Play- and nature-based activities offer powerful ways for children, youth, educators, and researchers to collaboratively explore and strengthen wellbeing, foster climate hope and action and to connect with place. Drawing on national and international experiences, this workshop provides insights into ways that creative participatory methods can foster space to strengthen mental health and wellbeing, deepen relationships with land, and enhance intergenerational learning. The facilitators will introduce three different methods that can be applied in and out of school settings, child and youth programs, and as research methods. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in: (1) Nature Object Story to explore personal and ecological wellbeing; (2) Giant Jenga and Tree of Hope to navigate climate anxiety, collective responsibility, and hope; (3) a reflective River Journey. Time will be built into each activity to reflect on how these could be applied across contexts.
