors in the woods. As the mom of two young children, Crystal puts her philosophy into practice with her own family, and emphasizes: βI let them play in mud. I value tree climbing, puddle jumping, ice crunching, bug catching, and stick play!β In her free time, Crystal enjoys reading, camping, spending time with the two household cats Thor and Lokki, and travelling with her family.
Shelley, who earned a BA in Education, is the hands on lead teacher in three preschool classes at Explorers' Preschool and Before & After School Care at Cardinal Leger School. Ever since she was young, Shelley has been inspired by playing in the woods, tromping in the mud, and opening herself up to the full sensory experience offered by natural play. These early experiences have had a profound effect on Shelleyβs teaching philosophy and leadership at the Explorers Preschool, where children are encouraged to embrace nature as both the context of their play and as a playmate. The partnership with TimberNook -- the first for any school in this province-- was a natural fit for Shelley and her Explorers: βI love watching children learn, explore and create. I know that Saskatoon and our community will benefit from the TimberNook philosophy of giving children more time and space to be outdoors enjoying unstructured play with loose parts. This sums up my childhood and I want to make sure more children have access to nature based play.β Her 15-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter, enjoy time outside with their four cats- Ginger, Fire, Precious, and Rootbeer and their dog Walle. Shelley enjoys spending time with her family at their cabin fishing, boating, and down hill skiing.