Frequently Asked Questions

Being outside in nature provides numerous benefits for children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are several reasons why spending time outdoors is crucial for kids:

1. Physical Health:

   -Physical Activity: Outdoor play encourages physical activity, helping children develop motor skills, coordination, and strength. Activities like running, climbing, and playing sports contribute to overall fitness.

   - Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure promotes the natural synthesis of vitamin D, essential for bone health and overall well-being.

2. Mental and Emotional Well-Being:

   - Stress Reduction: Nature has a calming effect and can help reduce stress levels in children. Time spent outdoors has been linked to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.

   - Improved Mood: Outdoor play is associated with improved mood and a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression in children.

   - Enhanced Creativity: Nature stimulates creativity and imagination. Outdoor environments provide an unstructured space for children to explore, imagine, and invent their own games and activities.

3. Cognitive Development:

   - Problem Solving: Natural environments offer a variety of challenges and obstacles that require problem-solving skills. Children learn to navigate uneven terrain, plan routes, and adapt to changing circumstances.

   - Sensory Exploration: Nature engages all the senses. Children can touch, smell, hear, and see a variety of natural elements, enhancing sensory development and awareness.

4. Social Skills (pertains to Groups/Camps):

   - Cooperative Play: Outdoor play often involves group activities, fostering teamwork and cooperation. Children learn to share, take turns, and communicate effectively with their peers.

   - Conflict Resolution: Interacting with others in nature provides opportunities for conflict resolution and negotiation, essential social skills for life.

5. Connection to the Environment:

   -Environmental Awareness: Spending time in nature instills a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment. It lays the foundation for environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility toward nature.

   - Stewardship: When children connect with the outdoors, they are more likely to develop a sense of stewardship for the natural world, promoting future conservation efforts.

6. Better Sleep:

   - Exposure to natural light and physical activity during outdoor play contribute to more regulated sleep patterns. A well-rested child is better equipped to engage in learning and daily activities.

7. Educational Opportunities:

   - Nature serves as an outdoor classroom, offering endless opportunities for learning about plants, animals, ecosystems, and the natural world. Hands-on experiences in nature enhance academic understanding and curiosity.

In summary, being outside in nature is vital for children's holistic development, contributing to their physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive skills, social development, and connection to the environment. 

We are currently able to Medicaid, Nevada Health Plan and Northern Nevada Health Network and we are working on being able to accept other insurances.

Even though we are not able to take your insurance, you can opt to be private-pay and ask for reimbursement from your insurance. 

As a private-pay client, we can provide you with a superbill (an itemized receipt) which can be submitted to your insurance company. They will reimburse you based on your out-of-network benefits. 

The evaluation includes an interview with the caregiver as well as an assessment portion with the child. There may also be questionnaires for the caregiver to fill out to get a well-rounded view of the child.

The evaluation can be completed in a park or other nature-based setting. After the completion of the evaluation, the results will either be presented via a phone call or with an in-person meeting. 

Sierra Skies Therapy provides therapy in nature-based settings. These can include parks or other outdoor areas. If weather does not permit therapy to happen outside, it can be conducted in a public setting such as a library.

Occupational therapy may benefit your child if you notice they are having trouble with completing tasks that require fine motor skills such as:

• Getting dressed and dealing with buttons, zips and fasteners

• Daily hygiene like brushing their teeth

• Writing and drawing

• Using scissors

• Using utensils like a knife and fork

• Opening and closing lunchboxes

• Throwing and catching a ball

Emotional regulation and/or sensory processing skills such as:

• Managing social interactions

• Managing big emotions

• Maintaining attention and focus

• Responding appropriately to social situations and sensory triggers.