Ep 38 | Let’s form a Nature Play Community!
What happens when children meet a muddy hill, a dangling rope, and a whole lot of possibility? They climb. They slip. They tumble. They try again.
In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty returns to Six Mile Creek and shares the story of Challenge Hill, where preschoolers in mud suits showed him just how capable, joyful, and determined children can be.
That wide-eyed moment is part of what inspired Rusty’s newest adventure: Nature Play Academy. After years of visiting inspiring play spaces, designing natural playgrounds, leading risky play conversations, and collecting stories from around the world, Rusty is ready to get all that goodness off his hard drive and into a living, growing community.
The Academy welcomes everyone from curious seeds to seasoned forests: teachers, directors, parents, grandparents, designers, playworkers, and nature play champions of every kind. Most of all, Nature Play Academy is a place to stop feeling alone. A place to ask questions. Share ideas. Grow confidence. Say yes more often. And go farther together.
Top Three Takeaways
- Nature Play Academy is designed for everyone, from brand-new nature play beginners to experienced leaders growing the movement.
- Community and practical support can help educators move through fears about risk, licensing, parents, and program expectations.
- Small changes, shared ideas, and a little courage can create richer, wilder, more joyful play for children.
Get on the waitlist for Nature Play Academy: rustykeeler.com/the-nature-play-academy
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
