Couve Scoop September 2025: New Play Space GroWild Opens in Camas | Nonprofit Bigfoot Books Builds Community

New Play Space GroWild Opens in Camas for Kids of All Abilities 

A unique and inclusive new play space has recently opened its doors in Camas. Meet GroWild, a brand-new indoor play gym that is a thoughtfully designed community hub built on a foundation of neuroscience, with children’s development at its core.

“From the moment families walk through the door, GroWild offers a unique, neuroaffirming play experience where children of all ages and abilities can explore, grow, and thrive. It’s a place where play is powerful, design is intentional and every child is celebrated for exactly who they are,” said Dr. Courtney McIntyre, OTD, OTR/L, occupational therapist and owner, GroWild Boutique Playroom.

Every inch of the playroom makes it a welcoming and adaptive space for children of all abilities, but especially those who are neurodiverse. The sensory-friendly environment features a modular layout, natural materials, open-ended toys and low-stimulation lighting—all carefully selected to promote nervous system regulation and emotional well-being.

In partnership with Optimal Therapy Works, PLLC, GroWild also operates a pediatric and family therapy clinic by day. Here, children can receive occupational therapy, speech therapy and mental health services in a warm, playful environment that feels more like a sanctuary than a clinic.

GroWild serves as both an inclusive play gym and a neurodiversity community hub. Families can access open gym sessions, host boutique birthday parties, enroll in specialized recreational classes or join guardian support groups. Open gym sessions are available Mondays – Fridays from 5-9 pm. While open gym times are especially geared toward school-aged kids aged 6 and up – an age group often underserved by typical play spaces – GroWild’s flexibility ensures that families of all kinds feel seen and supported. Mixed-age play sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6 pm are also available, where siblings ages 2-5 can join their older siblings during open gym—provided they’re under close parent or guardian supervision.

Beyond play and therapy, GroWild is also a resource center for parents and caregivers. Families can drop in on the second and fourth Fridays each month for free insurance navigation help and support. If you’re struggling to get coverage or understand benefits, GroWild’s team can help. In addition, GroWild hosts quarterly education events to promote awareness, understanding and advocacy for neurodiverse individuals.

Guardian groups and upcoming small-group recreational classes provide caregivers and children with tools to tackle challenges such as emotional regulation, communication and sensory processing.

Open gym admission is $15 per child, which includes one adult; additional adults are $7. Guardian groups and classes are offered in 6-week series, with pricing information available at the time of enrollment but are comparable to other parent-child classes in the area. Private event rentals start at $450 for two hours, with customizable options to meet a range of needs.

“Whether you’re dropping in for open gym, joining a guardian group, celebrating a birthday or accessing therapeutic support, GroWild offers flexible options designed to meet your family’s unique needs—without sacrificing quality, care or community,” said McIntyre.

Visit GroWildPlay.org to learn more and plan your first visit to the new play space GroWild!

Nonprofit Bigfoot Books Builds Community Through Inclusive Stories for Kids 

Bigfoot Books is a new nonprofit dedicated to bringing diverse, inclusive children’s literature to families across Clark County. Kayla Coburn, founder of Bigfoot Books, partners with a variety of authors, hosts free pop-up events and works to get books into the hands of families and classrooms that need them most. “Our goal is to give families access to diverse children’s books and help spark meaningful conversations about disabilities and differences,” Coburn said.

Bigfoot Books was born from a moment of reflection by Coburn, a local children’s book author and parent. “As a children’s book author, I knew how tough it was to sell my books when all I really wanted was to get them into the hands of kids—especially those who might not otherwise have access,” she said. With summer camps canceled and no big plans for her own children, the idea for Bigfoot Books emerged this summer to connect families, support authors and bring inclusive stories to public spaces.

Central to Bigfoot Books’ approach is the belief that learning is most powerful when it happens through play. Bigfoot Books plans to partner with local schools, community groups and organizations to bring inclusive stories, caregiver resources and playful activities that reflect the many ways children experience the world.

The nonprofit’s summer pilot program exemplified this mission. Pop-up events across our area featured a mobile inclusive library. “We partnered with amazing local groups like The Learning Garage and Vancouver Moms Walk Co. to reach even more families,” Coburn shared. Coburn has some pop-ups happening this month on Sept. 4 and 13 at The Little Gym, Sept. 9 at Summer’s Walk Park, Sept. 18 at Playstreet Museum and Sept. 23 at Clearmeadows Park.

“As the school year begins, we’re partnering with schools and organizations to offer free books and resources that help caregivers answer big questions with honesty and confidence,” said Coburn.

For Coburn, family is the cornerstone of the mission. As a parent of two and a new foster parent, she understands the challenges of building a supportive community away from extended family. “Our village continued to increase in size and our kids were a huge part of that. Creating a safe space where everyone feels welcome brings me so much joy,” she explained. Her background in education and lifelong experience caring for children have fueled her dedication to her goal.

“Bigfoot Books wouldn’t exist without the support of our community. We’re here for you—and we want to meet you! If any part of our mission speaks to you, we’d love to connect and continue to make the world a brighter and better place for us all,” said Coburn.

For more information or to get involved, follow @bigfootbooksproject on social media or visit bigfootbooks.org.

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