Forest Physicality

The endless benefits of forest physicality. Balancing, climbing, swinging, bouncing, running, and learning how to keep yourself and others safe.
 Confidence knowing the ground will always support your body. To truly feel grounded we need to feel support from the earth.

Some children are natural climbers. When they first come to Creative Minds, the teachers are close by as they grip onto the branches and their feet leave the ground. We 'spot' them to assess their ability in this environment and with this activity. They seem to already know the rules of tree climbing: always hold on with your hands, climb like a ladder with your belly facing the tree, and when the branches are thinner then your wrist they might not be strong enough to hold you, so don't go higher. 

With some children, this is a brand new activity. They watch with wonder as their fellow classmates climb up with ease. But alas when they try themselves, it's very difficult. It's tempting to lift them up and place them where they wish to be on a certain branch. But with encouragement and them trying again and again, they will build the muscles they will need to keep them up in that tree safely. And when they finally make that climb... That look on their face, when they've actually climbed up to be taller than me, all by themselves! That look is priceless. Pure joy. Satisfaction in oneself. 





Finding calm and solitude in a meaningful activity. Such focus.



Self awareness, spatial awareness and getting accustomed to rough terrain. 


One of the best Ice Cream's you can find in the city. It only costs two pinecones. With the cooler weather we are hoping they start selling hot chocolate soon.

Stamina. When we get a new influx of children at CM, we keep forest walks to about 30 minutes a day. Then each day we increase our length of time walking bit by bit. By mid October, the children can easily walk for an hour+ in our beautiful forest. The loop we do the most starts at CM, follow's the St George's trail up to the meadow, takes a left at Clinton goes down a large hill, crosses the creek, then the path takes you along Salish Trail then to Camosun. 

 Running, running and more running.


Communication. Checking in with a friend. Watching to see where your body ends and another person's body begins. Being aware of your own space. Keeping everyone safe. 

The famous bouncy branch that has seen 35+ years of CM children bounce to new heights.


The forest is in constant change. Changing colours, smells, light/dark, warm/cool. Children are in constant change as well. Growing forests, growing children. 



Some children are a constant blur in the forest, always in action. Lina jumped so high, she jumped out of frame. 







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