“I see a lot of kids who struggle with belonging. They don’t feel like they quite fit into mainstream systems, even though there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with them. I believe kids will always fit if the environment is right for them.” 

Simone Potter, founder of Bush Magic Adventure Therapy, could have been talking about my childhood with these words. Even though I’m almost 40 now, I remember those feelings of being different and feeling isolated as a child, like it was only yesterday. I was never gifted at expressing myself verbally, especially as a child. I kept to myself and started journaling at around 12, which helped me make sense of the world.

A whole new world for kids and adults 

As challenging as my childhood was at times back in the ‘90s, it’s fair to say today’s children are facing complexities that even adults are struggling to cope with. I’m thinking of technology and just how fast-paced life is. When I peer into my Magic 8 Ball (who remembers those?), the future is more uncertain and unpredictable than ever, thanks to advances in technology.

“Many children are carrying quiet overwhelm—anxiety, emotional dysregulation, social disconnection, and a deep sense of pressure to ‘keep up,’” Simone says.

My question to Simone, which prompted the above answer, focused on kids given Bush Magic Adventure Therapy’s services, but I think the same holds true for many adults. Especially in terms of constantly keeping up. Women will often tell me they don’t have the time or money for self-care (think journaling, movement, and meditation). After some polite prodding, in most cases, I discover it’s more a case of what they choose to prioritise. Truthfully, I feel we’re all trying to ‘keep up’ in different ways.

The importance of 'unstructured time'

Simone also speaks about the “... loss of unstructured time, freedom to explore, and chances to take healthy risks—all things children actually need to develop confidence and resilience.” Again, I feel I see the same patterns in myself and the women I typically work with.

One major advantage I had as a kid was being super sporty. I didn’t spend most of my time on my Game Boy or watching television. Most of my childhood was spent with a ball of some kind in my hand, searching for someone to play with. While Simone says technology isn’t inherently ‘bad’, more kids than ever are overstimulated and under-resourced in terms of real-world connectedness.

Researcher Stuart Brown talks about “time spent without purpose,” which I am currently trying to incorporate into my life. Most of my days are filled with work, time spent on my business after work, and the responsibilities that come with being an adult.

As important as play is for adults, it’s even more vital for children. 

“Kids don’t play the way that I used to when I was a kid, and that play was key to social and emotional development. To be able to problem solve, be resilient, confident and just know my place in the world,” says Simone.

What is Bush Magic Adventure Therapy?

Bush Magic Adventure Therapy is an inclusive nature-based program that supports children through child-led outdoor experiences. The for-purpose company regularly works with neurodivergent children, families, and educators. 

With a background in education and counselling, Simone has spent years working with children in natural environments, observing how play, risk, relationships, and sensory experiences support regulation, learning, and mental health. The concept behind the business stems from Simone's personal experience in 2010, when she found herself searching for alternative education for her creative, energetic son. Bush Magic Adventure Therapy now offers several programs, including Bush School. 

There’s no doubt that most kids living in the Western world are privileged to have the opportunity to go to school, make friends and be educated. The school system may not be perfect, but I am aware that some kids in many parts of the world never get the opportunity to learn how to read and write. That said, we can all likely agree that there is more to life than what we learn in classrooms and structured environments.

How does play-based learning support emotional regulation and social skills in ways that traditional classrooms sometimes can’t?

According to Simone:

• Play is a child’s natural language. Through play, children process emotions, practise boundaries, and experiment with social roles in ways that feel safe. This is how they learn real-life skills.
• In nature-based play, children encounter real challenges. Think uneven ground, weather, and teamwork. This builds resilience and adaptability.
• Play-based environments allow kids to move, regulate, and connect at their own pace. Simone says this is especially important for neurodivergent children.
• Learning happens organically, without pressure or comparison.

I was interested in the changes Simone notices in children after they spend time in the various programs, especially from an emotional, social and developmental perspective.

“Emotionally, children become more regulated and confident. They learn to recognise and move through big feelings rather than being overwhelmed by them. The confidence comes from knowing they can manage and solve problems.

“Socially, we see stronger communication, cooperation, and empathy, especially among children who previously avoided group settings. Some children may not immediately connect with others, but they do their own thing. Sometimes other children gravitate towards them, and they start to connect.

“Developmentally, kids often show increased independence, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to try new things.”

The knock-on effects are considerable

According to Simone, some parents claim their children are happier, calmer, and more settled at home, while schools report fewer behavioural challenges and an increased focus in the classroom.

I believe in the power of storytelling, as most of us connect through stories and lived experience. I asked Simone about the most memorable stories she recalls about kids whose transformations deeply moved her. Simone shared several stories, but this one stands out to me:

“A couple of years ago, we had a school fund four Indigenous children to attend our program for four sessions for one day per week. At the start of the sessions, the children were attending school on average 5% of the time. By the fourth week, they were attending on average 80% of the time. One of them had increased to 95% attendance.”

For more, visit Bush Magic Adventure Therapy’s website. Note: This is not a sponsored article.