WELCOME to FIT BY NATURE!

Fit by Nature is a program dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of your child. We are all aware of the rising pandemic of anxiety, depression, and ADHD in children. Through fitness in nature, art, music, wandering and exploring, tracking, council/circle time, forest bathing, and much more, your child will develop resilience and self-awareness that will increase their confidence and boost their joy! The mind/body/nature connection that Fit by Nature fosters will enhance both physical and mental health, ultimately creating a happier future for our children. This aligns perfectly with what it means to be fit in nature. 

The Fit by Nature program offers sweet freedom for your child and time to break away from sitting in front of a Chromebook, phone, iPad, or video game. Being outside involves all of the senses, and in nature, what does it mean to be fit? The sounds, colors, and smells of the outdoors are proven to reduce stress, increase a sense of calm, and inspire creativity. Being outside regulates the nervous system. Mother Nature has a way of pulling everyone in for a warm, gentle hug; she provides an endless playground and the perfect spot for you to sit and take in all her splendor. Nature just knows what kids need, which is why Wallingford summer camps emphasize the importance of outdoor activities.

The ways of the world might have changed, but our innate need for a Nature connection has not. Out of necessity, this program was created to explore what it means to be Fit in Nature. Mental and physical fitness does not come easy these days, but it can be simpler if we embrace what comes to us naturally. Sunshine, clean air, exercise, and good nutrition are all part of being nature fit. If we all come together and prioritize our kids’ health and happiness as Nature intended, we can’t go wrong. The future of our planet can only improve if we stand up for our children. Consider joining TODAY!

Not only will we gather in nature to build, play music, sing, dance, hike, and explore in wonder, but we will also utilize this time to share individual and unique thoughts. Every child has a voice and wants to simply be heard. During “Council Time” all kids get their time to express whatever they feel. In doing so, we all learn what it means to be FIT in nature, becoming respectful listeners along the way. Sounds good to me!

If only we all had someone cheering us on as kids to embrace our authentic selves! Authenticity is essential for living a life that’s truly fulfilling and fun. As we explore nature fit activities, I will encourage each child to be true to themselves by giving them their own time to freely share what is most important to them at that moment. By listening to their thoughts in a non-judgmental way and promoting an environment that is safe for all to relax in,..we can help them understand in nature what it means to be fit.

Hi! I’m Mary, your child’s nature guide! I earned my Level Two nature-based education certifications through ANBE- Association for Nature Based Education and I am a Connecticut certified Physical Education and Health teacher with 20 years of teaching experience. I also hold a certification in Shinrin Yoku/Nature Mindfulness and Nature Therapy.  I recently received my Master Naturalist certification through the James L. Goodwin Master Naturalist program, a certification that I'm so in love with! 

I have observed how many kids are tethered to a make-believe world through technology. Excessive screen time is literally changing how kids' brains develop. A re-connection to nature can greatly contribute to healthy mental and physical growth, building confidence and strength. At Fit by Nature, we are dedicated to nurturing your child's connection to nature. By enhancing each child's outdoor experience, they will start to understand what it means to be fit in nature and establish their own environmental identity as part of a living ecosystem. 

Kids will gain a sense of empowerment through their new environmental knowledge. Their confidence will grow through their connections, and they will develop an appreciation for good health and the ability to move. Through our programs, kids will learn to be proactive in their health, full of joy and knowledge! Healthy minds and bodies truly go hand in hand!