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 Weekend Nature Club
We heard your feedback and made some changes to nature-based groups to make them more accessible.
Join Pierce and Kristy for Saturday Nature Club! This is a spinoff of our OT social group, adjusted to be more relaxed and easier to access. We've moved this group to the weekend, and lowered our prices, so it's easier to get there and easier to feel good about missing a week if you need to.
When: Saturdays, 10:30am-12:00pm
Season: September 26-October 24 (no club on October 17)
Where: THPRD Nature Center, Beaverton
Price: Fall club is $597 $480 total. A $10 deposit is due at sign-up, followed by an invoice of $470, or a weekly installment payment plan. Consultation with group leaders outside of club time, and all materials, are included.
We're capping this group at 5 kids, so grab a spot while they last.
If this sounds like something your kiddo would enjoy, reach out or use the link below to sign up.
September’s Social Clubs:
Ferns Saturday Nature Club, 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.
Willows (mixed age)
Inquire directly with the group leader for availability below:
What will we do at Ferns?
Yes, we're outside every week, rain or shine! Our occupational therapy team will be there to facilitate connection and play in the natural world, building each child's connection to their sensory system, sense of self, and peers.
Ferns Nature Club is designed to meet kids exactly where they are. We're not here to push anyone past what feels safe, but rather to give each child the space and support to decide, from a place of autonomy, what they're ready to try and what they're not.
The group is intentionally small. Instead of a crowded playground or a full class, Ferns keeps it to around 3-5 kids led by an occupational therapist, so every child gets real, individualized attention. That kind of ratio means kids can slow down, take real sensory and social risks, and feel safe to explore.
Every child gets to participate in their own way. This is a group where every child's unique strengths are seen, celebrated, and woven into the day, whether that looks like leading the group down the trail or quietly collecting rocks at the back.
Ferns is intentionally affirming of all neurotypes. Activities are offered in multiple ways, visual, auditory, and hands-on, so every child has a chance to engage in whatever way works best for them. Breaks, snacks, sensory tools, and accommodations are welcomed and celebrated.
At Ferns, we work together as a team, using the natural world to build regulation, connection, and confidence, on each child's own terms.
Ferns Nature Club — FAQs
Is this therapy? No. However, Ferns is led by an occupational therapist with specific training in nature-based practice, and sessions are built around real OT goals, things like regulation, coordination, social connection, and confidence. It may feel like therapeutic work, done outside, in community.
Who leads Ferns? Ferns is led by an experienced occupational therapist. After you enroll, you'll receive your group leader's contact information.
When and where does Ferns meet? Ferns Nature Club meets Saturdays at 10:30am, in Beaverton at the THPRD Nature Center.
Who's invited? Ferns is a small group of 3-5 kids, ages 4-7. Age range is flexible, since the focus is on each child's individual development and goals, so we're happy to talk through fit if your child is a little younger or older.
How do I sign up? Use the sign-up link, or start with a parent consultation by emailing social@realworkwellness.com. From there, we'll recommend the best-fit group for your child, and you'll complete enrollment for the upcoming season.
Will I receive updates from the group leader? Yes! You can expect updates on what happened during group, standout moments from your kiddo, and what to expect the following week. If there's ever a change to the schedule, you'll get an update ahead of time so you can prepare your child.
What if my kid needs a snack? Kids are encouraged to bring a snack in case they get hungry. Your child will never be told to ignore what their body needs.
Do I need to bring anything? A water bottle, weather-appropriate clothes they can move and get a little messy in, closed-toed shoes, and maybe a snack in case they get hungry. Nothing else is needed.
What if my child is nervous about joining a new group? That's completely normal, and totally okay. No child is ever forced into an activity or interaction they're not ready for. There are many meaningful ways to be part of the group beyond jumping right in.
What happens if my child misses a session? Life happens! Please just give your group leader a heads-up when possible so we can help your child catch up and feel prepared for the next session.
What age range is this for? 4-7 years old. That said, we're flexible, and understand there may be kiddos just outside that range who would really benefit from this group. If that sounds like your child, reach out and we're happy to chat and see if it would be a good fit.
How does payment work? The total fee for the Fall club is $597 $480. A $10 deposit is due at sign-up, followed by an invoice of $470, or a weekly installment payment plan. Consultation with group leaders outside of club time, and all materials, are included.
“We believe many kids feel more at home outside and we are committed to meeting them there.”
— The Real Work’s Nature-Based Team
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)
Parent Feedback from Nature-Based Groups
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“Our children stayed engaged because the approach was creative, positive, and grounded in what really works for them.”
-Parent of 4
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“Not only is it outdoors—good-bye sterile OT clinics!—it’s 90 minutes of joyful, meaningful therapy.”
-Parent from Thrive Outside Social Group
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“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