Connecting Teams with Nature

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Keywords

fsc2026

Abstract

It is evident that time spent out in nature and activities involved with nature have great benefits to a person's health, physically, spiritually, and mentally. Now athletes and athletics teams prioritize their health because it ultimately is a key to success. With our project we aim to create a toolkit that will be a guide to help athletic teams connect them to nature which will hopefully lead them to success on and off the playing field. We are going to dive into the health benefits of being connected to nature, study how other athletic teams have connected to nature especially in the Rochester area, and why team bonding is critical to a team's success. Our hope with this project is to bring a memorable, enjoyable experience for teams that will lead to them being successful in their sport, while also deepening the athlete’s relationship with nature by creating a tiered toolkit system that athletic teams can use. We decided to create a tiered system to take into account different team’s availability in resources and money. Tier 3 is a low resource, low budget toolkit that does not require transportation, but has various mindfulness exercises that tie into nature, as well as getting to know your teammates on a deeper level. Tier 2 requires a short drive to a local park or open natural space. It also requires a few materials that would have to be paid for in this toolkit. This toolkit has various team activities that interact with nature, but also inherently creates stronger trust and bonds with each other. Finally Tier 1 is a full expense toolkit that requires traveling to Camp Stella Maris for a weekend trip. There will be few materials needed, as most of the materials will be provided by the campsite because it is included in the toolkit expense, along with cabin space and meal plans. The team will use the resources at Camp Stella Maris to both connect with nature, while building trust and knowing each other more. Overall, these toolkits will use the connection with nature, along with building relationships with each other. Connecting teams with nature will inherently connect teammates with each other making them more successful on and off the field.

Comments

Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.

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