Nature and Wellbeing (School of Health and Social Studies)

This Bachelor's level course is offered by jamk School of Health and Social Studies and it provides students knowledge of the physiological and mental impacts of nature.

During the course the students get familiar with the theoretical background of nature impacts and benefits and learn the basics of nature-based work with clients. They also learn to use and apply practical tools in different nature environments to support physical and mental health in rehabilitation, social work, and health care sectors.

Monday 25.5.2026

9.00-12.00 Welcome to Summer School! Orientation to the week and get together, Senior Lecturer Jaana Ritsilä, Jamk 
12.00-13.00 Lunch
13.00-15.00 Nature’s well-being effects – the basics, Project researcher, Jane Paakkolanvaara, Jamk
15.00-16.15 Outdoor Plays, Senior Lecturer Jaana Ritsilä, Jamk

Tuesday 26.5.2026 - Day at Laajavuori

9.00-15.00 Nature-based methods in practice.  The professional use of nature in rehabilitation, social work, and health care sectors, Project researcher, Jane Paakkolanvaara, Jamk                      
 

Wednesday 27.5.2026 

9.00-12.00 Field visit: Äijälä Rehabilitation Center, Äijälänkuja 6, Senior Lecturer Jaana Ritsilä, Jamk
12.00-13.00  Lunch 
13.00-16.00 Children´s play in nature environment – supporting play skills, Senior Lecturer Jaana Ritsilä, Jamk

Thursday 28.5.2026 

9.00-12.00 The basics of Green Care approach and Dog assisted approach, Senior Lecturer, Heidi Kihlström-Lehtonen
12.00-13.00 Lunch 
13.00-14.00 Nature-based arts and crafts, Professor Lynne Andonian, San Jose State University
14.00-16 Group work, Senior Lecturer Jaana Ritsilä, Jamk

Friday 29.5.2026

9.00-12.00 Looking back: what have we learned? Senior Lecturer Jaana Ritsilä, Jamk
12.00-13.00 Lunch
13.00-15.00 Celebrations and closing the week, Senior Lecturer Jaana Ritsilä, Jamk

The administration fees vary according to the applicant's status. The fees may be subject to changes. 

• Students from jamk partner institutions abroad: administration fee 1 week/325€.

• Students from non-partner institutions: study fee 1 week/500€.

   

Jyväskylä has four beautiful seasons ranging from warm green summers to crisp white winters. The city, located in Central Finland, is surrounded by numerous beautiful lakes and scenic nature. Finland and Jyväskylä are safe places to study and live in. Jyväskylä is a city of students, where every 3rd person that you pass by is a student. The city is very dynamic. Take a look at the sports and cultural activities, not to mention the restaurants and cafés. One of Jamk’s international students was very surprised to get her lost wallet back. This can actually happen in Jyväskylä! Honesty is the hallmark of Finnish culture.

• a pocket size metropol with a lively urban centre
• all the services, shops, schools and work are close at hand
• a wide variety of leisure and sport activities
• a modern centre for industry and learning
• situated between lakes and hills
• population over 140,000