WONDER→ DISCOVER→ CONNECT
Experiential Nature-based, Outdoor, Environmental Education Programs in the Greater Cincinnati Area
OH! Wild Wonder, LLC is a social venture dedicated to enhancing the lives of area youth
by deepening their connection with the natural world.
Our goal is to offer accessible youth-oriented nature-immersion programs for children of all ages in diverse natural landscapes within a 50-mile radius of Cincinnati.
OH! Wild Wonder offers seasonal day camps, after-school clubs, and special events!
Why Nature Immersion?
Discover the benefits
Attention and Focus
Even a 20-minute walk in nature has been shown to promote focus and memory support. "Green" activities have better attention-related results than any other indoor activity used to increase focus in children. In fact, researchers have found that a "dose of nature" works just as well as a "dose of medicine" for children with ADHD.
Sensory Integration
Nature provides a comprehensive sensory experience that pediatric occupational therapists assert underline a host of vestibular balance issues and related challenges. Building forts, walking on logs, making mud pies, swinging on vines, feeling cold creek water, and stepping on pebbles and clay engage a wide array of senses.
Reduce Anxiety
Growing research indicates that nature immersion is the antidote for stress in children and adults. This movement, called eco-therapy, asserts that nature "baths" reduce blood pressure and heart rate and stimulate the immune system, promoting feelings of calm and relaxation.
Strength, Agility, Coordination
Development Coordination Disorder, an impairment in age-appropriate motor skills, is highly comorbid with other developmental disorders, most commonly ADHD. Studies have found that movement exercises done outside have better results than the same movements in a gym or urban setting in acquiring and executing developmental skills in coordination and balance. The natural movements of "wilderness play" facilitate healthy motor skills in a fun, low-pressure way.
Ecological Awareness
By developing a connection with nature, children grow into adults who innately revere the natural world and are drawn to ecological efforts by way of meaningful experiences. The philosophy of OH! Wild Wonder is that lessons must be born of experiential connection before intellect-based environmental education can be effective.
Sense of Self and Place
A sense of place comes from a feeling of connectedness to a specific geographic area. Through interactions with the environment and each other, children develop geo-literacy skills, become empowered, and see themselves as capable social beings.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
Photo Gallery
Our WILD Leaders
Vivian Melody
Founder|Outdoor Educator
Vivian Melody has been the founder and educator at OH! Wild Wonder, LLC in Cincinnati, OH since 2015, and prior to that in central Missouri as The Wild Wonder Project since 2012. Vivian's life passion is connecting communities with nature, spreading ecological awareness, and helping others become life-long stewards of the earth. She holds a BA in Communications, MA in Education and Waldorf Grades Teacher Certification, and a Professional Science Master in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. She is also a LEED Green Associate, NAI Certified Interpreter Guide, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, and an ACCO-Certified Climate Change Professional candidate. She has led various nature-based programs since 2006 and served as a lead Waldorf teacher from 2014-2021. She is currently a communications manager at a Boston-based sustainability advocacy nonprofit. She resides in a rehabbed cottage in Covington where she raises two teenagers, two dogs, and too many houseplants.
Corey Walls
Adventure Educator
Corey Walls joins OH Wild Wonder, LLC camps as the ultimate adventure educator! After serving a tour in the U.S. Navy as a Logistics Specialist and Health and Fitness Coordinator, Mr. Corey managed a canoe livery for several years near Hocking Hills while completing a degree in Ecotourism and Adventure Travel. His certifications include Adventure Leadership (National Ranger Institute Sport Rock Climbing, Vertical Rope Rescue, and Rappelling and Rope Technique); Whitewater Rescue and First Aid; PADI Advanced Open Water SCUBA certification; and Certified Interpreter Guide. Mr. Corey is now pursuing a degree in Biology in order to work at the innovative edge of conservation biology science. He is excited to utilize his expertise to facilitate wilderness camps to area youth. He lives just south of Dayton, OH with his foster cat, Aldo Bubz, and too many house books.
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Collaborations
