From Birdhouses to Llamas: Camp FUNdamentals Embraces Nature Therapy
A local camp is helping sharpen life skills for young adults with disabilities. Camp FUNdamentals does that by embracing nature-based occupational therapy.
Alycia Tadt is an occupational therapist focused on nature-based therapies.
Tadt said parental input and goals inform her work. She said goals can depend on different factors. Some want to improve socialization and play, others want to improve fine motor skills.
“A lot of what I do is really focused on making sure every kid can participate and be successful, but also meets the parent goals for what they want to accomplish out of the camp,” Tadt said.
Camp FUNdamentals is a part of Tadt’s Maple Grove business, Fundamentals in Nature. The camps are small and span different age ranges — some camps for kids as young as 4, others with young adults ages 18-22. The young adult camp happened this week in Brooklyn Park.
“It actually is a gap in general, but especially for kids with different abilities. A lot of programs tend to be inclusional in nature, but not necessarily therapeutic in nature,” Tadt said.
Campers and their helpers started the day on Wednesday by painting birdhouses. This is one example how Camp FUNdamentals builds skills through play in occupational therapy.
‘This is the best day ever’
At Camp FUNdamentals, the activities play to campers’ strengths. They learn to play, organize, socialize and become more self-sufficient. That comes through skills like painting birdhouses, planning activities and even hanging up a hammock. Something extra special was in the cards this week, though: a visit from llamas.
“This is the best day ever,” said Alex Herrald, one of the campers.
Herrald and his friends prepared for the llamas’ visit all week. They read books, learned the llamas’ names and prepared bags of greenery to feed to the animals.
“I’m really excited to see all the pieces come together,” said Roz Larson, an occupational therapy student working with Tadt for the summer.
When Llama Mama MN showed up with what she calls the “Llama Squad,” the campers were ready to go. They came with their food bags, lessons and questions.
Owner Brenda Zachrison brought leis and hair clips for the campers to dress the llamas with. She also brought fun facts and advice for how the campers can care for the llamas. All three — Graycee, Halcyon and Callisto– are registered therapy animals.
With activities like these, Larson said the campers are learning to break down walls every day.
“It is a fun environment, and OT should be fun,” Larson said. “I think that’s why nature is so special and such a great place to do it.”
This was the first, and only, camp for young adults this summer. There are still a few more camps for younger kids this summer through Fundamentals in Nature.
You can learn more about the practice and camps on its website.
One camper pets a member of the “Llama Squad.” Campers spent the last few days learning about these llamas and how to interact with them.
