Natural Connections utilizes a combination of ecotherapy principles, adventure-based activities, and experiential processing to foster personal growth and resilience, while also building relationship and communication skills, self-esteem, and emotion regulation skills. Natural Connections includes a combination of self-paced activities, ecotherapy services, and adventure and recreation activities designed to aid the therapeutic healing process.
Natural Connections will provide a safe space for students to learn new skills, make friends, build confidence, and improve overall well-being. Each session of Natural Connections will introduce students to a new recreational activity. Following the completion of the activity, a UCC clinician will engage students in experiential processing to foster personal growth and resilience, while also building relationship and communication skills, self-esteem, and emotion regulation skills. Students will register for Natural Connections through the Campus Recreation Member Portal.
There will be two options for students to participate in Natural Connections:
- Single Activity Option: Students will have the opportunity to attend as many of these activities in the series as they prefer; there will be no requirement of them to attend more than one.
- Group Format: Students can also participate in the Natural Connections group which will consist of a series of adventure-based activities. Students who register for the group will first meet with a UCC clinician to review group guidelines and expectations. This group will challenge students to experience unfamiliar environments, foster self-agency, and focus on successful behaviors during adventure activities through a growth mindset
Adventure-Based Activities
- Ride and Reflect
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College is a dynamic environment; it’s both exciting and challenging. Branching out and trying new things can be intimidating at times. Come for a supportive and safe space where you can show up as you are and learn about riding in Oakland and the surrounding areas. No bicycle, no helmet? No problem, one can be provided for you. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride with individuals from the Campus Recreation Bike Cave staff and counselors from the University Counseling Center. Learn how cycling can be a great way to get exercise, get around, and practice mindfulness along the way.
- Mind and Body Harmony – Yoga on the Lawn
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Join us for an opportunity to relax both the body and the mind. Meet us on the Lawn for an outdoor yoga experience welcoming of individuals of all identities and backgrounds to experience connection with mind, body, and our environment. Yoga on the Lawn is more than just yoga, it is an opportunity to learn and connect with others and the world around you. From the experienced yogi to the person wanting to just wanting to try it out, all are welcome.
You’ll enjoy your time on the lush green grass of the lawn while an experienced and skilled yoga instructor guides you through mindfully moving your body. Afterwards counselors from the University Counseling Center will debrief and provide opportunity to share about your experience with your peers. Bring your mat, and, if you do not have one, we can provide on for you.
- Exploring Biodiversity for Wellbeing
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Come along for a guided nature stroll in partnership with the Office of Sustainability to explore the diverse plant species and gain insight into the balance of the ecosystems in parks surrounding Pitt. Students from all intersections of life are welcome to join us to immerse in nature and stroll through Schenley Park to gain more understanding of the connection between nature, sustainability, and how both can foster wellbeing. Members of the Office of Sustainability and the University Counseling Center will provide some insight about how our own mental health and environmental stewardship are connected. Wear a comfortable clothing for a casual stroll outside, water, and a curious mind as we explore and connect with other students in fostering wellbeing. Afterwards University Counseling Center staff will debrief while you share your experiences and thoughts with your peers.
- Discover and Engage
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Enjoy a casual hike through the tree-covered trails in Pittsburgh’s historic Schenley Park. While discovering new trails counselors from the University Counseling Center will help guide mindfulness practices that engage all the senses; teaching skills that can be applied any time and any place you need a moment of peace and reflection. Discover Pittsburgh’s natural spaces and make new friends in a supportive safe environment. All abilities, interests, and identities are welcome. Afterwards we will spend some time debriefing and sharing about our experiences and thoughts.
- Waves of Wellness
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Join us for an introduction to stand up paddle boarding in the tranquil waters of Trees Gym. This event is designed to help you overcome fears and feeling uncomfortable and how activities like paddle boarding can help foster balance and wellbeing in your life. Our skilled and experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of stand-up paddle boarding in the safety of Trees Gym. This event is designed for all skill levels, and we welcome all students holding diverse abilities, interests, and identities. In addition to learning and practicing stand-up paddle boarding you will learn how mindfulness and other strategies can help with paddle boarding and be transferred into other areas of life. After paddle boarding, University Counseling Center staff will help debrief while you share your experiences and thoughts.
- Climb and Connect
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This activity welcomes all Pitt students, just as you are, to meet others, share experiences, and have fun learning the basics of rock climbing. No prior experience is needed. Individuals from the Campus Recreation climbing wall staff will introduce you to the basics of rock climbing and provide shoes and gear. Afterwards counselors from the University Counseling Center will be there to help you mindfully reflect on the experience and connect with your peers. All abilities, interests, and identities are welcome.
Nature as Self-Care
University Counseling Center
Workshops
Workshops by the University Counseling Center will include:
- Mindfulness and Forest Bathing
- Awe and Appreciation of Beauty
- Benefits of Playfulness
Mindfulness Trail
This activity welcomes all Pitt students, just as you are, to meet others, share experiences, and have fun learning the basics of rock climbing. No prior experience is needed. Individuals from the Campus Recreation climbing wall staff will introduce you to the basics of rock climbing and provide shoes and gear. Afterwards counselors from the University Counseling Center will be there to help you mindfully reflect on the experience and connect with your peers. All abilities, interests, and identities are welcome.
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation is available to provide information and access to a variety of programs and services available to Pitt students. Emphasis will be given to the positive benefits that fitness, recreation, and engagement with the outdoors have on our health and well-being. Students will receive an overview of the Campus Recreation website (rec.pitt.edu), where they can learn about various programs and facility amenities, as well as how to participate. Students will be encouraged to explore signature programs such as outdoor adventure and pursuits, group fitness, intramurals, and club sports. For students seeking guidance in navigating their options, Campus Recreation staff will be available to share additional information and assistance as needed.
Workshops
Workshops by Campus Recreation will include:
- Climb & Connect
- Waves of Wellness
- Hammock Village
Stress Free Zone
The Stress Free Zone (SFZ) is currently a space on the 3rd floor of the William Pitt Union where students can learn and regularly practice evidence-based, mind/body stress reduction skills. These skills are primarily taught through mindfulness meditation, a form of attention training which involves an intentional, non-judgmental observation of the present moment. Through Natural Connections the SFZ will combine its regular mindfulness practices with the benefits of nature and the outdoors.
Workshops
Workshops by the Stress Free Zone will include:
- Intentional Meditation at Heinz Chapel
- Plant & Move
- Move. Breathe. Paint.