Ep 9 | Field of Dreams: Building Wild Childhoods with Cameron Sprague
“We have really strong relationships with our children and our families, and that's what allows the adventures to come.” --Cameron Sprauge, Head of Nurseries-Stramash Social Enterprise
What if the secret to raising resilient, creative, confident kids was… play? Real play. Outdoors. With sticks, mud, and a whole lot of autonomy.
In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast host Rusty Keeler and his guest get curious about how wild play spaces help children build skills for life—and why a scraped knee might just be part of the plan.
Meet Cameron Sprague: nature play champion, outdoor educator, and all-around muddy-booted legend. From the forests of Scotland to the joyful chaos of Stramash Outdoor Nurseries, Cameron shares stories from his journey into nature-based education. Together they
Rusty and Cameron talk about planting trees, trusting children, building with pallets, embracing risk, and growing outdoor play from the ground up. They share visions for a world where children belong outside—rain or shine.
Top 3 muddy gems from Episode 9:
Risk is not the enemy—it's a teacher.
Trees are more than shade—they’re scaffolding for imagination.
Start small, think big—even a log and a dream can spark a movement.
Catch the conversation where Cameron and I look at some pictures of his original "field of dreams" on my YouTube channel @rustykeeler: youtube.com/watch?v=n0UFbz8Or-4
Links and Resources:
Balance and Barefoot by Angela J. Hanscom
Follow Cameron @cameronsprague on Facebook & X | @Cameronsprague02 on IG
Puddle Patter with Stramash Outdoor Nurseries on Spotify
vimeo.com/stramashoutdoor
ISO 4980:2023(en)
Benefit-risk assessment for sports and recreational facilities, activities and equipment
20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul
Rusty’s Nature Play Design Masterclass
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide
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Ep 8 | Be the Loose Part: Phoebe Wyllyamz on Showing Up for Kids
“Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is step back and trust that children know exactly what they’re doing.” --Phoebe Wyllyamz, Playworker
What if someone told you the best way to build life skills isn’t through flashcards or structured schedules—but through play? Real, messy, child-led, joyful play.
In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler introduces us to Phoebe Wyllyamz––a play work advocate, early childhood educator, and all-around childhood champion from the Catskills of New York.
Together they explore playwork, risky play, children’s rights, farts, freedom, and why the best grownups in play spaces don’t manage––they listen. It’s time to trust kids with autonomy and a little bit of risk to help them grow into confident, resilient humans. Doesn’t that sound magical? It kind of is.
Phoebe brings years of experience from Woodland Playhouse and shares insights from her upcoming book, An Invitation to Play. She’s here to remind us that kids don’t need us to micromanage their play. They need us to trust them.
Top 3 Takeaways from Episode 8:
Play is serious work—especially when it’s messy, risky, and child-led.
Adults need to know when to jump in…and when to back off.
Trusting kids with their own play builds lifelong skills—and preserves the wonder of childhood.
Resources Mentioned:
Sword battle at Phoebe’s Play Pod video
Follow Phoebe @playphoebe
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide
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Ep 7 | Dream Big, Start Small, Never Stop!
This episode of Play Nature Podcast is bringing Rusty’s motto “Dream Big, Start Small, Never Stop” to life. Rusty is once again out in nature––with birds chirping and leaves crunching, we dive into how his mantra can guide not just life choices, but the design of amazing outdoor play spaces too.
You’ll hear stories from the field—both personal and professional—as we explore what it really means to start small. Think: tiny hills, cozy sand pits, and simple additions that spark BIG joy. It's all about planning with heart, taking the first (sometimes muddy) step, and sticking with it—even when the weeds grow faster than the dreams.
If your dreams involve plotting a backyard makeover or dreaming of a community wonderland, you’ll find tools, tips, and a whole lot of encouragement to get started.
Let’s play!
Resources Mentioned:
20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul FREE Download
Nature Play Design Masterclass
10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide
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Ep 6 | Outdoor Loose Parts
Get ready to dive into the wild and wonderful world of loose parts! Loose parts include the simplest stuff––think hula hoops to plastic dinos, boards to bottle caps.
In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler takes us outside and into the magic of child-led creativity. Rusty shows us how all the stuff thats just laying around can spark the biggest adventures.
Rusty includes his “a-ha” moment about loose parts and explains how loose parts boost everything from wiggly muscles to big imaginations. We're talking brain growth, body movement, teamwork, and feelings—all powered by a pile of "junk" (aka treasure). It’s development disguised as fun!
What will it cost to incorporate loose parts? Almost nothing! Rusty shares smart, budget-friendly tips to gather loose parts without spending a dime.
Plus, stay tuned to the end to hear answers to real listener questions like “Where do I start?” and “Is this gonna break the bank?”
Resources Mentioned:
FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide
Outdoor Loose Parts Course
10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]
Theory of Loose Parts by Simon Nicholson
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
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Ep 5 | Risky Play
Get ready to tumble, climb, and maybe even take a little leap! In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty talks all about risky play. What is it? Why does it matter? And how can a scraped knee actually be a win?
Rusty introduces the six types of risky play and explores our role as adults in letting it happen organically and free of hazards. He leads us to balance freedom with safety and find the line between letting go and stepping in.
Rusty includes real-life examples and thoughtful insights to help us see how risky play builds resilience, sharpens decision-making, and boosts confidence—without tossing caution completely to the wind.
Stay tuned through the end to hear listener questions centered around Risky Play. Rusty tackles the tricky topic of setting boundaries, knowing when to say no. And he answers a question about how to chat with licensing bodies who might raise an eyebrow at all this free-range fun.
Bottom line? Kids need room to roam, and it’s up to us grownups to create that space—safely, smartly, and with a whole lot of heart.
Resources Mentioned:
ellenbeatehansensandseter.com
10 Ways to Support Risky Play FREE Download
Risky Play Roundtable Online Course
10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide
Welcome to Play Nature Podcast, a podcast dedicated to celebrating the beauty and benefits of outdoor, nature-based play—for all children (and us adults too!)
Hosted by Rusty Keeler, a passionate play advocate, with over 30 years of experience designing natural playscapes, writing about nature and risky play, and traveling the world to champion the power of play, Rusty’s Play Nature Podcast is your guide for supporting outdoor play, protecting childhood, and letting kids be kids.
From willow huts and mud kitchens to sunflower houses and kale forests, Rusty will delve into the magic of natural materials, loose parts, messy play, and even the value of risky play in children’s lives. You’ll discover practical ways to nurture play in your own backyard, neighborhood, school, or community.
Join Rusty Keeler to uncover the wonders of outdoor play and learn what tools you already have to create joyful, natural play experiences for all seasons, all weather, and all children.
Let’s make the world a better place by saying “Yes!” to play.
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
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