Ontario Association for Child and Youth Care - Submission for The Chronicle

Welcome to the enchanted forest! Come, run the trails or take a leisurely stroll. Listen to the trickling water in the stream; soak in the vitamin D as you feel those warm rays of sunshine caress your face. Wander on your own, or bring the kids, there's something here for everyone! Oh, and while you're in here- make sure you keep your eyes peeled!

It all started months ago after my sister had taken my 2 young nieces to walk through the trails at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. They discovered an area called "The Gnome Trail", that my 3-year-old niece just loved. The next day, she was excited to tell me about the little houses she had seen along the path, in particular "the fairy tale theatre". This inspired me to start something similar in our area. 

I started putting some wooden trees and animals out along the trail, but there were some things that were knocked down and broken. I began to think back to child/adolescent development, and Erik Erikson's 8 stages of psychosocial development. My guess is that whoever had done this, was in Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion. So, to steer their attention in a different direction, I added some signs along the path, with positive, encouraging messages, such as "You are worth it!", and "Believe in Yourself!" 

Low and behold, it worked! I've had a few small, weather related repairs, but the major damage has stopped. I've started to get feedback from people in the community, too. Things like: "It just makes you feel good, you know?" or, "I purposely walk down this path now, it's just delightful!" Last week, I was hanging up a wooden heart, and a man passing said "Are you the little forest fairy that's been putting stuff up in here?" He then continued to tell me how much he loves it in there now, and that he looks forward to taking his dog out along that path so he can see what new things have gone up. 

It seems to be exactly what people need right now- young and old alike. During these times of covid there aren't any extra curricular activities or drop-ins to keep children and adolescents occupied. Going for a walk is such a great option. There are all the natural benefits of spending time outdoors; there's the fact that you're walking, so you're getting some gentle exercise; there's inspiring messages to read on your way through; and finally, there are a few jokes out there now, which adds the benefits of laughter.

Each of these things on it's own, can have huge impacts on both your physical and mental health, so imagine what happens when they're all together?!  Come see for yourself... The forest is calling!