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Getting Families Outside, One Adventure at a Time

INFORMATION

INFORMATION, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Tapping Trees & Making Maple Syrup with Kids
- April 10, 2019
The process of making maple syrup is one that absolutely fascinates me. The whole concept of tapping trees, collecting sap and creating your own syrup is something I’ve been curious about and interested in for years! Today, the amazing and inspiring Leslie Alvis is back sharing her family’s adventures in tapping trees and making maple syrup on their family cattle farm in Ohio. The Alvis family takes maple syrup seriously. They have nearly 300 taps and quite the set-up. While this may not be practical for everyone wanting to try their hand at making maple syrup, it is absolutely fascinating and you’re sure to learn a lot about the process and walk away with a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into making delicious treat!

Winter is ending

Every year, just when Ohio winters have reached the peak of their monotony and we’re not sure if we can’t survive another week of dreary coldness, a subtle shift occurs. You can smell it in the air when you step outside in a crisp February dawn – a hint of green, of dirt, of life. It can be heard it in the trees, as the bird cacophony increases. You can feel it in the ground, as the frozen dirt begins to soften. In the rhythm established by our great Creator, the world is waking up.

And we are ready. The end of winter means the days are lengthening and temperatures are finally rising. Although, by this time cabin fever has become a very real malady, and we are overtaken by another sort of seasonal madness: maple sugaring! Each year our family heads to the woods in these late winter days to begin the age-old process of making maple syrup.

Maple sugaring

For hundreds of years, residents of the North American continent have tapped holes in maple trees in late winter. They’ve collected the sweet sap that flows through the trees as the days warm above freezing, and boiled it down into pure maple syrup. The Native Americans taught this process to the early settlers and the tradition has continued throughout the years, changing and adapting with inventions and technology.

Today, major producers in the maple syrup industry tap hundreds of trees. They collect the sap through a vacuum tubing system and boil it down in huge, state-of-the-art evaporators. On the other side of the scale are the small hobby producers, who tap a handful of trees in their yards and boil the sap in a single pan. Our operation falls somewhere in the middle. We put in between 250-300 taps each year, collect it in buckets, and boil it down in a moderate sized wood-fired evaporator.

A family affair

Maple sugaring is a family affair for us. We began this enterprise, together with my parents, 6 years ago. My husband had dreamed of making maple syrup for years. My parent’s farm has acres and acres of woods with hundreds of maple trees. After talking about it for ages, we finally decided to give maple syrup making a try. We went to a local maple supply store with the idea that we would just dip our toes in the water, so to speak. We thought we’d put a few taps out in Dad’s woods, boil the sap on a propane burner and see what happened. Somehow, with a little education and evaluation of our woods’ potential, this plan quickly escalated into a full-blown project.

We bought a used 2’x6′ evaporator, put in a lot of hours scrubbing it up, and began tapping trees. Before the first week was over, we were back at the maple store buying more taps. Only our limited manpower and evaporator capacities have kept us limited to 300 taps!

We include our children in every part of it. From washing buckets to tapping trees, gathering sap, splitting and hauling wood for the evaporator. Making syrup is a huge amount of work, but it is also a grand adventure. The children love being in the woods….as long as we keep their hands and feet warm and their tummies fed. I learned early on to have snacks, lots of them. And a full change of clothes for every child. Those two things are key to making sure the kids have fun throughout the long days we spend making syrup.

Timing is key

Our “sugar bush” (stand of maple trees) is tucked deep in my dad’s woods, down the road a half a mile from the main farm. The sap begins to flow when the days rise into the 40s and the nights fall below freezing. Producers like us who have open taps have a 6-week window once we put in the taps. After that, we risk harmful bacteria getting into the trees. So we watch the weather carefully to decide when to tap. As soon as we see a weather pattern of days well above freezing with nights still dropping into the 20s, we start putting in taps and the clock is ticking.

Tap carefully

We tapped our trees on a chilly day in late February this year, with snow still on the ground but sun warming the trees. The trees immediately began dripping sweet sap into the buckets, and the beginning of a new season filled the air with excitement as we hurried from tree to tree. The children raced around with buckets, handing them off to their dad, uncle, and grandpa as they drilled holes 1.5” deep in the trees.

There’s a careful science to tapping trees responsibly to avoid injuring the tree and to allow for the best yield. We don’t tap any trees under a 12” diameter, giving them time to grow. A large tree can support 2-4 taps, and our largest tree has 5 buckets hung from it! We move the position of the taps in each tree from year to year, allowing the tree to heal up and continue to grow and be healthy.

Old-fashioned fun

When the sap is running, it has to be gathered and boiled frequently or it will spoil. So when the days warm up, we head out every day to gather sap. We haul 55-gallon barrels out to the sugar bush on a trailer behind a four-wheeler. Everyone tall enough to carry a bucket grabs a couple and we start going from tree to tree, emptying the buckets from the trees, then carrying each bucketful to the barrels. This is the old-fashioned way to gather sap, and there is no way to make it easy. But as long as it’s not pouring rain and the four-wheeler doesn’t get stuck in the mud, we have a lot of fun.

We are trying to teach the kids that they can work hard and have fun at the same time. Fun conversation, cheerful encouragement, and frequent smiles as we trudge through the woods remind us that our attitudes make all the difference. Despite the heavy work that needs done, we are doing this because we love it. After all, the woods are one of our favorite places to be. And making syrup is a fascinating and fun experience.

Gathering the sap

The amount of sap we gather varies from day to day and from tree to tree. Some trees are big producers; filling their buckets with startling ease. A tree that isn’t as healthy or doesn’t have as large of a spread of branches overhead will produce much less. But with 275 taps, even if every tap only produces an average of one gallon of sap in a day, that’s a lot of sap to boil!

Our sap has averaged 1.5% sugar content this year, which means it takes 58 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup! That’s a lot of work for a small yield…which may help you understand the high price of a gallon of pure maple syrup. The entire process is incredibly labor intensive.

Sugar shack

After we gather the sap, we haul it back to the main farm to boil it down in the little “sugar shack” near my parents’ farmhouse. It takes our evaporator an hour to boil down 30 gallons of sap. So, a big day means ten hours of work in the sugar shack. My dad, my husband, and I all take shifts running the evaporator. The evaporator allows the sap to flow through a series of pans as the water boils off and the remaining liquid increases in sugar content and density. When the syrup flows into the final pan, we monitor the temperature until it reaches its finished temperature of 219 degrees.

Running the evaporator means: (1) pumping the sap into the preheat tank, (2) monitoring the fluid levels to make sure a constant flow is feeding into the evaporator, (3) feeding the roaring fire every 5-10 minutes to keep the boil going, and (4) constantly checking the temperature of the syrup. Finally, we draw off the finished syrup, opening the nozzle and trickling it through a triple-layered filter to remove any impurities before we bottle and seal it.

Sugaring safety

The sugar shack is a cozy, steamy place to be on a chilly late winter night, but it is also a frightening place to have children! The evaporator fills the space like a fiery beast, breathing out smoke and spewing maple syrup. We are ever-conscious of the dangers of having little ones around this fiercely hot boiler. The rule is that if they are in the sugar shack, they have to be sitting down in one of the seats along the wall.

Most of the daylight hours the children spend running and swinging and climbing trees outside anyway. Sometimes after dark on a chilly winter evening, after they are worn out from playing and working outside all day, we get out a tiny portable DVD player and have a family movie night while we boil. It keeps everyone still, safe, and warm together. We keep a picnic table nearby and eat our meals at the sugar shack. March picnics are a real thing during sugar season!

Dedication to the craft

This year’s maple season has been a good one, with some major runs and long boils. Usually, my husband does the majority of the boiling after his day job. He runs the evaporator till late in the night, then gets up at 4:30 a.m. to go to work again. This year, I’ve also spent a lot of hours boiling sap during the day, just to keep up with our sap flow. We’ve also been keeping our homeschooling days going on the run. Plus, I’m constantly trying to watch out for our two littlest ones! They are all independent, busy, outdoors-loving rascals who love to run around the farmyard, play on the swings near the sugar shack, and help Grandpa with his chores in the barn.

I have spent the last couple weeks a little wild-eyed and wild-haired. I’ve been shoving wood in the evaporator, checking the temperature and fluid levels, then dashing back outside to do a head count on the kids. One on the swing behind the sugar shack. One doing school on the hale bales in front of the sugar shack. One reading in the top of the juniper bush near the swings. One headed to the barn to see Grandpa. With everyone okay for the moment, I hurry back to check on the syrup. Every time I’ve been about to lose my mind, Grandma or a friend has arrived to help me out. I have been so blessed by their extra hands and eyes.

End of the season

Despite the hard work and busy days, the kids get up every morning and ask me when we are going to the farm. If our toddler even thinks she hears something about going to the farm, she’s racing for her boots and coat. But the calendar has turned to spring and the maple season is beginning to wrap up as the days warm and the trees begin to bud out. When the trees bud is determined by the number of days we’ve had over 50 degrees. We are nearing that limit for the maple trees. The sap begins to turn cloudy and sour-smelling and the flow slows down. Soon we will pull our taps, wash hundreds of buckets, and clean out the evaporator so everything will be ready for next year as the rhythm of the seasons continues.

Leslie Alvis is a wife, mom, follower of Christ, and lover of all things outdoors. She uses writing and photography as ways to keep her sanity amidst the chaos of rearing and homeschooling four children. Outdoor activities with her family are some of her favorite things. You can see more of their family’s adventures on Instagram at @c_l_allofus.
INFORMATION, OUTDOORS INSIDE, URBAN NATURE
20 Ways to Incorporate Nature into your Daily Life
- April 4, 2019
While getting you outdoors with your kids is our main mission, we are also parents and know that’s not always easy or possible. Sometimes weather, work, illness, injuries, lack of daylight, chores or other circumstances keep us from getting outside as much as we want (or at all). In those instances, there are tons of ways you can bring the outdoors in. Today, we have Jessica Jackson here sharing 20 simple ways that you can easily incorporate more nature into your daily life and routine. These tips are great for anyone (even those spending tons of time outside) wanting more nature in their homes and indoor lives.

Getting out can be difficult

This past winter began with the best intentions of spending lots of time outside and doing lots of outdoor exploration. We were excited to bear witness to the changes that happen during the cold season. We love learning about creatures and wintertime habitats as they survive the cold temperatures. Watching the sky colors change, catching snowflakes, and sliding about on frozen paths were all on our winter bucket list. There is so much beauty and wonder in our world during the winter season.

However, as the winter passed, we also began to feel it’s brutality. Record-breaking lows, piles and piles of snow, slippery ice, power outages, school closures, early darkness and dangerous road conditions kept us inside more than we expected. As beautiful as the winter can be, it can also feel isolating and dreary. We faced one polar vortex after another. The negative temperatures and brutal conditions halted our winter outdoor play. Even after properly bundling up, sometimes it was just too much for the kids to endure and enjoy.

This is also the time when seasonal depression can set in. We can feel trapped in our own homes and hopeless in winter. We crave sun, warmth, and the reawakening that spring brings. Kids feel this, too. After the initial appeal of sensory bins, indoor tea parties, new holiday toys, living room obstacle courses, dance parties, and basement forts has worn off, we just want to get back outside and into nature. We desperately want to hike, camp, fish, garden, swim, and enjoy the beauty of our outdoor world.

Incorporating nature into your life

I’ve found that there are may ways to combat the wintertime woes, which can also be used year-round to improve your mood and mindset. Incorporating more nature and natural elements into our daily rhythm has been therapeutic and rejuvenating. Bringing bits of the outdoors into your “indoor life” is a great way to stay connected to all the beautiful things nature provides. These elements reduce stress, relieve anxiety and refocus your attention when it’s not practical or possible to get outside. By incorporating these ideas into your daily life and routine, you can keep a healthy, positive outdoor mindset year-round.

Here are a few small things you can do to incorporate nature into your daily indoor life.

1. Sprinkle plants in every room

Bringing more plants into your home is a great way to incorporate nature into your life. Pick out a selection of plants that are easy to grow indoors. Consider where you’ll place them in your home and how much sunlight they’ll get. Make taking care of the plants a family-centered activity. Let your children choose plants for their bedrooms and let them be responsible for their own plants. Feeling ambitious, try growing an avocado from a seed. Adding plants throughout your home is such a fun hobby and a great way to get your kids involved. Plus, plants help reduce the number of airborne pollutants in your home, so it’s a win for everyone!

2. Choose natural items as decor

Another way to incorporate nature into your home is to use natural items as home decor. When choosing storage bins, accessories, and colors for your interiors, consider choosing natural-made or natural-looking items. Select a color palette inspired by your favorite garden or landscape. White and grey stone pair well in minimalist settings. Wood furnishings can be dressed up or down to suit any theme. Taupe, tan and camel are trendy neutral beachy colors that pair well with nature-inspired wall coverings or rugs. Incorporate decorative items made from wood, stone, antlers, branches/stumps, driftwood, pebbles or other textures found in nature. Paint a mural of trees or frame pressed flowers. Buy wicker baskets for storage and shelves.

3. Natural scents

You can also bring the smell of nature into your home. You can find candles, wax melters, diffusers, and sprays in many natural scents like pine, rain, fresh cut grass, citrus, oregano, lavender or lilac. There are so many different applications to bring scents into your home to excite your sense of smell and fill your space with something fresh and natural.

4. Nature journaling

Nature journaling is a great hobby that you can do both in and outdoors with a focus on nature’s fine details. Gather a quality-made journal, pens, colored pencils, and some watercolors. Or just some scrap paper and your kids’ crayons! No need to be fancy. Take your time and draw nature. You can draw what you see, copy from a photo or sketch from memory. If you need extra inspiration, go sit in a forest and journal about every detail. If you can’t draw, find a nature-themed coloring book – there are great ones for both kids and adults. Getting creative by practicing this stress-relieving form of expression is a great way to unwind with nature.

5. Indoor Herb Gardens

Incorporate nature into your life by bringing the garden indoors. You might be surprised to know how easy it is to grow edible plants in your home. All year! Simple clay pots of herbs next to a window are always a good place to start. Basil is an easy choice and will provide lots of yummy leaves for salads, pesto, pastas, and more. Turn your countertop or windowsill into a small garden with pots of your favorite herbs such as rosemary, mint, and thyme. You can also regrow some vegetables from kitchen scraps. Try your green thumb on regrowing celery stalks, green onions and romaine hearts from leftovers. Countertop hydroponics gardens are another neat way to garden indoors. It’s easier than you think to grow everything you need to make your own salsas, salads, and more inside your home!

6. Edible flowers and fresh herbs

Another way to bring the outdoors in is to opt for edible fresh flowers and herbs to garnish and cook with. You can do this easily by freezing them directly into ice cubes to add to your drinks. You can cut up herbs and flowers and use them to brighten up a salad or garnish a plate. Adding these bright bites into your daily meals will not only please your palate but give you a boost of antioxidants and vitamins. You can grow your own (see above) or find them at a natural grocer or your local farmer’s market.

7. Soundscapes

Tap into your auditory sense by bringing the sound of the outdoors inside. Create a nature-themed playlist that you can listen to at home, in the office, or on your commute to work. Nature has its own music – ocean/wave sounds, gentle rain, whale songs, thunderstorms, bird calls or a crackling campfire. Close your eyes, listen carefully and connect yourself to the sound of nature for instant relaxation and stress-relief. Kids really enjoy these sounds, too and you can incorporate them into so many daily activities. Next time you’re playing with your kids, turn on the playlist and see how they react. Pretend you’re SCUBA diving while listening to whale sounds. Or hide out in a blanket fort in the basement while listening to a thunderstorm track. The meditating and playtime possibilities are endless.

8. Scroll nature

If you’re going to be online, incorporate nature into your media by following accounts and pages that share amazing shots and videos of nature, wildlife and outdoor activities. Consider this time as research to get inspired by new adventures and activities when you get back out there. Relax by looking at photos of the depths of the oceans, wildlife in the desserts, or camping under the stars. Overload your feed with all things nature. Stay connected with local farmers, garden shops, florists, and state parks. Find online nature-based communities and become involved – this is a great way to also meet other like-minded parents in your area and make new friends. Incorporating nature into screen time is a great escape to beautiful places and a nice break from the daily grind.

9. Nature studies

Find a good nature study book or nature-based curriculum and follow along with the activities to learn new things about the outdoors. Set up a bird feeder outside your window and place a bird guide and binoculars next to it for easy access. Read about wildlife habitats, local flora and fauna, and study trail maps for hikes you’d like to go on. Learning about nature can be done through books when being outside to study isn’t possible. Learn about the plants that grow in your area and identify the trees in your neighborhood. Review animal track guide to figure out who made those footprints in your yard. There are so many ways to study nature on a daily basis that will inspire many adventures to come.

10. Garden dreams

It’s never too early to start planning your outdoor garden space and figuring out what you’ll plant this year. Use the time and preparations indoors to kickstart a thriving outdoor garden. Research what zone you’re in, what plants grow best there and when to start planting. Learn about soil types. Start indoor seedlings. Stroll through your local nursery to get ideas and ask questions. Collect planters and supplies during the offseason when things are on sale. Gardening can be a year-long adventure and a part of your routine every day. And when you’re ready, choose some easy vegetables to grow with kids and work on your garden together.

11. Find a sunny spot

Pay attention to the times of days when the sun is shining through the windows of your home and find that super sunny spot to warm yourself and soak in the sunshine. Set up tables in that spot, play areas or cozy sitting spaces. Add a comfy chair and some pillows and turn it into a reading nook. Rotate your houseplants in this sunny spot. Notice how the light changes in that location throughout the day and at different times of the year. During the perfect time of day, when the sun is shining through, sit, play, and enjoy it’s warmth.

12. Fresh flowers

Decorating your home with bouquets of fresh flowers are a wonderful way to incorporate nature into your daily indoor life. Grab a bouquet of cut flowers during your next grocery trip. Take time to hold each flower and smell its fragrance. Carefully trim off leaves and snip the end of the stems. Place all the flowers in a vase or spit them up into lots of smaller bouquets. Spread them throughout your home in places where you spend a lot of time: next to your bed, on the kitchen counter, or on a mantle. Seeing bright bouquets can bring so much freshness and happiness to your indoor space.

13. Nature-themed play

To keep your kids connected to nature while playing indoors, choose toys that incorporate nature into your children’s daily lives. Look for toys inspired by nature or made from natural materials like wood and stone. Create nature-themed sensory bins. Bring in bowls of snow for the kids to play with and eat! Paint on collected leaves, sticks and rocks. Use loose flowers and let them make their own arrangements, dissect them to see all of their parts or use them to make flower jewelry or crowns. Create little worlds of landscapes and leave animal figures inside. Creating natural themed play areas is so satisfying for parents and kiddos and will encourage them to be curious about the world outside.

14. Nature documentaries

When getting outside isn’t possible, take advantage of the vast selection of earth and natural wonder documentaries on your streaming services. These exciting series can take you to places you’ve never even heard of and introduce you to animals you never knew existed! Choose episodes of places you dream of going or wish to revisit. Watch as life cycles change, seasons pass, and animals travel. The calming voices and beautiful cinematography are captivating to all ages. Discuss what you see with little ones and ask them lots of questions about their favorites and interests. Use what you see to incorporate into play area themes, sounds, and journaling when you need a fresh perspective.

15. Display nature art

Displaying nature art on the wall of your home is another easy way to incorporate nature into your indoor space. Shop thrift stores and find vintage paintings of landscapes, wildlife, herbs, plants or other natural elements. Order canvases of photos of your kids/family on your latest adventure or enjoying nature. Purchase prints from your most admired nature photographer or a local artist. Display projects that you and your family have created together, such as pressed leaves or flowers. Switch them out through the season or with holiday decor.

16. Open the curtains

Bringing the outdoors in can be as simple as adding more light to your day. Make a morning ritual of opening the curtains and let the fresh light fill your space. This can be just as invigorating as your morning coffee and is a wonderful natural way to start your day. Bringing natural light into your home is so much better on your eyes, and aesthetically pleasing. More light will improve your mood and help your body adjust to the day.

17. Plan celebrations

There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate nature, the seasons and holidays. Plan celebrations around the changing of the season or the full moon. Plan a garden tea party or a May Day celebration in the middle of winter. Check out some of the more obscure holidays and plan a celebration around them, such as World Wetlands Day, World Bird Day, World Soil Day, International Mountain Day and World Animal Day. Craft natural decor, design invitations, and plan a fresh menu when you are needing some nature inspiration.

18. Indoor magic gardens

Kids love creating imaginative worlds, so play to that strength using natural elements. Painted rocks, figures, and tiny accessories can turn any potted plant into a magical world. Use your child’s favorite dinosaurs, fairies, or lego figures to create a magic forest around a plant and make it special to them. Adding whimsical touches into your house plants is an inviting way to add some more focus onto them. Choose one item and move it around regularly and make a game of who notices first.

19. Pressed flowers

Save flowers throughout the year from your bouquets, gardens, or dandelions given by kids. Find a couple of heavy books and press flowers inside sheets of wax paper. Wait a few days to reopen the pages to reveal a preserved flattened flower. These are delicate reminders of bright blooms that will lighten your space and bring back precious memories. Use the flowers in artwork and hang them on the wall. Glue them onto paper and create cards and stationery to send to friends and loved ones. Cut them up and use them to make an organic confetti mix.

20. Botanical baths

Finally, one last way to incorporate more nature into your daily life is to literally bathe in it! Fill your tub with bubbles, salts, scents of your choice and a sprinkle of fresh or dried flower petals. This is the perfect way to warm up after a long winter day. Unwind in a botanical bliss and transport yourself to a luxurious spa after the kids are in bed. The flower petals are a perfect touch of nature to a relaxing indoor bath.

Bringing nature indoors

These are just a few fun ways to incorporate more nature into your day. If you’re looking to make some changes and bring the outdoors in, I recommend starting small. Choose one thing from these ideas and grow from there. You do not have to be an outdoorsy naturalist to reap the amazing benefits of bringing nature into your daily routines. Look for moments to bring in small touches and add them all year long. You will appreciate them during long winter days and throughout the year. Especially on days when getting outdoors wasn’t feasible. Incorporating nature into your life is important for all ages and lifestyles and can add so much value to your days.

About the author

Jessica Jackson is a homeschooling mother of three. She currently has roots planted near Kansas City, Missouri where her and her family live, grow, and explore. Growing up in Colorado, Jessica has been an avid nature explorer, hiker, and camping enthusiast since childhood. She spent some time living in the Caribbean, exploring beaches, ocean life, and island landscapes before settling into motherhood. Jessica enjoys photographing, nature journaling, and sharing about her family’s adventures.

Instagram: @irieideas
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Sensory Processing Disorder & How to Incorporate Nature into Therapy
- March 6, 2019
We all know that nature is good for our children’s minds, bodies and well-being. But what about those children that have a hard time processing natural occurrences like raindrops, birdsongs or the feel of grass under their feet? Sensory processing disorder is a common symptom of autism, however, most children with sensory issues are not on the spectrum.

Today, I am beyond honored to bring you a post on how to incorporate nature and the outdoors into therapy for children with sensory processing disorder. Katharine Vogel is a professional photographer and mom of a child with sensory processing disorder. She’s here sharing all kinds of simple ways that you can use outdoor activities and nature in sensory integration therapy to help your child process the natural world around them. She has such a beautiful story, with wonderful suggestions and I know this will be so incredibly helpful to a lot of parents.

Seeing the signs of sensitivity

Our son Jase was between the age of 2 and 3 years old when we noticed that he was different compared to other children of his age group. He had strange sensitivities to touch, sounds, smells and wet textures. Getting the slightest bit of water on the sleeve of his shirt or raindrops on his shoes resulted in a total meltdown. He didn’t enjoy playing in the snow, running through puddles, or making artwork with finger paints. He was uncomfortable getting into a sandbox because the texture of sand was too gritty on his skin. A trip to a public bathroom required earmuffs to mute out the sounds of a flushing toilet and automatic hand dryers.

Jase absolutely couldn’t handle any sensory overloads and often cried out in fear. We were so torn in trying to understand why he was so overreactive and overstimulated with his senses. We decided it was best to get him evaluated and see if there was some way we could help him get comfortable with his senses. In May of 2018, Jase was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder.

Sensory Processing Disorder

By definition, Sensory Processing Disorder (“SPD”) is a neurophysiologic condition in which sensory input (either from the environment or from one’s body) is poorly detected, modulated, or interpreted and/or to which atypical responses are observed. In other words, individuals with SPD are oversensitive to things affecting the senses, which can be quite painful or overwhelming for them. Certain sounds, sights, smells, textures and tastes can create a feeling of “sensory overload.” Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, certain textures of food and scratchy clothing are just some of the triggers that can make kids feel overwhelmed and upset.

There are two types of sensory processing challenges, and many kids experience a mix of the two. One is oversensitivity (hypersensitivity). This leads to sensory avoiding—kids avoid sensory input because it’s too overwhelming. The other is undersensitivity (hyposensitivity). This causes kids to be sensory seeking—they look for more sensory stimulation.

Sensory integration therapy

It was recommended that Jase undergo sensory integration therapy to retrain and help rewire his senses. Sensory integration therapy aims to help kids with sensory processing issues by exposing them to sensory stimulation in a structured, repetitive way. The theory behind it is that over time, the brain will adapt and allow kids to process and react to sensations more efficiently. The therapy is usually sensory specific, with focus on noise sensitivity, tactile sensitivity, taste sensitivity and visual sensitivity. It also includes things like balance treatments, movement therapy and carefully designed and tailored physical activities.

Incorporating nature into therapy

Jase has been seeing an occupational therapist for sensory integration therapy for a few months now with great success! At home, we incorporate sensory therapy in many different ways. One of our favorite ways to do this is by exploring the great outdoors! This is a wonderful way to get the senses in tune with surroundings.

Below, I’ve listed some creative ideas that correspond to different sensory inputs. These are some of our favorite ways to get Jase in tune with his senses by using the beauty of nature! Each of these activities is a natural way that you can use nature and the outdoors to help a child with SPD process the world around them.

Sight
1. Skygazing and stargazing – carry a pair of binoculars or visit a park with a viewfinder. Point out the shapes of clouds or look for any constellations!
2. Identify plants, fruits, fungi, and animals – during the right time of year, be on the lookout for cicada exoskeletons and butterfly chrysalises!
3. Notice the changes in seasons with leaves – have your child point out and identify all the different colors.
4. Look for birds and insects – catch and release fireflies if they’re available or watch butterflies flit and float around the sky.
5. Watching the changes in weather such as rain or snowfall – we often do this on our front porch or through the window to avoid any sensory overload. Talk about why it snows and why it rains.
6. Go outside during sunrise or sunset – identify the changing colors of the sky and the differences between night and day.
Touch
1. Discover fallen nests from trees – encourage your child to feel the texture and special markings!
2. Find puddles after a rainstorm – identify the temperature of the water, the depth and the clarity. Have fun making splashes with your hands and feet!
3. Find various sizes of rocks, pinecones, sticks, or leaves – feel the differences in the textures between them. Categorize them from small to large or (proprioceptive sense) throw them into a pond or lake!
4. Go visit your local orchard or berry farm – pick strawberries or apples! Identify any smooth or rough textures.
5. Touch the snow – feel the cold of snow, frost and icicles.
6. Pick and identify different types of flowers – feel the petals, the leaves and any thorns.
Vestibular
1. Run, walk, or ride a bike through a park or on a trail. Have your child push their bike up a hill.
2. Climb a tree or climb at a playground.
3. Go swing on a swing set!
4. Walk and balance on large logs or large rocks.
5. Throw rocks and sticks in the water!
Smell
1. Smell the flowers – compare the smells of different species.
2. At the grocery store or farmer’s market, smell the fruit and identify what they are.
3. Smell the fresh air.
4. Smell the rain – talk about why rain has a distinct smell.
Hearing
1. Take a walk and listen to the wind rattling the leaves.
2. Listen for birds and other animals – try to identify what they are just by their call or song.
3. Listen to water – throw rocks and listen to splashes in the water or sit by a running creek and listen to it babble.
4. During the right time of year, listen to cicadae in the trees!
Tips for parents

While these activities will give you a great start for incorporating nature and the outdoors into your therapy, there are some tips for parents who have children or know children with SPD that you should always remember. First, be mindful of areas and parks that tend to have a lot of noise or are prone to being muddy or wet. It can create a sensory overload and often results in meltdowns. Research the area beforehand to determine if it’s a good fit for your child’s sensory issues. Bring 2 extra pairs of clothing with you, just in case clothing gets wet or dirty. Plus, bring an extra pair of shoes and a pair of earmuffs or headphones to ensure your child is comfortable.

Second, let your child lead and explore on their own terms. If they become overwhelmed, find another place to explore. Be open and flexible to any sudden change of plans. Make the outdoors fun and inviting for your kids with SPD!

Katharine Vogel is a natural light portrait photographer living the rural life out in Iowa. She is a photography graduate and a Click Pro member through Click & Company. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Charlie, and together they have one amazing son, Jase. On her free time, she documents her son’s progression and challenges with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder through the art of photography. She shares his story on her Instagram account.

Website: http://www.kvphotographer.com

Instagram: @katharinevogel

Facebook: @katharinevogelphotographer
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, SUMMER, WATER
Tips for Capturing Amazing Sprinkler Photos
- July 20, 2017
I am absolutely thrilled to bring you today’s guest post from Kristie of L Photographie on how to take amazing sprinkler photos of your kids this summer. Kristie is a great friend, a former sorority sister, and my family’s personal photographer. She’s also a wonderful teacher and has become one of my go-to resources for all things photography-related. Since it’s a million degrees outside, I thought this would be the perfect time to share this post with you. Kristie’s sharing some really great tips and advice on things you can do to capture some truly adorable and classic summer fun of your kids running, jumping, and dancing through the sprinkler. Give it a read, then set up that sprinkler in your yard, grab your camera and let the kids run wild!

Classic summer fun with the sprinkler

Warm sunshine, carefree laughter, and the unmistakable sounds of children’s glee—summer is a season that brims with cherished moments. The joy of playing in the sprinkler is an exhilarating burst of unrestrained laughter and unbridled excitement for kids. As water jets and arcs in sparkling patterns, their eyes light up with sheer delight, toes eagerly touching the refreshing splashes that cool the summer heat. With carefree abandon, they dart in and out of the water’s path, their giggles echoing through the air as they leap through shimmering curtains of droplets, creating a symphony of radiant smiles and unforgettable memories.

And what better way to freeze those timeless memories than by capturing your kids in the midst of their exuberant summer fun? From the sheer delight of running through the sprinklers to the unbridled joy of jumping and dancing, these heartwarming scenes are the essence of childhood. As a parent armed with a camera, you have the power to immortalize these fleeting moments, creating a treasure trove of photographs that will warm your heart for years to come.

Tips for taking adorable sprinkler photos of your kids

In this post, we delve into the art of photographing kids as they revel in the magic of summer and the splendor of sprinklers. We understand that these moments are both spontaneous and ephemeral, making them a delightful challenge to capture. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone who simply loves documenting family moments, I hope these tips will empower you to freeze those candid instances of pure happiness.

Today, we’ll explore various techniques to not only preserve the vivid colors and playful expressions but also to convey the sheer energy and unfiltered emotions that define these summer escapades. From understanding the best camera settings for action-packed scenes to mastering the art of timing and composition, we’ve got you covered. Moreover, we’ll delve into the world of post-processing, providing insights into how you can enhance the vibrancy and charm of your photos without sacrificing their authentic essence.

1) Sunset is best (consider your light)

If you have the chance to shoot closer to sunset, do! The sun sets late in summer, which can be difficult with many kids’ bedtimes, but even two hours before the sunset is going to give you much better results than the harsh midday sun. Plan a post-dinner run around the yard for the kids (consider it their bath!). You’ll want to take a few minutes to get everything set up before the kids are running laps around you screaming for the sprinkler to be on (at least that’s what happens at my house), so plan accordingly.

2) Backlight your subject

Set up the sprinkler where you can “backlight” your subject – this means you want the sun hitting your subject’s back. You and your camera should face the sun. If you’re in the shade, look for little streaks of light hitting the ground – that’s where you’ll want to place your sprinkler – right in the sunlight. You’ll get some amazing light hitting the water that will help bring your photo to life! If you and your camera can be in a spot where your camera is in shade, even better – you’ll avoid lens flair and get better contrast in your image.

3) Be aware of your background

Keep an eye on what is in the background of your photos. Although you want to generally point your camera West, towards the sun, you can cheat a bit and go at an angle to get the best background with the fewest distractions. With water being a big part of your image, you’ll want to find a darker background (dark trees, bushes, a fence, dark color house). If the sky is your background, the water flying around will blend right into it and go unnoticed.

4) Lens choice

Choose the longest lens and focal length you have and scoot waaaaay back! This will help for two reasons: (i) A longer focal length will compress your photo and help the background blur out, so that the water and your kiddos are the focus, and (ii) you won’t get wet! Well, no promises on that one! I like to shoot with my Canon 135mm lens for sprinkler action.

5) Shutter speed choice

This is a big one! Especially because of those fast kids you’re about to capture and the water flow! For running through water, I would suggest keeping your shutter speed around 1/1000 or higher to freeze the action. Once you start to dip down into those 100s, you won’t be able to stay as tact sharp and may end up with blurry photos. If you’re not yet shooting in Manual Mode, you can switch to “shutter speed priority” mode – which will read “TV” on your camera dial. Make sure to also choose a higher ISO (to let more light into your camera, as the high shutter speed will take light away).

1/1250 sec, f/3.2 135mm, ISO 800

1/5000 sec, f/2.2 135mm, ISO 1000

1/500 sec, f/3.5 135mm, ISO 1600

6) Get creative

If you would like to play with some creative blurry water, you can dip your shutter speed to a very low number. I’d suggest not hand-holding the camera – set it on a table or lawn chair (or a tripod, if you’re feeling fancy) – then capture your kiddos from behind. Since they will be moving, their faces will not be sharp, which is a distraction in your final image. If you capture them running away from you, it can be a fun creative blur with your water.

You can also get creative with different camera angles. Get down to the kids’ eye level or even lower to capture the scene from their perspective. This angle can make the water arcs and droplets appear larger and more immersive, showcasing the excitement from their point of view. Alternatively, try shooting from a higher vantage point, looking down on the kids as they move through the water. This angle can capture the overall layout of the scene, showing the patterns created by the water and the kids’ paths.

Focus on details by capturing close-up shots of wet hands, bare feet splashing in puddles, or the water droplets on their skin. These shots can evoke a strong sensory connection to the moment. Frame the kids through the streams of water or the spray of the sprinkler itself. This can add a playful and dynamic element to your photos.

1/8 sec, f/13 135mm, ISO 250

7) Shoot through for sharp photos

Of course, with kids running excited through water, they are going to be moving FAST. Even with a quick shutter speed to freeze the action, you might have trouble nailing the focus with lightening fast kids. If you’re having issues finding that exact focus sweet spot as they run around, try to “shoot through” the action. Here’s a quick explanation of how to do that to get the sharpest results.

Switch your lens to manual focus and set your focus on the center of the sprinkler stream. Wait for your kiddo to come close to running through and press and hold your shutter to take multiple shots. Make sure your camera is on it’s continuous shooting mode, so you can fire off more than one shot.

At some point during that run through the sprinkler, your kiddo will run right into your perfect focus! Yes, you’ll end up with a lot of out-of-focus photos to dump in that series, but it is worth a few rounds of trying this if your Auto Focus finger isn’t keeping up with your kid.

8) Enjoy the fun!

Give the kids some distance and just observe the fun! Kids are naturally going to be silly and active and smile when the water excitement starts. Nothing is worse than trying to play while your parents bark orders at you about how to do it. (Am I right?) Just pick the best spot for you and your lens and wait. Watch how their little personalities just shine!

Remember, the goal is to capture the genuine joy and playfulness of the moment. Both camera angles and any fun props should enhance the story rather than overshadow it. Be open to spontaneous moments and let the kids’ natural interactions guide your creative choices. Be patient and enjoy!

9) Super simple post-processing

If you want to take your images to the next level, here are a few simple post-processing tips to enhance your photos of kids playing in the sprinkler:
1. Adjust exposure and contrast: Start by adjusting the exposure and contrast levels. Increase the exposure slightly to bring out the vibrant colors and details, and then fine-tune the contrast to ensure a dynamic range between the highlights and shadows, giving your photos depth and dimension.
2. Boost vibrancy and saturation: You can try to increase the vibrancy and saturation of the colors to make the water droplets and summer hues pop. Be cautious not to overdo it, as you want the colors to look lively and natural, not super saturated or neon.
3. Crop and straighten: Use cropping to improve the composition and remove any distractions from the edges of the frame. Straighten the horizon if necessary to ensure the photo’s balance and alignment.
4. Enhance sharpness: Apply subtle sharpening to bring out the finer details, such as the water droplets on the kids’ skin or the textures of their clothing. Use a light touch to avoid introducing noise.
5. Selective editing: If your photo editing software allows for selective editing, consider darkening or blurring the background slightly to draw more attention to the kids and the action in the sprinkler.
6. Remove distractions: If there are any unwanted elements in the background that detract from the main subject, use the clone or healing tool to remove them discreetly.
7. Add a touch of warmth: If you need to, you can adjust the white balance to add a touch of warmth to your photos, capturing the sunlit essence of the summer day. This can help convey the inviting and cheerful ambiance of the scene.
8. Fine-tune skin tones: If capturing close-up shots of the kids, pay attention to their skin tones. Adjust the color balance to ensure natural and flattering skin tones, avoiding any unwanted color casts.
9. Consider black and white: Removing the color completely for a black-and-white image can sometimes really make the image pop. Play around with this option and pick a few to convert to b/w.
10) Share your images with us!

Now, please tell me you’ll set up the sprinkler in the yard this weekend and capture some fun shots of the kids! And if you do, please post them and tag us on Instagram (use our hashtag #runwildmychild) to be featured on our page. If you have any questions about camera settings, equipment or anything else, please leave a comment below, and we will be happy to answer your questions.

More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!

About the author

Kristie Cromie is the owner and portrait side of L Photographie, a fine art boutique photography studio in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri consisting of four amazing photographers. Kristie has a background in journalism and graphic design, specializes in family and newborn sessions, helps run the business and teaches a Camera Love class for parents that want to take better photos of their children. When she’s not behind the camera or computer, she’s chasing her two-year-old daughter, keeping up with her seven-year-old son, plus renovating a house from the seventies that was covered in blue shag carpet.

You can find Kristie and the rest of the L Photographie crew around the web at the following spots:

Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, WATER
Benefits of Creeking with Kids
- June 12, 2017
There are very few things my kids love more in life than playing in the water, whether that’s swimming in a pool, splashing in waves on the beach, running through the sprinkler or just hanging out in a bubble bath. My kids love water so much they volunteer to wash the dishes so they can play with the water in the sink. They get super excited about rainstorms because they know they can jump in the puddles. That’s why going “creeking” with the kids is one of our favorite family activities – it combines the kids’ love of water with our love of exploring the outdoors. Today, we’re going to show you all the amazing benefits of creeking with kids and how exploring a creek is one of the most fun and educational outdoor activities for kids!

Sensory benefits of exploring a creek with kids

There are so many incredible benefits to taking kids creeking. Not only do they get plenty of fresh air and sunshine while creeking, but they get to wade through the cool water, catch minnows, tadpoles and crawdads, hunt for fossils, climb over/around obstacles, skip rocks, build dams, observe wildlife and connect with nature in a very personal way. When kids go creeking, they’re part of nature – they’re surrounded by it, immersed in it, touching it and exploring it in ways that they can’t by standing on the sidelines.

Psychological benefits of creeking

I don’t have any hard scientific data to back me up here (although I’m sure I could find it if I looked), but I’ve seen amazing things happen when kids that have never experienced creeks get to play in one for the first time. We love taking our friends and their kids to creeks in our area (we’re familiar with a lot because we love them so much).

I’ve noticed that getting kids in the water in a little creek does something for them that’s hard to explain – it gives them a sense of adventure and independence and freedom. When parents give their kids permission to get wet, dirty and explore on their own, it promotes self-confidence and encourages curiosity and exploration. Shy kids become bolder. Clingy kids become more independent. Kids that don’t like bugs or worms suddenly become more interested in them.

Physical benefits of exploring creeks

Creeking also helps kids in a multitude of other areas – walking through a creek helps with balancing and stability (rocky creeks are unstable terrain), encourages problem-solving (how to get from one side to the other), teaches about life stages of nature (from tadpole eggs to live bugs to dead fish) and prompts kids to ask questions about nature and the environment that they might not otherwise think of.

My 4 year-old asks some of the most amazing questions while we’re creeking, like: Is this a dinosaur tooth? Is this the same kind of water that’s in the river? Do fish eat rocks? Why is the water cold? What kind of fossil is this? Where do frogs go at night? Why does that tree look like that? Is that a crocodile? Where can we find a snake? If so, can we take it home with us?

Cool blast from the past

Exploring creeks with kids is a wonderful activity to do in the summer when everything’s lush and green and thriving. Wading through cold creek water is the perfect way for kids to cool off without having to spend the day at a packed public swimming pool or running up your water bill and flooding your lawn with the sprinkler. Creeking seems to be a thing of the past and not a lot of people are out there exploring them with kids – you’re likely to have an entire stretch of any given creek to yourself. It’s also completely free and can be done with very minimal gear.

What to pack when exploring creeks with kids

Here are a few of our favorite things to take with us to the creek:
- Reef-safe sunscreen to protect you from the sun’s rays and keep the water clean
- Bug spray to keep mosquitoes and flies away
- Rashguard and sun hat, so you don’t have to keep applying sunscreen over and over.
- Bait net for catching bugs, minnows, and crawdads. This net has metal around the edges, which prevents the net from ripping when kids drag it through the sand and rocks.
- Water shoes that give kids some stability and grip, but keep the rocks and sand out.
- Polarized sunglasses are helpful for letting kids see underwater, although not necessary.
- Bucket or a small fish tank if you want to catch anything and watch it while you’re at the creek
- A change of clothes for the ride home – that way it’s totally ok for the kids to get as wet and dirty as they want.
Locating a creek

Creeking is a great activity for kids of nearly any age (my kids started before they were 2) and can be done almost anywhere in the country…so long as you know where to look. Knowing the location of a good creek is probably the hardest part about creeking and is possibly what prevents most parents from taking their kids. However, there are a number of ways to find local creeks in your area. Here are a few:
- Facebook pages for your area – feel free to ask local moms if they know of any good creeks (mom support groups or even buy/sell/trade groups)
- State parks and conservation areas – almost always guaranteed to have a creek or two, just call or ask at the visitor’s center where you can access one
- Google searches – a lot of times you can find a list on a local blog or website of some creeks to try out
- Google maps – scour the maps of your local parks and neighborhoods for creeks and go check them out
- Explore on your own – some of our favorite creeks are ones that we’ve found entirely by accident while out hiking or geocaching in local parks and conservation areas
Tips for parents when exploring a creek with kids

There are also a few things that parents can do to promote and encourage a love for creeking. First, make sure you (at least) act like you’re having fun exploring and discovering new things. If you don’t want to get your feet wet, skip rocks or try to catch minnows, your kids won’t either. They take their cues from you, so get in the water with them and share their experience – touch the crawdad, splash the water, show them cool rocks you find. They’ll pay attention to what you’re interested in, so make it count.

Secondly, keep a close eye on them, but allow them freedom to explore, touch and discover new things on their own. Giving them some independence will encourage them to be brave, explore and push their own boundaries. You’ll still be right there, but allowing them to go a little ahead of you or check areas out first means a lot to a little kid.

Finally, give them permission to get dirty and wet. Bring extra clothes for you kids and yourself and allow them to splash, throw rocks, fall down, stomp in the water, wade through mud, climb embankments, lay in the sand and all the other things that go along with creeking. So long as you’ve got some relatively unmuddy water to rinse them off before stripping them down and thowing them back in the car to head home, it doesn’t matter if they get a little bit dirty or absolutely filthy, so just let it go and let them do what they want…just this once. Believe me, it’ll be something they remember and appreciate.

Let’s go creeking!

I hope I’ve encouraged you (even just a little bit) to try to get out and explore a creek this summer. I promise your kids will love it and you won’t regret it. You might even get a bit addicted to creeking like we are and seek out creeks where ever you go!

We’d love to hear about your creeking adventures…

Did you go creeking as a kid?
Have you ever taken your kids creeking?

Also, be sure to check out our e-book on Exploring Creeks with Kids! It’s a great resource for parents filled with practical tips for exploring creeks, creek wildlife and conservation, how to know if a creek is safe, etc.