We’re here to let you in on a little secret. Strong, confident kids don’t come from a classroom. They are created outdoors! Play is the work of childhood, the language of imagination, and the foundation for lifelong skills. Yet too many children spend their days sitting still. 

Why does this matter? 

Because movement, messy play, and nature aren’t just fun—they’re essential for healthy development. In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty chats with Angela Hanscom—pediatric occupational therapist, founder of TimberNook, and author of Balanced and Barefoot. 

Angela is on a mission to restore real, unstructured play to kids’ lives. She shares why outdoor play is more than recreation—it’s therapy in disguise—and how TimberNook grew from a simple idea to a global movement.

Top Takeaways from Angela Hanscom as she developed TimberNook:

• Play builds brains. Kids need big, bold movement—rolling, spinning, climbing—to develop critical sensory systems like balance and body awareness.


• Nature is the ultimate therapy gym. No weighted vests or spinning boards needed when the woods provide everything kids crave for healthy development.


• Step back to let kids step up. When adults give space, children create, problem-solve, and discover their own sense of self through adventurous, meaningful play.

Links:

timbernook.com

@timbernook_global on Instagram

@TimberNook.Camps on Facebook

Barefoot and Balanced by Angela J. Hanscom

The Real Reason Why Kids Fidget by Angela Hanscom (HuffPost article)

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

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