My name is Ekam, I am a first-year occupational therapy student from the University of Western Ontario. I am so excited for this amazing experience for my Level 2 placement with 3 other fellow OT students here at Larchwood Farm with Alanna!
Today I had my first day of camp and it was an amazing first day! I helped lead some cooperative games and I look forward to leading other activities such as the nature walk and yoga mindfulness sessions. Nature-based occupational therapy services are so important and I want to gain some more knowledge to take into my future practice. I am so excited for my new camp experience!
I grew up in the GTA and lived in a city my whole life but there has always been a big part of me that has been extremely connected to the outdoors. As a kid I always used to love playing outdoors with other kids who lived on my street and it was always a challenge for my mom to bring me and my brother inside when it got dark. We used to play soccer, hockey, hop scotch and imaginary play when we were outside. When I got older, I love being outside whether it is for going on a hike, painting, reading a book or simply just eating my meals outdoors and I feel the most peace when I am outdoors. When I saw the placement opportunity for Larchwood Nature OT camps, I felt that it was an amazing fit for me. I have been working as a camp leader since I was 16, it was my first job in high school and I loved it so much I went back every summer for 6 years! Combining my love for the outdoors and summer camps, I am so excited for the adventure that this placement will bring me. As I read through the blogs by the previous OT students, I am learning so much more about the benefits nature provides for children and I cannot wait to explore further how occupational therapy can be a part of this as well!
