Blossoming In Nature
Connecting Children with Autism to Nature
What is "Blossoming in Nature"
Opportunities and Relationships
Blossoming in Nature is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to inspire children with autism to connect with nature. We provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and sports activities that promote engagement with the natural world.
Our organization is dedicated to creating a positive impact on both children with autism and volunteers in the communities we serve. We believe that instilling a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment is essential for the well-being of our planet. Through various programs and initiatives, we aim to foster a deeper relationship between people and nature. By working together, we can build a brighter future for everyone.
Where the Story Began
Turning Interest into Action
The idea for our non-profit organization began when we visited a friend's house and met their son, who had autism. During their visit, we discussed the many benefits children with autism could gain from spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity. This conversation inspired us to start an organization that would help connect children with autism to nature. With this mission in mind, we decided to found this non-profit and set out to create a program that would help children with autism get the most out of the natural world around them.
The Meaning of "Blossoming in Nature"
Discovery, Respect, Involve, & Love
The name “Blossoming in Nature” has many layers of meaning that represent the mission and values of our organization. The idea for the name came from legendary French poet Gérard de Nerval’s famous quote: “Every flower is a soul Blossoming in Nature.”
Firstly, the name suggests growth and development. Every individual is exceptional, and each of them has their own convictions, aspirations, and talents. To "blossom" is to grow and flourish, to open up and reveal one's full potential. By pairing this idea with "nature," the name suggests that exposure to the natural world can help children with autism to develop and thrive, tapping into their full potential in ways that might not be possible in other settings.
The name also implies a sense of collaboration between children with autism and the natural world. Rather than being simple observers of nature, the name suggests that the children actively engage with the natural world, forming a mutually beneficial relationship.
Finally, the name also has a poetic quality to it that can help to evoke a sense of wonder and beauty. The name “Blossoming in Nature” suggests a sense of hope and optimism, a belief that with the right support and opportunities, children with autism can grow and thrive in a way parallel to flowers in the nature.
Our Mission
A Distinct Identity
The goals of Blossoming in Nature mainly focus on the following:
1. Promoting sensory experiences: Children with autism often experience sensory processing differences, and nature provides a wide range of sensory experiences, such as the feel of different textures, the sound of animals, and the smell of plants. We aim to expose children to these sensory experiences in a safe environment.
2. Encouraging physical activity: Spending time in nature often involves physical activity, such as hiking, which can improve overall health and well-being. We will aim to give chances for children to engage in physical activity in a natural setting.
3. Fostering socialization: Children with autism may have difficulty with social communication, and spending time in nature with peers and caregivers can provide a supportive environment for socialization. We will provide opportunities for children to socialize and build relationships with others.
4. Providing therapeutic benefits: Spending time in nature has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for individuals with autism, such as reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood. We will aim to provide a therapeutic environment for children to benefit from the natural surroundings.
Overall, we believe that exposing children with autism to nature will provide a positive and beneficial experience for these children that can improve their overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
Our Program
Once-A-Month Hike
This is once-a-month hiking program. We will choose children-friendly and safe hiking locations by:
Research online: Before every hiking trip, we will start by doing research online to find parks, nature reserves, and other natural areas in the local area. We will also look for reviews and do a basic description of the landscape.
Consult with local experts: We will contact local experts such as park rangers, naturalists, and environmental educators to get advice on the best locations for children with autism. These experts may have specialized knowledge about the sensory experiences of different locations and can help the organization identify suitable places.
Ask for recommendations: We will also ask for recommendations from local autism support groups, therapists, and parents of children with autism. These individuals may have experience with certain locations and can offer valuable insights.
Conduct site visits: Before taking a group of children with autism on a hike, it's important to conduct site visits to assess the location's suitability. We will look for factors such as ease of access, the presence of sensory features such as streams or wildlife, and potential hazards.
By following these steps, we can identify good locations for hiking that are suitable for children with autism and provide a positive experience for them.