A space for kids to connect with nature and each other.

Kids who join our nature-based social club get to join a small group of 3-5 kids all with the specific focus of connecting with themselves, each other, and nature. Small groups are led by experienced occupational therapists.

Ferns (ages 4–7)
A gentle starting point for younger kids. Thursdays in Beaverton, 3:30–5:00. Focused on early regulation, play skills, and building confidence in a small, steady group.

Willows (mixed age)

Led by Diana Fitts, OTR/L at Tualatin Community Park, Tuesdays 3:30-5:00. Focused on early regulation, play skills, and building confidence in a small, steady group.

Oaks (ages 8–12)
For kids ready to problem-solve and build friendships outdoors. Tuesdays, 3:30–5:00. 90 minutes a week working on flexibility, social skills, and resilience.

Orchids (mixed-age)
A slower-paced group for kids who need more warm-up time and one-on-one support along the way. Tuesdays, 3:30–5:00. Small and individualized, no matter the age mix.

September’s Social Clubs:

  • Ferns, ages 4-7

  • Willows, Mixed Age

Fern Explorers (ages 4–7)
A gentle starting point for younger kids. Thursdays in Beaverton at Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 3:30–5:00. Focused on early regulation, play skills, and building confidence in a small, steady group.

Sign Up for Ferns

Willows (mixed age)
Inquire directly with the group leader for availability below:

Sign Up for Willows
Two children walking through a shallow forest stream surrounded by green plants and tall trees, each holding a colorful hula hoop with pink heart shapes covering their faces.

Why do we offer social groups outside?

Many kids (and adults) connect most naturally in an outdoor setting. Our nature-based therapists have specific training in using nature as a therapeutic partner and are trained to incorporate the therapeutic benefits of nature into treatment to help your child with:

  • Social connection

  • Occupational Therapy Goals

  • Confidence and Self Esteem

  • Coordination, Regulation, and Control

Where are your social groups held?

Our therapists lead groups in local natural areas and parks in Beaverton, Tualatin, and Milkwaukie. Exact locations depend on the group you sign up for.

How do I join a social group?

Start with a Parent Consultation

  • We recommend your child’s best-fit group

  • You complete enrollment for the upcoming season

A Note about age range for groups:

Age range is flexible, since our focus is on the development and goals of each individual child. Our therapists will speak with you about what group is the best fit, regardless of age. Typically, groups have about a 3-year age range (such as 4-7 years old)

“We believe many kids feel more at home outside and we are committed to meeting them there.”

— The Real Work’s Nature-Based Team

An occupational therapis and a boy are collecting water from a creek in a wooded area. The woman is crouched down, pouring water from a plastic bottle into a jar, while the boy, with his face obscured by a pink heart shape, is squatting near the jar.

Nature-Based Social Club Fee Schedule

FEE SCHEDULE-2026-2027

Total fee for 6-week club: 597. 10.00 deposit due today. Weekly followup invoices of 97.00 will be added for each week and are due after each session. 

Sign Up for Ferns

Parent Feedback from Nature-Based Groups

  • “Our children stayed engaged because the approach was creative, positive, and grounded in what really works for them.”

    -Parent of 4

  • “Not only is it outdoors—good-bye sterile OT clinics!—it’s 90 minutes of joyful, meaningful therapy.”

    -Parent from Thrive Outside Social Group

  • “Outdoor sessions brought new understanding, more motivation, and a sense of hope we hadn’t felt in a long time.”

    -Thrive Outside Social Group Parent Participant