A new outdoor program in Mercer County is giving children opportunities to learn, create and develop important skills through child led play.

Lauren Timmerman, a speech language pathologist, owner of Sunrise Speech and Feeding and a certified TimberNook provider, recently joined WCSM's Spectrum to discuss TimberNook West Central Ohio.

Timmerman said TimberNook programs use research backed outdoor play experiences designed to support the whole child. Activities are created to challenge sensory processing, motor skills, emotional regulation and social communication while allowing children to explore and make their own decisions during play.

TimberNook West Central Ohio began offering programs this summer and has several additional sessions scheduled for September.

An after school program for children ages 5 to 10 will be held September 14 through September 17. A Tiny Ones program for children approximately 18 months through age 5 begins September 21 and includes parent participation. A homeschool Wild Ones series for ages 5 to 12 begins September 24 and will meet on four Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More information is available through TimberNook West Central Ohio on Facebook and Instagram or at TimberNook.com.