In 2021, Cliik Community launched the Nature Play project, funded by Social Farms and Gardens, with the aim of fostering stronger relationships among local children, families, and the environment. Our goal was to provide accessible and engaging activities that honour children’s connections to their local park, encouraging playful and creative interactions with nature.
The workshops began with structured activities, including games, mask-making, and storytelling, allowing children to explore their creativity while deepening their relationship with the park. However, we soon adapted to a more fluid approach, introducing “creative stations” that allowed children to choose their activities freely. This encouraged them to engage deeply with nature, promoting discussions about how they can care for their surroundings.
Throughout the sessions, children learned about the trees in the park and the impact of their actions on the environment. This led to a flurry of creativity, with children making hero masks and posters to protect the trees, and even creating “armour” for them. We explored themes of gratitude and respect for nature, connecting the children’s creativity with their understanding of the environment.
The impact of the project was profound. Children expressed their enthusiasm by returning for multiple sessions, with one boy even requesting more time to engage in the activities. The workshops provided a safe space for children to express their ideas and feelings, promoting self-confidence and a sense of belonging.
As the children reflected on their relationship with nature, many initiated discussions about protecting the environment. They created artworks and pledges to care for their local park, demonstrating their commitment to becoming nature champions.
