We are excited to share a deeper look at what it means to get a dose of nature through our current partnership with the middle and high schools in the Bellingham School District. Students participating in our Parkscriptions program have been connecting deeply with nature through mindfulness activities, environmental education lessons, and team-building in the beautiful parks of Bellingham.
A day in the Parkscriptions program begins with a calming breathing exercise to help students center themselves and transition into a mindful state. These exercises focus on slowing the breath, calming the mind, and becoming more aware of the present moment. This practice sets the tone for the outing, encouraging students to release stress and prepare for the activities ahead.
Next, students participate in mindfulness practices that help them tune into their surroundings. Through techniques like guided imagery or body scans, they learn to focus on their senses and become fully present in the environment. This practice is designed to cultivate awareness and emotional clarity, helping students develop tools to manage stress and improve mental well-being.
The program then moves into nature lessons, learning about plants, animals, and ecosystems. These lessons often include activities like plant identification, sensory exploration, and discussions about the natural world’s role in our lives. For example, students may be asked to identify local plant species or explore how nature influences their emotions and behaviors. These activities not only expand students’ environmental knowledge but also strengthen their connection to the world outside.
The program concludes with a journaling session, where students reflect on their experiences, thoughts, and personal insights. Writing about their observations and emotions allows students to process what they’ve learned and deepen their understanding of both nature and themselves. Journaling encourages self-expression and helps solidify the lessons learned throughout the day, providing students with a personal space to connect their experiences in nature to their everyday lives.
Here’s what some of our students are saying:
I really liked getting outside in nature today. It helps clear my thoughts.”
It was cool to learn how trees communicate and connect with my peers through nature.”
Parkscriptions makes me feel less stressed about my day.”
In addition to outdoor activities, our program incorporates social-emotional growth exercises. Students are introduced to concepts such as the “Blue Mind Theory” to help them better understand how their emotions are impacted by their environment. Through journaling and reflecting on their experiences, students gain insight into how nature influences their well-being and how they can use these lessons to reduce stress and improve focus on their own.
The Parkscriptions program is about creating a deeper connection to nature and fostering personal growth. Through activities like plant identification, scavenger hunts, and group discussions, students are learning to reflect on their individual connections to the environment. Interactive games and activities encourage teamwork and communication, allowing students to bond with one another while strengthening their relationships with nature.
We’re creating a supportive, inclusive space where students connect with nature—and each other—every step of the way.
Article written by Staci Segalla, Program Coordinator
As Chief Operating Officer, Elizabeth Nelson brings her B.S. in Public Health, her extensive work with trauma survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, and her own experiences of the positive connection and health benefits of time spent in nature into the Parkscriptions program at Recreation Northwest. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder. She has a broad range of experience running her own business and working in nonprofit and government organizations.
