FOOTPATH FOUNDATION

Footpath Nature Club is an after-school program with an impactful academic and mental health curriculum. With our unique three prong focus, we not only connect children with nature, but the curriculum is designed to get the most possible out of our outdoor program. With the first prong focusing on mental health we teach “intentions”- we teach and practice what it means to set an intention that directly connects to developing a personal internal attribute during the outdoor experience. For instance, we teach patience, integrity and teamwork. The second prong is exposing the children to the natural world in a way that lets them have a new hands on experience and feel part of our natural community. This is important as they learn so much from new experiences and also gets their bodies moving for physical health. Being outdoors and in green space also has proven effects on children’s ability to learn better and to decrease ADHD symptoms as well as stress and anxiety. Lastly, but certainly not least, the curriculum includes a STEM component that gives children a clear scientific insight into nature. This hands-on learning is very effective and children remember what we teach them. This curriculum is unique and reaches youth in an innovative way.