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

Small, led by therapists, and hosted in natural settings in Beaverton and Portland, our nature-based social groups are designed to nurture neurodivergent kids and connect them with one another and with nature.

Contact Us About Groups

Our Nature-Based Groups

  • Two children gather dried lavender and purple flower petals in a small plastic container on a green metal table.

    Occupational Therapy Groups

    Groups of 3-5 led by Occupational Therapists, designed specifically to enrich your child’s therapy or occupational therapy goals.

    Learn More
  • A woman playing guitar outdoors while a young boy touches the guitar strings, surrounded by children.

    Social Enrichment Groups

    Non-therapeutic groups designed and led by therapists—a no-pressure space for your child to connect with similar peers and make friends.

    Learn More

Join a Nature-Based Therapy Group at The Real Work

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Join a Nature-Based Therapy Group at The Real Work *

    1. Fern Explorers (ages 4–7): Committed 6-Week Season. Meets Thursdays 3:30-5:00 in Beaverton. This group is focused on early regulation, play skills, and confidence.

    2. Mini-Group with Dr. Emilee: 3-4 Participants ages 3-7, Tuesdays 12:00-1:00. Beaverton

  • Mini Group with Diana:

    • A small group designed to meet the individual needs of each child enrolled. 3-5 kids max.

    • Ages 6-9 Tualatin Community Park, Tuesdays 3:30-5pm

    1. Oak Adventurers 6-Week Season: Weekly 90-minute group for kids building social problem-solving, flexibility, friendship skills, and resilience outdoors. Tuesdays 3:30-5:00. Elk Rock Island, Milwaukie, OR

      • -week Winter season begins January 2026. Tuesdays 3:30-5:00

    2. Mini Group with Diana:

      • A small group designed to meet the individual needs of each child enrolled. 3-5 kids max.

      • Ages 6-9 Tualatin Community Park, Tuesdays 3:30-5pm

  • Orchids Group (Mixed Age)

    • A gentler, more supported weekly group for kids who benefit from smaller steps, warm-up time, and individualized connection.

    • 6-week Winter season begins January 2026. Tuesdays 3:30-5:00

Contact Us About Our Groups to Find a Good Fit

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)

Nature-Based Social Enrichment groups at The Real Work

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Nature-Based Social Enrichment groups at The Real Work *

Similar to our Special Interest Groups, these low-pressure, lower-fee groups focus on participant-led exploration. Groups meet in natural areas like public parks throughout Beaverton. Please submit an interest form if you would like to join a group.

“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.

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

Nature-Based Occupational Therapy Fee Schedule

FEE SCHEDULE-2026

Nature-Based Groups and Individual Outdoor OT Sessions

  • Initial Intake Assessment: $400 (two 60 minute sessions)

  • Individual Occupational Therapy Session: $120 (50 minutes)

  • Parent Consultation: $25 (20-30 minutes)

  • Mini-Group Session: $97 (90 minutes)

  • Mini Group Short Session: $77 (60 minutes)

  • Full-Season Group (6 weeks): $776 (intake + 6 90-minute sessions)

  • Full-Season Group (10-Weeks): $950 (billed in weekly installments)