Benefit the Nature Heals Program:
Israeli society is experiencing a collective trauma from the October 7th massacre,
which killed 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and caused widespread destruction and
displacement. Over a hundred thousand people were evacuated from their homes
and confined to crowded emergency housing. Teenagers suddenly became youth at
risk, facing intense physical and emotional pressure and taking on adult
responsibilities amidst their own adolescence. The trauma persists with the ongoing
war and over 100 hostages still held by Hamas. Experts have recommended
experiential-based treatments focused on respite and resilience.
Beginning immediately after the attacks, SPNI opened our field schools to shelter
those who had to flee. We observed that families in our field schools were suffering
less than those in the hotels because they were surrounded by nature. This inspired
the Nature Heals initiative, that has served over 100,000 Israelis through May 2024.
Nature Heals Background
The science is conclusive: for individuals suffering from trauma, anxiety, stress or
depression, exposure to nature and natural environments has therapeutic and
healing effects. Nature Heals.
Wilderness Camps
As a response, SPNI began offering weekend camps deep in nature for groups of
traumatized teenagers. Initially, parents were reluctant to let their children
participate due to the fraught times, but once they saw the positive changes in
previous participants, demand for the program surged. This overwhelming demand
highlights the effectiveness of our initiative. An evaluation showed that 92% of
participants reported that the camp experience helped reduce their feelings of
anxiety and stress. 100% of parents said that sending their children to these
nature-based programs was important.
Resilience Journeys
Based on the successful evaluations of the previous Nature Heals programs, the
Resilience Journeys are 4-day sleep away camps in the heart of Israeli nature for
groups of 35 students, organized through the formal school system. Participants will
be immersed in the wilderness, away from distractions like screens, social media,
and the news, and they will be able to focus on their healing process. This
therapeutic journey is designed to help kids reconnect to themselves and their
community, and restore their resilience.
