Kids need community. They need to be around each other and play together and soak up the verbal and non-verbal cues that help forge the interpersonal dynamics and social soft skills that spring-board them to adulthood.

Heather Campbell, Executive Director of White Pine Programs, has witnessed the beneficial and restorative properties of the great outdoors first-hand., especially for children

"Their senses are heightened and their anxiety is reduced," Heather says "They sometimes find a part of themselves that doesn't have a place indoors, they remember how fun it is to just be outside with others and run barefoot in the grass."

SELT and White Pine Programs tag-teamed to create the All-Terrain Learning Adventures (ATLAS) program, an initiative that blends nature-based education with “wild play” to produce active, enticing, and group-based experiences set in the backdrop of the natural world.

Wild Play Recess at Epping Elementary School offers hands-on fun. 

Since the launch in the 2021-2022 school year in Epping Elementary School, ATLAS and White Pine have provided nature-based learning experiences to grades K, 2 and 4. These experiences supplement the classes’ science curriculum, and take place at Burley Farms in Epping, where classes are led through exciting, hands-on sagas that bring the them up close and personal to all that nature ahs to offer.

In addition, every Epping Elementary School student has the opportunity to experience a weekly “wild play” recess activity, facilitated by White Pine, which features activities and experiences right at the school playground.

“These outdoors experiences show our students the value of being mindful of what's all around them,” says Mandy Murphy, Co-Principal of Epping Elementary. “Being outside gives something to everyone, no matter where they're coming from or what their story is. There's no pressure to it. It's fun. It's play.”

SELT’s ATLAS programming is fully funded through Epping's 2023-2024 academic year, with White Pine Programs doing what they do best: presenting the wonder of nature to children of all ages and backgrounds.

“As new neighbors and Epping community members, we are honored to share nature and local lands with Epping's young residents through our ATLAS program,” said Beverly Shadley, SELT's Deputy Director. “We hope we can play some small role in helping Epping Elementary School kids discover their own love of the great outdoors and all of the magic it holds.”

“Bringing these types of transformational experiences directly to where students are helps to eliminate numerous barriers to accessing nature,” Heather says. “Together with SELT, our programs deepen local students’ sense of pride of place, building pro-environmental attitudes and a connection to all the living things in the region that will last a lifetime.”