Westminster College’s Dr. Helen Boylan, professor of environmental science, and Alexandria Bender, a junior biology major from New Castle Pa., led an experiential nature therapy session this July at Camp Courage, a week-long program supporting grieving children in Mercer County.

Now in its fourth year, Camp Courage serves children in kindergarten through seventh grade who have experienced the loss of a close family member. The camp blends therapeutic activities with traditional summer fun, offering participants tools for coping, building resilience and fostering emotional healing.

Boylan and Bender introduced campers to the practice of nature therapy, a mindfulness-based practice rooted in the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Following a discussion of the science and benefits of nature therapy, participants took part in a guided sensory nature walk designed to promote mindful awareness and connection with the natural world.

“Nature therapy is good for the brain, the body and the heart,” Boylan told campers. “It helps you pay attention, physical movement outdoors keeps your body healthy and it supports emotional well-being. When you feel sad, angry or anxious, just going outside and noticing nature can really help.”

Boylan collaborates with Dr. Jessica Rhodes, associate professor of psychology at Westminster, on an active research initiative exploring the benefits of nature therapy. Bender, a 2024 Westminster College Summer Research Fellowship recipient, worked with Boylan to study how nature-based experiences can reduce stress.

“Nature therapy is such a powerful concept. It’s a simple, accessible way to reduce stress and calm the mind. It’s one of the coping strategies we hope the campers will carry with them long after camp ends,” Bender said.

Camp Courage is sponsored by the Buhl Regional Health Foundation.

For more information about nature therapy, please contact Boylan at boylanhm@westminster.edu or 724-946-6293.

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