LIVEfor

04/11/2026

Truth!

"Teachers reported increased collaboration, more flexible lesson planning, and greater joy in teaching after TimberNook experiences."

Learn more about our new research with the University of New Hampshire here:
https://hub.exchangepress.com/author/lisa-ranfos/?print=print-search

03/30/2026

I am often asked how I make TimberNook accessible to everyone, and while the specifics can change, the one thing that is important to remember is that everybody deserves a chance to play the TimberNook way.

Trust the process.

Step back and tune in.

It can be tempting to step in too soon and come up with a handful of reasons why it's okay to have more adult presence with kids who seem to need it more.

However, we are not giving kids enough credit when we do this. Learning how to manage appropriate risk taking in a child with physical and cognitive delays is just as important as it is for neurotypical kids to learn these skills.

This photo is just one small reminder that kids can help each other. They can recognize a call for help and step in to help only as much as the child needs to become part of the group. To play and experience the magic of TimberNook safely until they see the child has mastered the skill. This is the beauty of multi-age and all ability play.

After several kids took turns making sure this camper could climb their build to the slide, he eventually gained the confidence and the skill to do it on his own. He became part of the group and he grew so much more than if I would have held his hand every time I got nervous he may fall. I heard his ask for help, and so did the campers. They found a way to communicate and they figured it out together. Without an adult telling them what to do.

03/25/2026

Edible bugs? Add some ketchup and mustard and nothing could stop these kids from creating crazy concoctions! Stepping outside of one's comfort zone promotes neural plasticity which is important for cognitive wellness and growth.

03/23/2026

Sensory Adventures: Fear Factor is off to a great start! Play looks different for all kids, but we tend to see similar play themes. From fort building, to exploring the woods, painting, or creating things with mud, one thing was certain today, all kids were deep in authentic childhood play.

What will tomorrow bring? We can't wait to find out!

03/21/2026

Get yourself and your kids up in the trees on these beautiful days! The fresh air, the views, and the climbing are all great for our bodies and minds.

03/18/2026

Mud season is coming...and we cannot wait!

At TimberNook, we believe childhood is meant to be felt - in muddy hands, bare feet, and tiny treasures carried home in pockets. 🌿

03/16/2026

It may be covered in snow today, but in just one week these woods will be filled with kids playing. Opening up more space every season allows for deeper, more authentic play spaces. We cannot wait to see these woods come alive.

03/14/2026

Attention Homeschool Families:
Spring Break Camp is just around the corner, but we are already thinking of Fall programming. If you would have interest in a weekly TimberNook program in Sauk City, WI we want to hear from you!

What day of the week would you like to see our program offered? What hours would work best for you for a drop off program for kids ages 7-12 yo? Would you want us to consider taking younger children? Check out this amazing program in Michigan to get an idea of what we are hoping to run.

Our popular forest program engages children in outdoor play and learning during fall, winter, and spring months. Children will enjoy bringing stories to life, diving deep into their imaginations, engineering grand-scale play experiences, and so much more. Forest programming has never been more fun!....

03/13/2026

Let's give our kids the childhood we believe in.

What if the “problem” isn’t the child… but the environment we’ve created?

Modern kids aren’t getting the amount of unrestricted, physical, outdoor play that their bodies need to develop properly - and we’re now seeing the consequences of that.

Low endurance. Decreased resilience. Poor balance. Trouble with emotional regulation.
And professionals stretched thin trying to fix these growing concerns….

Hear more on Episode #489 of 1000 Hours Outside:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1kho-489-why-modern-childhood-is-failing-kids-bodies/id1448210728?i=1000710066326

03/11/2026

We are so happy to be part of the Chamber Family!

03/09/2026

For those of you new to TimberNook, here is what to expect at ALL locations, and why we love running this programming.

03/09/2026

Fort building. Tree climbing. Rope swinging. Zip line making. Wandering. Wondering. Exploring. While we curate the environment to remove hazards and create space, it is the kids who decide how they will spend their TimberNook time. Cannot wait for March 23!