Tell Me More, Nature Connection, and Rock Belly Breathing 🌷

 April 2025 NewsletterHi read,Spring is here and we're soaking it up! From blooming wildflowers to longer days, the season brings so many opportunities for connection, movement, and joy outdoors. We hope this month's resources and stories help you m

April 2025 Newsletter Hi read, Spring is here and we're soaking it up! From blooming wildflowers to longer days, the season brings so many opportunities for connection, movement, and joy outdoors. We hope this month's resources and stories help you make the most of it. 💚 OT Tip-of-the-Month for More Joy & Ease in Daily Life Sometimes, we think we know what our kids are thinking or feeling, but one simple phrase can open up a whole new world of connection. Instead of assuming what they want to say, try asking, "Tell me more about that." This allows you to dig deeper and explore what might be on their mind, whether it's a curious thought or a hidden need. You'll be amazed at how this small change can strengthen your bond and show your child that their thoughts and feelings are truly heard. ☀️ Recommended Resource-of-the-Month: Spending time in nature benefits the whole family—improving mood, focus, and overall well-being. This list from the Children & Nature Network is full of simple, creative ways to get outside and connect this season. Whether it's planting something together or starting a nature journal, these activities are perfect for making the most of the spring weather and deepening your family's connection to the outdoors. 🌳 OKOT Story & Service Updates This month, we introduced "Rock Belly Breathing" as a new tool for calming our bodies. The kids had a blast balancing a rock on their bellies while practicing deep breathing. As they slowly inhaled and exhaled, they noticed how the rock gently rose and fell with their breath. To make it even more interesting, they also measured their heart rates before and after the breathing exercise and noticed how it changed, slowing down as they calmed their bodies. This simple technique helped them connect with their breath, understand how deep breathing affects their heart rate, and build self-regulation skills in a fun and interactive way! OKOT Service Updates: California  Applications for CA Summer Camp are now open! ☀️  We will be running 8 weeks of summer camp from June 9th-August 1st. All camp weeks will be held in Joaquin Miller Park, Mon-Fri., 9:00am-1:00pm.    Applications for Fall Groups are now open!  For the 2025-2026 school year, we will be offering groups Monday through Saturday for the duration of the year. As was the case this year, we'll have group options at both Tilden and Joaquin Miller Park, providing families with a variety of convenient options.   Wisconsin Applications for Madison summer camp are now open! ☀️  We will offer 6 weeks of camp from June 30th-August 8th. Camp runs Mon-Fri., 9:00am-1:00pm in the following parks: June 30–July 11 in Owen Park July 14–25 in Lake Farm County Park July 28–August 8 in Token Creek County Park   Applications for Fall Groups are now open! We'll continue our Wednesday and Thursday groups at Owen Park while introducing two new Monday groups at Token Creek County Park in Northeast Madison. We're excited to expand our offerings and look forward to seeing you at these new locations!   If you have already applied, current applications are being reviewed and spots offered based on availability and needs of the child and group.    Cheers, Gabbi & all of us at OKOT Apply Now 2930 Domingo Avenue #1092 Berkeley, California 94705, USA Unsubscribe or Manage Preferences here. No hard feelings!