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The Tracking Box: Project Nature Connect by Mark Zanoni "Project Nature Connect: Study Links and Recovery" by Mark Zanoni A recent study conducted by Michael J. Cohen Ed.D., director and founder of "Project Nature Connect", and Kurtland Davies, a counselor at Pan Terra Alternative school in Vancouver, WA looked at the impact that a comprehensive program of nature immersion, combined with traditional recovery activities, could have on the self esteem, depression rates, drug use habits, etc., of a group of "at risk" high school students in the Vancouver area. The results speak volumes on the needs of traditional and alternative education programs alike to begin a process of integrating the natural world into existing programs and processes. The program involved three distinct phases, with pre and post tests given to measure depression and stress, self-esteem (two different measuring devices) and sleep quality. Phase one involved three weeks of play using team building games and challenge activities in a natural environment. Phase two involved use of a set of Dr. Cohen's nature reconnection activities, including several field trips into nearby wilderness areas and lots of simple activities outdoors (see below). The third phase involved a five day challenge and ropes course program during which the phase two activities were continued. Researchers found dramatic improvements in all areas, including self esteem and depression, with some participants making overwhelming progress in some areas. Most notable were improvements in post test scores on depression and stress, with levels for one participant dropping from 11 on the Beck scale on the pre test to 0 on the post. In addition to the improved test scores, every participating student's attendance and academic progress improved, and no indications of chemical remission were observed 60 days after the program ended. The conclusion of the study is clearly that positive experiences in nature can have a positive healing effect in all areas of a person's life. The kids participating in this study were typical of a vast number of young people today who are struggling for meaning and purpose in life. Simply discovering that they have a place in this wonderful world, and that this place can be a safe, supportive and nurturing environment, often can be enough to positively shift self concept, improve sled esteem and give a sense of hope in what is typically considered a hopeless world. A complete description of the study and results, along with information
on books, activities and other related information, can be obtained at
the Project Nature Connect internet web site at:
Also look for Michael Cohen's numerous books and articles on the subject
of nature reconnection and healing, including:
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