“We have really strong relationships with our children and our families, and that's what allows the adventures to come.” --Cameron Sprauge, Head of Nurseries-Stramash Social Enterprise

What if the secret to raising resilient, creative, confident kids was… play? Real play. Outdoors. With sticks, mud, and a whole lot of autonomy. 

In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast host Rusty Keeler and his guest get curious about how wild play spaces help children build skills for life—and why a scraped knee might just be part of the plan.

Meet Cameron Sprague: nature play champion, outdoor educator, and all-around muddy-booted legend. From the forests of Scotland to the joyful chaos of Stramash Outdoor Nurseries, Cameron shares stories from his journey into nature-based education. Together they 

Rusty and Cameron talk about planting trees, trusting children, building with pallets, embracing risk, and growing outdoor play from the ground up. They share visions for a world where children belong outside—rain or shine.

Top 3 muddy gems from Episode 9:

• Risk is not the enemy—it's a teacher.


• Trees are more than shade—they’re scaffolding for imagination.


• Start small, think big—even a log and a dream can spark a movement.
   

Catch the conversation where Cameron and I look at some pictures of his original "field of dreams" on my YouTube channel @rustykeeler: youtube.com/watch?v=n0UFbz8Or-4

Links and Resources:

Balance and Barefoot by Angela J. Hanscom

Follow Cameron @cameronsprague on Facebook &  X | @Cameronsprague02 on IG

Puddle Patter with Stramash Outdoor Nurseries on Spotify

vimeo.com/stramashoutdoor

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Benefit-risk assessment for sports and recreational facilities, activities and equipment

20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul

Rusty’s Nature Play Design Masterclass

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide