TimberNook NOCO

TimberNook NOCO Outdoor play experience in Northern Colorado. Timbernook.com

02/10/2026

Today was so incredible to witness.

I watched children of many different ages learning to communicate, negotiate, and problem-solve together. What began as one child (the “king”) collecting all the gold and jewels and sitting proudly atop his castle throne quickly turned into a new challenge — the others decided to steal the treasure.

When it was gone, the king was heartbroken. But interestingly, the others didn’t like how it felt either. The game came to a halt because they realized they had made their friend unhappy.

So, they did something remarkable — they created rules.
They organized themselves into groups, built their forts, and began bargaining with the king for the materials they needed. Conversations, negotiations, and exchanges followed, all completely led by the children themselves.

Moments like these are powerful reminders that play is not “just play.” It is where children practice leadership, empathy, communication, and real-world problem solving — all without adult direction.

It was truly amazing to watch them work through this experience entirely on their own.

What to Wear in WinterStaying warm in winter is all about layering smart:1. Base LayerStart with merino wool. It’s soft,...
01/24/2026

What to Wear in Winter

Staying warm in winter is all about layering smart:

1. Base Layer
Start with merino wool. It’s soft, breathable, and naturally temperature-regulating. I love for parents and children

2. Mid Layer
Add insulation with a fleece layer. It keeps you warm without trapping moisture.

3. Outer Layer
Choose a snowsuit or jacket with bibs for waterproof protection and extra warmth. I love — their outerwear is tested to -5°F and holds up beautifully for active play.

4. Balaclava
Adds warmth while protecting the face and neck from wind and snow.

5. Hat
Prevents heat loss and shields from cold breeze.

6. Socks
Thick wool socks keep feet warm and dry.

7. Winter Boots
Look for waterproof boots with grippy soles and a wide toe box. Barefoot-style boots are even better for allowing natural foot movement and ground feel. are great for children

8. Gloves
Choose gloves that are easy to put on, fleece-lined, high-cuffed, and snow-proof. For kids, I love

01/20/2026

It looks like a child simply putting tubes onto a long stick — but they’re learning:

Fine motor skills: grasping, stabilizing, sliding, aligning pieces.

Hand–eye coordination: matching the tube opening to the stick and guiding it down.

Bilateral coordination: one hand holding the stick, the other manipulating the tube.

Problem solving: trying different sizes, angles, and sequences.

Concentration & persistence: sticking with a task that isn’t instant.

01/14/2026

It looks like kids just playing with a hose — but there’s so much learning happening beneath the surface.

Gross motor skills: running, pulling, coordinating bodies in motion.

Cause & effect: What happens if I pull? If I look through it? If I run faster?

Problem solving: adjusting pace, figuring out how to work together, recovering when the hose drops.

Communication: both verbal and nonverbal negotiation as they coordinate movement.

Sensory integration:
• Proprioception — feeling force and resistance when pulling
• Vestibular — running, stopping, and changing direction
These experiences help organize the nervous system and build body awareness.

Creative & exploratory thinking: a hose becomes a rope, a telescope, a tool, a game… whatever they imagine.

01/06/2026

The kids and I stopped by TimberNook this morning to do a little cleanup and check on things. It felt so good to be back out there—it’s just so peaceful.

Well… eventually. 😅

When we first arrived, the kids were whining, bored, frustrated, and glued to me. My son kept tripping over everything. I seriously debated packing it up and heading home.

But about an hour in… something shifted.
It became calm. Serene.

Angela Hanscom often shares that it can take kids around 45 minutes to truly settle into play—and today was the perfect reminder of that. Over our break, we’ve still been spending lots of time outside, but mostly in our front and backyard. Being back in true nature was different.

My son had forgotten how to fully pick up his feet. Both kids struggled to move from one “thing” to another like they do at home. Nature asked more of them—and then gave more back.

When kids are given time and space outdoors, something magical happens. They stop asking for snacks, for entertainment, for when we’re leaving. They begin to figure it out themselves. And that’s when parents get something too—rest. A chance to read a book, look at the sky, breathe, and reset.

I’m so excited for our first winter session starting in ONE week!
Who’s coming? Have you signed up yet? ❄️🌲

12/29/2025

🛖 It’s not “just” fort building.

When children build forts, they’re lifting heavy materials, testing balance, planning ahead, negotiating roles, solving problems, and adapting when things fall apart.

This kind of child-led, outdoor play builds:
• strong bodies
• resilient minds
• collaboration & communication
• confidence and independence

The fort isn’t the goal—the process is where the learning lives.

Address

Greeley, CO
80634

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