Ready to splash, dig, and grow your way through summer? What if a simple water fight could bring more joy than screen time? And who says adults don’t need nature-play too?

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler with his feet in the creek, shares five favorite ways to get outside and feel the season. Think water play, plant love, melting ice, and loose parts. These aren't just kids' ideas—they’re for the whole family (yes, grown-ups included). There’s even a surprise bonus tip for the truly wild-hearted.

So gather your buckets, your sticks, and your curiosity. Whether you're growing basil or just growing memories, this episode will inspire you to turn off the screens and turn up the wonder. Dirt optional, joy guaranteed.

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

“We have really strong relationships with our children and our families, and that's what allows the adventures to come.” --Cameron Sprauge, Head of Nurseries-Stramash Social Enterprise

What if the secret to raising resilient, creative, confident kids was… play? Real play. Outdoors. With sticks, mud, and a whole lot of autonomy.

In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast host Rusty Keeler and his guest get curious about how wild play spaces help children build skills for life—and why a scraped knee might just be part of the plan.

Meet Cameron Sprague: nature play champion, outdoor educator, and all-around muddy-booted legend. From the forests of Scotland to the joyful chaos of Stramash Outdoor Nurseries, Cameron shares stories from his journey into nature-based education. Together they

Rusty and Cameron talk about planting trees, trusting children, building with pallets, embracing risk, and growing outdoor play from the ground up. They share visions for a world where children belong outside—rain or shine.

Top 3 muddy gems from Episode 9:

• Risk is not the enemy—it's a teacher.
• Trees are more than shade—they’re scaffolding for imagination.
• Start small, think big—even a log and a dream can spark a movement.
  

Catch the conversation where Cameron and I look at some pictures of his original "field of dreams" on my YouTube channel @rustykeeler: youtube.com/watch?v=n0UFbz8Or-4

Links and Resources:

Balance and Barefoot by Angela J. Hanscom

Follow Cameron @cameronsprague on Facebook & X | @Cameronsprague02 on IG

Puddle Patter with Stramash Outdoor Nurseries on Spotify

vimeo.com/stramashoutdoor

ISO 4980:2023(en)

Benefit-risk assessment for sports and recreational facilities, activities and equipment

20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul

Rusty’s Nature Play Design Masterclass

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

“Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is step back and trust that children know exactly what they’re doing.” --Phoebe Wyllyamz, Playworker

What if someone told you the best way to build life skills isn’t through flashcards or structured schedules—but through play? Real, messy, child-led, joyful play.

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler introduces us to Phoebe Wyllyamz––a play work advocate, early childhood educator, and all-around childhood champion from the Catskills of New York.

Together they explore playwork, risky play, children’s rights, farts, freedom, and why the best grownups in play spaces don’t manage––they listen. It’s time to trust kids with autonomy and a little bit of risk to help them grow into confident, resilient humans. Doesn’t that sound magical? It kind of is.

Phoebe brings years of experience from Woodland Playhouse and shares insights from her upcoming book, An Invitation to Play. She’s here to remind us that kids don’t need us to micromanage their play. They need us to trust them.

Top 3 Takeaways from Episode 8:

• Play is serious work—especially when it’s messy, risky, and child-led.
• Adults need to know when to jump in…and when to back off.
• Trusting kids with their own play builds lifelong skills—and preserves the wonder of childhood.
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

Sword battle at Phoebe’s Play Pod video

Follow Phoebe @playphoebe

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide