A few decades ago, I was deep in the classroom, pouring my heart into teaching but watching something that didn’t sit right. Children were slumping in chairs with weak cores, masking who they were to fit into rigid systems, and losing the spark that makes childhood magical. I could see the burnout in my colleagues too. Passionate educators worn thin, doubting themselves, and wondering if this was really what teaching had to be.

I knew something had to change.

For me, the answer was returning to what shaped me as a child, climbing trees, riding horses flat out, building cubbies, and exploring wild spaces with no adults hovering. That kind of play gave me resilience, curiosity, and confidence, and I wanted the same for today’s children, and for the educators who care for them.

That’s why I created the Nature Play Confidence Challenge. It’s for heart-led educators who believe in play, but feel stuck, unsupported, or afraid of “getting it wrong.” This challenge offers a gentle, practical way to take your first steps outdoors with confidence and joy.

My vision is simple: that childhood is a right, not a race, and that you can lead children into nature without stress, overwhelm, or fear. You don’t need a forest or fancy resources, just curiosity, heart, and the courage to begin.