OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER
Dog Training Tips for Children
- November 16, 2020
Having a dog is a great way to get outside, stay active, and learn about loyalty and companionship. Training a dog for basic obedience and to play games can improve the relationship between a dog and a child. However, with everything that goes along with getting a puppy or an older dog, it’s hard to know where to start and what to do when it comes to training. Our Creative Team member and Illinois mom of two, Meghan Garriott, took her son along on a fun-filled morning with a dog training family. They learned some great tips and tricks and even found some unexpected benefits that came along with the training process. Read along to learn the best ways to get children involved in the dog training process.

A dog training family

My son Emmett (5), and I spent a morning outside, learning all the ends and outs of dog training with the Houk family, Avery (5) and her parents, Justine and T.W. The Houk’s run Round 2 Retrievers in Bethany, Illinois, where they train dogs for hunting, hunt testing, obedience, and puppy preschool. Avery spends most of her days, when not in school, outside training alongside her dad, or inside getting dogs socialized. Her confidence and control when handling the dogs can be recognized immediately and is amazing to watch.

Avery training dogs at 2 years old

Setting up the training session

Our morning started with setting up the training activities. The kids helped TW by bringing bumpers to the tree line, which was approximately 160 yards away. These bumpers are for the dogs find later in the training. Bumpers are durable plastic dummies that the dogs can carry in their mouths. When training for hunting the bumpers are used in place of what the animal is trained to retrieve for the hunter (e.g. ducks and other birds).

Setting up the field for training

Taking to the training field

The first dog to take to the training field was an advanced black lab named Stoger. We watched as Stoger was released from the sitting position by use of his name. With ease, Stoger was guided with hand signals and whistleblows to where the bumpers were.

T.W. signaled right or left with hand signals and called “back in” or “to attention” with whistleblows. Because of the uneven terrain, the dogs can’t see the bumpers until they are within a few feet of them. The dogs must rely on the hand signals and the whistle blows in order to get them to the right place to find the prize.

T.W. gives hand signals to the dog

Age of dog for training

We met a large variety of dog breeds and dogs of various ages while visiting Round 2 Retrievers. Some of these dogs were in various stages of hunt training, while others were there just for obedience training. T.W. says dogs can begin any type of training as young as 8 weeks. And while you can certainly teach an old dog new tricks, it is easier when you start with simple commands from a young age. It is easier to train a dog to properly do tasks than to have to correct old habits first.

T.W. rewards with praise and affection

Puppy training

With puppies, it is helpful to get them used to a collar and a leash early on. This is a great task for children to get involved with from the beginning. One of the younger dogs we observed that was being trained wore a long rope leash. The leash was not used to direct the dog anywhere (verbal commands and hand signals were used for that). The leash was there so he could get used to it and as a safety precaution in case they needed to use it.

T.W. says it is important for a puppy to be properly socialized and get them used to being touched in order to prevent future problems, especially around children. To do this, he suggests often touching their paws, opening their mouths to look at their teeth, rubbing their bellies, and lifting and checking their ears. This makes the dog more comfortable being touched by their owners, groomers, and veterinary staff in the future.

Retrieving the bumper with long lead

Beginner-level dog training

The first commands to learn when beginning dog training are: “sit,” “here,” and “heel.” T.W. says that when dogs that come to them already knowing these commands, they’re way ahead and are much easier to progress than dogs starting from scratch. The best way to implement these commands is to have the dog sit before completing activities like going outside and before being given food.

T.W. instructs Emmett

Kids can help with dog training from the start

For children involved in the training process, sit, heel, and stay are easy words to say and can be done many times throughout the day. Early commands teach the dog to be alert for commands. “Sit” can be easily carried out by gently pushing their bottom to the floor to show them what you mean when you say sit. Do this every time to reinforce the command/action connection until the dog does it automatically. These first commands should be given along with a hand signal. As the dog advances, the verbal command can be dropped, and just hand signals can be given (or vice versa depending on the circumstances).

Avery and Emmett begin their training

Consistency is key

T.W. notes that the amount of time training each day does not have to be great, especially in the beginning. Consistency is what matters most. A lot of time does not need to be spent giving or carrying out the commands, but they should be done frequently and in different situations for the dog to learn. Be sure to give the same word and hand signal every time so that dog is not confused and knows what to expect.

Emmett’s turn to train with Avery’s assistance

Training techniques

There are many different techniques used to train dogs: (1) positive reinforcement with rewards such as treats or affection, (2) e-training with an electrical shock collar to alert or discourage the dog, (3) attrition, which is a technique of repeating a command until the dog gets it right, while also actively preventing the wrong action. With this technique, you don’t punish wrong behavior; you merely prevent it. At Round 2 Retrievers, Avery and T.W. use a combination of these techniques. For younger dogs or dogs just beginning their training, attrition is mainly used along with rewarding with affection.

Emmett and Avery use hand signals to tell Yeti where to return

Children excel at affection

A child’s love and affection are the best rewards for most dogs. Children give this affection easily. This easy affection was clearly observed as Avery and Emmett interacted with the dogs, petting them, scratching their ears, and talking sweetly to them. Loyalty and the drive to please are some of the dogs’ greatest traits and they should be utilized and embraced when training. Likewise, the ease with which children give praise and their love of free play should also be embraced when going through the training process.

Emmett trying by himself under Avery’s supervision

Dog breeds

When it comes to dog breeds, T.W. says most dog breeds can be trained to do most things. However, different breeds may have different motivators and may excel at particular activities. Active breeds, such as labs, retrievers, and shepherds like to move, play, and complete tasks. They are easily motivated with affection and praise for a job well done. More sedentary breeds (like Saint Bernards or bulldogs) may be more motivated by foot or treats.

If addressing general obedience or training the family dog to play games, all breeds are equally appropriate. For higher-level training like hunting dogs, working dogs, or service dogs, there are preferred breeds to suit the needs of those roles.

This black lab was fast and excited to be training

Safety while training

It is important to remember (and remind children) that dogs are animals and not people. As lovable and cute as they are, they still have protective instincts, and there are measures that should be taken to ensure children are safe around the dogs and vice versa.

T.W. says that most dog bite incidents happen around a dog’s kennel or around food. Be sure to educate children not to put their hands in a kennel, which is supposed to be a dog’s safe place. Children should also be instructed not to play or bother a dog while it is eating. When approaching a new dog or a dog that is not your own, do not approach them from behind, which may surprise them, and always ask the owner’s permission first before petting or approaching.

Avery releases Yeti to fetch from the pond

Dog training games for home

After seeing the hunting dogs train, we went up to the house and met a 9-month-old golden retriever named Lola. Lola was at Round 2 Retrievers for obedience training, but T.W. and Avery had also taught her a fun trick of finding his keys. T.W. said he started with a metal washer. He would put the metal washer on the ground with a treat in the middle and release her to find it. Once she got good at that, he stopped putting the treat in the middle and just placed the washer on the ground for her to find.

As she did well with that, he progressed her to keys. We watched as we were in the kitchen of the house, and T.W. threw his keys into the living room. He told Lola to find them, and off she went. She put her nose down on the keys till he came to retrieve them. This is an easy hide-and-seek game children can play with their dog at home. Plus, it can usefun as well when you need to leave and can’t find your keys!

Yeti eagerly jumps into the pond

Outdoor games for kids and dogs

Dogs and children alike love to be outdoors and play games. Training dogs to play active games is a great way for the whole family to spend enjoyable time outdoors with their pet. Playing fetch with balls and frisbees is one of the better-known and easiest games to play.

Teaching the dog to drop the ball when commanded, or having the dog sit before giving a command to retrieve a thrown ball are ways to advance these games. Agility games, such as having dogs jump through hula hoops or over hurdles, can be great exercise and lots of fun for the dogs and kids. Hide and seek, as mentioned above, can also provide endless hours of fun.

Emmett releasing Yeti into the pond

Unexpected confidence boost

Going to our training session, I thought I knew all the benefits of training and the process of training. The dog would be well-behaved (obviously), and playing outside with our dogs is something we could all do together. But as our session progressed, I became aware of another unexpected benefit. As Avery showed us how she took command of her dog Yeti, she was so confident in her commands. She had no trouble explaining to Emmett what to do and how to do it. She was calm and decisive and assured.

Emmett was at first very timid. We have dogs at home and Emmett wasn’t scared of the dogs. But he was lacking confidence in his ability to command Yeti and for Yeti to listen to him. With a quiet voice and his hands in his pockets, he started out very timidly. After a few tries with Avery by his side, he soon realized that Yeti would release when he so much as whispered “Yeti” and she would bring that bumper right to his hand if he held it out.

As the training progressed, his hands came out of his pockets. His voice grew louder and more confident. In just the short time we were there, not only did he learn a new skill, but his confidence in himself and his abilities grew tremendously. By the end of the morning, he was confidently throwing the bumper into the pond and was overjoyed to watch Yeti retrieve it. Seeing that confidence bloom in your child is a beautiful sight.

Check out our full post on all the benefits of raising kids around pets and animals.

Emmet confidently accepts the bumper from Yeti

Benefits of training with children

Having a well-trained and obedient dog has obvious benefits. The dog is better behaved, listens better, and will be safer around children and in other situations. The process of training may seem difficult and time-consuming at first, but the benefits are immense and last a lifetime. Plus, when the whole family is involved in training, it can help build relationships and improve communication skills with each other and with the dog.

Training a dog takes consistency, patience, and grace. But, the relationship your family will build with your dog (and companion for many years) will be worth it. Plus, training your dog to play games can help get everyone outside and more active, improving the physical health of the entire family. Just remember to start small and have fun!

What will you and your dog start learning today?

About the author

Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois. She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghangarriott
RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott
BEACH, BIKE, HIKE, LESSONS, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OUTDOOR SCHOOLS
How to Cultivate Nature-Inspired Literacy in Children
- November 11, 2020
These days, the adage “not all learning happens in the classroom” couldn’t be more true. The notion of a classroom has been redefined by the pandemic. Kids are learning from home and from school, on the road in RVs, and while at the beach. Learning can happen anywhere! Given the deconstructed school day that exists for many, why not use this opportunity to redefine the classroom a little more? Today, Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers, is here with four fun outdoor activities for kids that will help cultivate nature-inspired literacy.

Nature-inspired literacy

In these crazy pandemic times, it is tough watching children sit for long periods, away from friends, and adapting to school on a computer. Most parents and teachers will tell you the same thing…kids should be active, socializing, and outside! One way to provide balance to a child’s day is to introduce nature-inspired literacy as a supplement to textbooks and tablet learning.

Literacy is an ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Nature is a great learning tool and can be used to help kids grasp large concepts. Outdoor nature-inspired activities like tide pooling, stargazing, hiking, and biking have foundations in physics, astronomy, and geography. Using tools, materials, and resources while participating in a fun outdoor activity can help your child become literate in these complex subjects and explain things in ways children can understand and appreciate.

Today, I’m going to show you how simple outdoor activities can help to expand your kids’ horizons outdoors and in nature. Here’s how to use tide pooling, stargazing, hiking, and biking to help cultivate nature-inspired literacy in children.

Teaching marine sciences and physics through tide pooling

Tide pooling is an excellent activity to expose your child to marine science. Tide pools can be found in intertidal zones and they give kids an up-close experience with marine life. As tides recede, animals and algae are exposed in craggy rock pools at the ocean’s edge. Within these rocky crevices, kids can usually find sea urchins, sea stars, hermit crabs, sea anemone and so much more. In just one square meter of a tide pool, your child could find dozens of different animals, a remarkable display of adaptation and survival. How cool is that?

In order to teach your kids about the cycle of the tides, you’ll also want a basic understanding of physics. In particular, you’ll want to be familiar with the relationship between the gravitational pull of the moon and the Earth. If you need a quick primer, here’s the basic premise. The moon’s gravitational field is significant, and it causes the rise and fall of the ocean level as it orbits the Earth. When the Earth faces the moon, a tidal bulge occurs and it results in a high tide on the opposite sides of the Earth. When the face of the Earth is perpendicular to the moon, low tide occurs.

The best tool for making the most of a tide pooling experience is a tide chart. Tide charts contain data for local water levels, tide predictions, and other oceanographic and meteorological conditions. High and low tides both appear twice in a 24 hour day. Tides occur at different times each day depending on where the moon is in its cycle. Understanding how to read tide charts is essential for a tide pooling excursion. And it’s relatively easy to do. Kids will love using a local tide chart to help determine when to visit the tidepools. This will not only teach them about tides but about timing and lunar cycles, as well.

A good source for information to learn more about the tides is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Teaching astronomy through stargazing

Who doesn’t love a starry night? What makes stargazing such a wonderfully fun activity is that anyone can do it. All you have to do is look up! Stargazing is an introduction to understanding the universe outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is also an excellent primer for the scientific field of Astronomy.

Some 400 years ago, stargazing developed as a scientific pursuit. The Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei designed a telescope to enable the close observation of the night sky. The rest of his astronomical pursuits were groundbreaking. Gallileo’s credits include such things as being the first person to spot the four moons of Jupiter (a.k.a the Galilean moons), as well as his discovery that the surface of our moon contains mountains and craters.

The best time to stargaze is on a moonless night. Once outside, close your eyes and count to 100 to acclimate to the dark. As you slowly open your eyes, stars will appear across the night sky. Stars are not the only things you can spot in the night sky. To differentiate all the lights in the sky, you need to know that stars twinkle and steady lights are planets. Other fun things to spot on a dark, moonless night are things like meteors (shooting stars), satellites, and aircraft.

To help your child learn astromony through stargazing, there are some really great online tools. Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. Star finder apps like SkyView can help your child find and identify constellations using your phone’s camera. NASA’s Spot the Station Website gives you a list of upcoming space station sighting opportunities for your exact location. A constellation chart is another great resource for astronomy.

Keep in mind that while stargazing is easily done with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will enhance the experience. We like this beginner portable telescope.

Teaching topography through hiking

Two super handy things to have for a hiking adventure are a good sense of direction and knowledge of your environment. Without these things, even a simple hike can go sideways. It’s always a good idea to carry a map to help you make sense of your position in the outdoors. However, carrying a map is only half of the equation. Your child should also know how to read one. This is a skill that many children are losing due to GPS access and phones. Teaching kids to read a map is a skill that any outdoor child should learn – it could save their life.

Topographic maps are pretty standard fare amongst seasoned hikers. Topographic maps are graphic representations of natural and man-made features of the Earth’s surface. They show the shape of the land, lakes, streams, roads, and provide a complete inventory of the terrain, including elevation. When you know how to read a topographic map, you’ll have a better chance of locating a good camping site or water source, distinguishing main trails from minor ones, identifying trail connections, and estimating elevations. Each of these skills will help your child to be mentally prepared for a trek.

Reading topographical maps requires practice. You’ll want to teach your child to understand how to decipher all of the technical information that appears on a map. In addition to reading a map, you may also want to teach your child how to use a compass. The pairing of map reading and compass reading will require basic navigation skills. If you need to brush up on your navigation skills, check out this great article from Backpacker Magazine to learn the basics of compass navigation.

Teaching geography through biking

Did you know that there is a U.S Bicycle Route System? In fact, there are likely designated bike routes in your own cities and towns. If you’d like to go on a biking adventure outside of the neighborhood with your kids, then you will want to teach them the ins and outs of reading a bike map. Rest assured, the same map reading and route planning skills involved with hiking apply to bike riding as well. Again, being able to read a map is an important skill.

It is worth noting that not all bike routes are the same. A bike map will distinguish between the classes of bike paths. A Class I bike path is a completely separated bi-directional right-of-way designated for bicycles. Class II bike lanes are striped lanes for one-way bike travel. Class III bike routes are travel ways for bicycles through a community denoted by signs). Finally, enhanced bike routes are a superior route based on traffic volume and speeds, street width, directness, and cross-street priority. Each of these bike routes results in different road conditions. Cyclists should know the difference between the types of routes as they are important for a bicyclist’s safety.

Transportation planners take a holistic approach when mapping out bike routes. For that reason, you will often see bike routes integrated with public transportation. Knowing how to navigate these connections it is an added benefit of bike map literacy. For a peek at what the USBR’s National Corridor Plan will look like, once complete, visit Adventure Cycling.

Make nature-inspired literacy part of your school day

Nature-inspired literacy is easily attained by taking the time to familiarize oneself with the charts, maps, and resources that are part of outdoor activities. By taking the time to learn how to use these tools, kids will learn more about the activities both in a practical and academic sense. As with anything, once you understand the concepts behind an activity, the more enjoyable they become. As parents and caregivers, let’s make the most of these unprecedented times and incorporate nature-inspired literacy into our children’s school days. Don’t forget to have fun exploring and be sure to tag #runwildmychild in your outdoor adventures!

Which of these activities would your child like the most?

About the author

Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6 year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
RWMC posts: Michelle Garrett
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER
How to Pan for Gold with Kids
- October 26, 2020
All that glitters isn’t gold…but it might be! Have you ever been panning for gold? It’s easier than you might imagine to get started with this fun outdoor activity! Gold panning is a great way to get the entire family outside, spend time in nature, learn about history, and maybe even strike it rich! Today, we have Kat Hodgins, Canadian mom, and writer, here to share her experience panning for gold with kids. She’s got all the tips you need on how to pan for gold, what to pack, where to find gold, and how to make gold panning fun for kids.

Gold fever

Gold fever, it’s catching—even long after the gold rush.

We’re a family of west-coast Canadians who use gold panning as an excuse to get out and explore nature. It’s an activity that we love to do as a family. However, our baby is less than a year old, making her more of a spectator than a participant in gold panning. Taking her to the creek is short-lived and involves very little panning.

We wanted to see how an older kid fared when it came to an afternoon of prospecting so we know what to expect in a few years. A weekend visiting family allowed us to borrow my nephew to see if he enjoyed an afternoon gold panning by the creek. We spent a weekend in the semi-desert climate of Kelowna, BC recently, which is where we took these photos.

My husband, the gold prospector, found a few gold panning spots in Kelowna thanks to his network of gold panning enthusiasts. We drove through a residential neighborhood and parked the car in a small park. It doesn’t sound like there would be rustic nature nearby, but it can be found almost anywhere if you know where to look. A short hike down a dusty trail, through a wall of trees, we emerged creekside. This oasis didn’t seem like it belonged minutes away from houses and a bike park. Talk about a great surprise.

Why gold panning?

Though the gold rush has long since passed, there’s still adventure out there when it comes to the thrill of the hunt for gold. Gold panning is a great history lesson for kids. It’s also a hands-on way for them to experience how prospectors back in the day found their riches. Panning is also a fun way to get kids outside and introduce them to a lifelong hobby. Before you go, do yourself a favor and learn a bit of gold rush history. This way you can share some tales with your kids while you’re out by the creek.

My husband is a walking encyclopedia on the history of gold panning. He knows where to find gold, the best tricks for finding gold, how to read the land, what the rock formations tell you, and more (so, so, so much more). He kept a steady dialogue for my nephew who seemed to appreciate the facts and tidbits about a foregone era.

How to dress for gold panning

You don’t need any special attire for panning for gold with kids, which is a great perk of the hobby. Everything your kid needs, they likely have in their closet. A simple t-shirt (or a sun shirt) and shorts are all they need to wear. In an ideal world, they’re in a wide-brimmed hat and rain boots (or water shoes), but a baseball hat and some sneakers will do if you don’t mind them getting wet. If it’s sunny, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Things to bring gold panning

If you’re just starting out, all you really need to go panning for gold with kids is a pan and a shovel. Since my husband has become a full-blown prospector, we have all the additional gear: buckets, a pickaxe, gold vials, snuffer bottles, and various other gold panning paraphernalia (most of which I have no idea how to use). You don’t need all this stuff, especially if you’re new to the gold pan game.

A few other things you may want to bring:
- Water
- Snacks/lunch
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Beach toys
- Shade cover for little ones
- Sunscreen (make sure you apply it and reapply it—especially if you’ve borrowed your nephew for the day)
- Bear spray (in certain areas—but make sure you keep it out of reach of children!)
- A change of clothes in case you get wet
- A pair of dry (or more comfortable) shoes
Where do you get a gold pan?

Some families may have a gold pan kicking around somewhere. Ask your parents, grandparents, extended family, or friends if they have one. You can also probably find a used one pretty cheap. If all else fails, a new pan from an outdoor shop will cost you less than $20.

We bought my gemstone-loving nephew a brand-new pan, vial, and snuffer bottle from a prospector hobbyist store. If you go this route, you should know that brand-new pans have oils on their surface to keep the pans from sticking together. You need to get rid of this oil so the pan surface isn’t so smooth. That will help it catch the gold better. My nephew’s first task with his gold pan was to scratch it up as much as possible using a bunch of dry dirt and rocks. He had a great time ridding the pan of its pristine appearance.

Safety, safety, safety

Panning for gold with kids is a safe activity, but it is near streams and water safety should always be taken into account. Even if your kid is an amazing swimmer, creeks and rivers have currents that bring some very serious concerns, especially during flooding season. If the water is rushing too fast for comfort, put your child in a lifejacket and find the calmest and most shallow areas. If you can’t find a safe place, save gold panning for another day or another creek. Scope out a location before bringing your wee ones out for a day of gold panning, if possible, so you are comfortable with the terrain and know what to expect.

We were fortunate that the area we were in had some pools of water in areas of the dry creek bed, giving us peace of mind. To further punctuate the safety of our location, another family with two youngsters under five came out so their kids could swim in the creek. As an extra safety measure, we always give a family member our location and an estimated time to be home.

Where can you pan for gold?

Let’s talk gold claims for a moment. A claim is a permit that grants you the use of a specific piece of land that you’re legally allowed to pan for gold and other minerals. Recreational gold panners don’t need their own claim, but you do need to make sure you’re not panning on another person’s claim (in the old days, they’d shoot you for this!).

As awesome as it would be to grab a pan and head to any creek, there are some rules about where you’re legally allowed to pan for gold. These rules vary, depending on where you live. Do a quick search online to find places that may be designated areas for recreational gold panning. In Canada, you can also pan on Crown land without claims. Likewise, in the US, you can pan on Bureau of Land Management land without claims.

How old should kids be to pan for gold?

Panning for gold with kids can be done at any age, but there are definitely perks for panning with older kids. My nephew is almost eight. He was really interested in gold panning for about twenty minutes. After that, his patience waned because of the lack of instant/exciting results. Keep in mind, this is only one boy and we could have brought him out to the creek on a low-energy day. As far as age goes, it really depends on the kids. Patient or older children will be able to pan for longer periods. Younger kids, or children who can’t sit still for long periods, may need other activities to keep them busy.

If you’re bringing an infant along, gold panning needs to be done in shifts so somebody can keep the little one busy. The great outdoors is always a fun place, but with gold panning, safety at the creek comes first. Our baby doesn’t get much out of gold panning itself, but she loves to watch the movement of the water. We dipped her toes in a pool of water and let her touch the rocks and trees around us. Gold panning is something that she’ll grow into with time, but right now she’s just there to watch.

A quick overview of how to pan for gold

Panning for gold is pretty simple, but it does require patience. Here are a few more tips to walk you through the gold panning process, start to finish.
1. Pick the right location – Ideally, you’ll find yourself in a place with gold rush history. Known gold producing areas increase the chances of finding gold (which greatly increases the thrill factor)
2. Make sure you have the right gear – If you have your pan and a small shovel, you’re in fine form for some panning. If you want to bring a small container with a lid to put your gold into, or tweezers to pick up the gold from your pan, bring those along too.
3. Find the best places to dig – Choose a gravel bar with cobbles instead of sandy areas (gold doesn’t settle in light material, like sand). The areas where you’ll have the most luck are on the inside curve of a river bend or on the downstream side of a boulder (gold tends to settle behind these boulders).
4. Fill up your pan with gravel – Don’t be stingy, scoop in as much material as you can hold comfortably. Kids will take much less material in their pans.
5. Submerge, stir, and shake the pan – Put the entire pan of rock material underwater. Pick off the large stones and shake the pan side-to-side vigorously. Use your hands to stir the material and help the heavy gold sink to the bottom of your pan.
6. Wash off lighter rocks – Lift your pan hallway out of the water and angle it forward (tip it away from you). Moving the pan back and forth will wash off the lighter rocks.
7. Find gold (hopefully) – As you get to the bottom of the pan, you might see some black sand—this is a good sign! This is heavy iron material that indicates that you might be in a gold-bearing area. When you’re down to about two tablespoons of material, angle the pan forward again and shake it side-to-side. Add a cup of water to your pan to help spread the remaining material. Slowly swirl the water. If there’s gold, it’ll stay put, while other material will move around. Use a keen eye because gold pieces can be quite small!
8. Remove gold from the pan – Lucky or seasoned prospectors may find gold pieces big enough that they’re able to pick it up by pinching with their fingers. The more likely scenario is that you’ll find gold specks, which you can pick up with tweezers, or press on with the end of your fingertip to make it stick to your skin. If you brought a small container along, carefully put the gold inside and seal it with the lid so you don’t lose it.
Can you actually find gold?

Absolutely! You can find real gold. Don’t expect to find giant nuggets, though. If you choose the right places, you’ll find specks and flecks of gold in your pan. Don’t be discouraged by small specks of gold. Finding gold in any quantity these days is an amazing feat! You can suck these small specks up in a snuffer bottle and slowly add to your gold collection every time you go out. Over time, it adds up!

Keep your eyes open for other great rocks and minerals. You don’t just find gold on these adventures; if you look in your pan, you might find garnets (which are similar to rubies), iron pyrite (fool’s gold), white quartz, and gemstones. These other types of minerals vary depending on your climate and location.

If you’re wondering about the difference between gold and fool’s gold, take a look at the color. If the material only sparkles in the sun, it’s iron pyrite. Real gold retains its bright luster even in the shade (although, it’s not sparkly like in cartoons!).

Do kids like panning for gold?

Panning for gold with kids involves digging, playing in the dirt and rocks, and getting wet. Therefore, it’s a great activity for kids. However, kids have shorter windows of interest than adults. My nephew took to it for a while, but what he was really fond of what Prospector Dan’s pickaxe because it reminded him of one of the tools he uses in a video game. His interest in gold panning came and went throughout the few hours we were out by the creek, so make sure to plan for other activities to break up the afternoon and keep the kids engaged.

Other creek-side activities

Unless you have older children with the patience for gold panning, I would suggest merely planning for a day at the creek. This sets you up for fun, rather than expecting to spend the entire afternoon gold panning. Kids are only interested for so long before they want to do something else. Don’t allow them to get bored with gold panning by doing something else for a bit. Come back to gold panning later, after doing another activity. We suggest building a cairn, swimming (if it’s safe to do so), geocaching, racing sticks down the water, skipping stones, exploring the area, and playing in the sand.

Tips to get your kids more involved in gold panning

My nephew liked gold panning a lot more when we involved him rather than just telling him what to do. Some things you can do to get them more involved are:
- My husband taught my nephew how to gold pan and then my nephew “taught” me.
- Get them to pick the spots where you dig.
- Bring along some painted rocks that you slip into the dirt in their gold pan. The size will be far more gratifying to them to find in their pan than small specks of gold.
Congratulations! You’re now a beginner prospector (and you didn’t even need to grow a mustache!). Hopefully, your kids enjoy learning something new while they play outside—and start a little gold collection along the way.

Have you ever tried to pan for gold?

About the author

Hey, I’m Kat Hodgins, a fun-loving Canadian who doesn’t say “eh”. I’m mom to a baby daughter, wife to a fantastic husband, and lover of the great outdoors. My husband and I have spent a great portion of our relationship outside, and that love of nature has become our business, The Sassy Plant. I’ve been a writer for over a decade, working with a variety of companies on a spectrum of topics from boating to health to building your own outhouse (honestly). I’ve been published by print magazines, online sites, and a micropress. I recently wrote a YA novel that is currently being queried for publication.

You can find more about Kat in the following locations:
Instagram: @houseofhodgins and @thesassyplant
Facebook: @itsthesassyplant
Website: houseofhodgins.com and TheSassyPlant.com
GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
7 Ways to Ease Anxiety Using Nature
- October 23, 2020
This year is destined to go down in the history books for a lot of things. Unprecedented high levels of stress and anxiety in parents, being one of them. More than possibly ever before, self-care for parents needs to be a top priority. Moms in particular, tend to take care of everyone but themselves, leading to overwhelm, burnout and exhaustion. Today, we have Chelsea Furlong, Virginia photographer and homeschooling mom of two, sharing 7 ways that parents (and kids) can reduce stress and ease anxiety using nature and natural treatments. We hope this post will inspire you to make nature part of your self-care routine.

Easing anxiety with nature

Well, here we are…at the tail end of 2020. This has to be one of the most stressful years our generation has ever experienced. The unexpected and unprecedented global pandemic has likely added stress to your life. Parents, in particular, have had a massive amount to deal with on top of the everyday stressors we normally experience.

Often, lots of stress can lead to anxiety. I know this because I have anxiety and depression. I have to be extremely careful with myself and very intentional about how I live my life to be sure I don’t get stuck in a dangerous downward spiral. And anyone else who has anxiety and/or depression knows how difficult it can be to pull yourself out of a particularly difficult time.

Over the years, I’ve tried so many things to ease my anxiety and support my mental health. I’ve tried everything from therapy to medications to natural remedies, and every combination of them. I can tell you without a second of hesitation that for me personally, getting back to nature has helped me more than anything else. I know that many of you may be experiencing added stress and anxiety so I wanted to share my most impactful ways of easing anxiety during difficult times.

1. Get outside

Now I know this seems very basic, but getting outside can instantly stop an anxiety spiral. There is countless research that shows how spending time outdoors in green spaces is good for your physical and mental health. Make spending time outside a priority and reap the benefits of less stress, better health and lower anxiety levels.

Sunlight and fresh air

We hear all the time that it’s so important to get sunlight but I don’t think people take this seriously enough. Many people have a vitamin D deficiency. This can still be the case even in the summertime. We tend to forget that humans are animals and in the 200,000 years homo sapiens has existed, only VERY recently have we lived so much of our lives indoors. Even a few generations ago, people were spending most of their waking hours working outside.

Modern-day society has put us indoors much more than we’ve ever been, and evolution can’t change our make up that quickly. I would argue that humans simply haven’t adjusted to being inside so much. Our bodies desperately need the sunlight and we need the fresh air.

Fresh air is good for our bodies and minds. Anyone that’s spent any time wearing a mask recently knows just how wonderful fresh air can be. Deep breathing outside in the fresh air can do amazing things for your body and mind.

Sleep better

Spending lots of time outside helps with so many things, one of them being a reset of our circadian rhythms. This is crucial for establishing regular sleep patterns. Personally, lack of sleep is always a major trigger for my anxiety and depression. I have to be very aware of my sleep schedule. When I’m not getting enough sleep, my anxiety greatly increases. Spending lots of time outside really helps the body settle down at night and sleep better.

Exercise

When you’re spending more time outside, you’re also likely getting more exercise. Exercise is another thing people take too lightly when it comes to mental health. I know this because I was one of those people. When I’m starting to feel like my depression and anxiety are kicking back up again, I monitor how much exercise I’m getting.

Not only is exercise good for the health of your body, but it’s critical for the health of your brain. You need the endorphins that your body produces when you exercise. Walking, running, biking, and yoga are great activities to do while you’re spending extra time outside.

Mindfulness

Another practice I’ve found helpful for my anxiety is using mindfulness or meditation while I’m outside on a walk. Anxiety can put your brain in a pattern or a cycle. In order to get out of it, you need a pattern interruption. Taking a walk and using the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness method is a great way to ground yourself and bring your brain back to the present moment. It’s super easy and works wonders!

Just take a deep breath in and out. Then identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. When I do this, I try to completely isolate each of those senses and remove any input from the other senses. You want to take your time with this grounding exercise and really slow down your body and brain. When you’re finished, take one more deep, cleansing breath. You’ll feel so much better!

Sit-spotting

The idea of sit-spotting is simple, but powerful: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature let the nature around you soothe you, entertain you and seep into you. If you choose one particular place to do this repeatedly, sit-spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort, and relax you instantly, as you get to know the location.

I recommend you find a place in or adjacent to a natural or semi-natural setting where you can sit and observe. Preferably, pick a place that’s close to home so you can get there easily whenever you need a mental break. Sit quietly there, observing nature around you with all of your senses. Listen for birds and other animals. Observe the colors and light. Touch the rocks and moss. Smell the fresh rain or snow. Visit your location in every season and vary the time of day (morning, noon, night) to see how your spot changes.

Check out this post for more useful information on sit spotting.

2. Eat clean

Cleaning up what you put into your body is another way to help improve your mental health. Mother Nature provides us with everything we need to nourish our bodies and make healthy new cells. Your body is always replacing your cells…why not make sure that the new cells you’re creating are healthy ones?

When I was desperately searching for answers to my own battle with depression and anxiety, I was having many odd physical symptoms in addition to the emotional ones. My psychiatrist looked at my medical charts and told me my declining physical and mental health looked similar to other patients she had with autoimmune disease.

Clean eating research

That sent me down an information-seeking rabbit hole, and I’m SO thankful it did. After doing tons of research, I changed my diet completely. Thanks to books like The Wahl’s Protocol and The Autoimmune Fix, I learned so much about how your body uses the food you eat to either make you healthy or make you sick.

Every person is different, and you’ll have to find what works for you, but I swear by the diet I’m permanently on. It has changed my life. It’s a big commitment but if you’re at the point where you’ll do anything to improve your mental health (like I was), it’s absolutely worth it.

The importance of good food

Adding large amounts of nutrient-dense foods is crucial to a properly functioning brain and nervous system. There is also a massive connection between your brain and your gut (which is also known as your second brain.) Nature can provide you with all the nutrients you need, you just have to make eating them a priority.

Do yourself a favor and start paying more attention to what you put into your body. How you feel afterward. Are there particular foods or meals that make you feel better? Or worse?

Bonus fact: Did you know that eating two or more handfuls of cashews a day, can have the same effect as Prozac? The high levels of tryptophan in cashews help to increase serotonin. Thanks, nature!

3. Supplements

In addition to honing in on your diet, you may want to consider adding some supplements to your daily self-care routine. Every person is different, but I’ve felt best when I’m taking a high quality fish oil, vitamin D3, vitamin C, and a B-complex. Fish oil supports brain health. Vitamin C supports the immune system. Vitamin D plays an important role in brain and nerve health, and mood regulation. And B vitamins help with energy levels, as well as brain and nerve functioning.

When my anxiety starts to get worse, I also add in my special anxiety-reducing tea. I add Holy basil and magnesium powder to chamomile tea. This is a great way to calm your muscles and nerves fairly quickly. I recommend Nature Calm magnesium powder to all my friends. Watch out, though. A little goes a long way with this stuff! You only need a very small amount to get the benefits.

CBD oil

The other supplement I use on a regular basis that has really been life changing for me is CBD oil. When it comes to CBD, you need to do your research. Not all CBD oils are created equally. I’ve tried various brands, types and strengths and it took quite a lot of trial and error to find the exact brand, strength, and dosage that works for me. It’s similar to a prescription medication in that way. It may take a little time to find what works for you.

I found that a small amount of CBD oil daily helps to keep my mood level, and then I take more as needed. When I know I’m going into a situation that can be a trigger for me, I take some of my oil about 20 minutes in advance. It’s been very helpful.

4. Essential oils

Speaking of oil, essential oils are another gift from nature that we can use to help ease anxiety. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient cultures in China, India, and Egypt. When I’m feeling stressed at home, I can often reset my body and brain by using some essential oils. This also helps my kids reset, so it’s a win-win!

At home, I use a diffuser with my oils. When I’m on-the-go, I love my lava rock jewelry. I just absorb a few drops of my favorite oil into the lava stone and I can smell it all day! Again, this is also great for my kids, too. They’ll often ask for my jewelry when we’re out in public or even riding in the car. They love it!

If you’re unfamiliar with essential oils, do some research. Different oils will have a different effect. Some oils can boost your mood and energy, while others can calm you down and help you sleep! You can change the oils to match what you need. Two of my favorite oils that help me calm down are lavender oil and a blend called Balance.

5. Plants

You may be seeing a recurring theme here. Not only can we benefit from plants by adding more of them to our diets and using plant oils, but we can also benefit from just surrounding ourselves with plants! Did you know that just having plants in your home can improve your mental health, improve your air quality, help you sleep better, boost your immune system and increase your productivity?! Amazing, right?

Gardening is another activity that can improve your mental health and help ease anxiety. You’ll get fresh air and sunlight, exercise, and the right kind of mental stimulation. There are two main modes of attention: focused attention and fascination. Focused attention is the kind you use at work, and too much of it can lead to stress. Fascination is the kind you use in hobbies and can help reduce anxiety when we’re feeling so much stress we can’t cope.

Gardening can help ground us and help us stay in the present moment. If you’re growing foods and herbs in your garden, you can also use the produce and herbs to heal you from the inside! One activity, but double the benefits for your mental health!

6. Animals

Whether it’s a household pet or a creature you meet in the wild, animals can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. I’ve found that having a dog in our home greatly reduces my anxiety levels. Having a warm pet snuggled up to me helps me slow down when I need to slow down. And on the flip side, my dog helps me get moving when I’m feeling sluggish. When the dog has to go out, I have no choice but to pull myself up and go walk him. It’s wonderful because once I’m outside for even a few minutes, I start to feel better. Pets can also be a needed distraction when you’re stuck in an anxiety loop. Distraction is a great way to interrupt a pattern or cycle, and pets are great for that!

If you’re not able to have a pet in the home, you can still enjoy the same stress-reducing benefits outside in nature. I’ve found so much joy just watching the birds that visit our bird feeder each day. We’ve become used to hearing their familiar chirps and songs each morning to start the day. We love watching them visit our window. Similarly, I’ve found it so comforting to visit the large waterfowl that live in the inlet nearby. I walk one trail regularly and often see the birds in their favorite spots. It’s wonderful to sit and watch them. It’s another activity that can help you embrace the present moment and stop the cycle of worrying. I’m not going to lie… I’m that person on the trails speaking out loud to each creature along the way. I always greet them with a “Hello, friend” and thank them for visiting with me. Yes, I do also say goodbye when I move on. (You talk to wild animals too, don’t you? It’s okay. I won’t tell.)

Check out this post for more info on the benefits of raising kids around animals.

7. Water

Get in the water! I know it sounds extremely cliché to say take a bath, but TAKE A BATH. Or a shower. Or even go for a swim, if that’s an option for you. The reason we even exist is because our planet has water. The planet is mostly water. Our bodies are mostly water. And water can be extremely calming for humans. If you have kids, you may have used a nice, warm bath to calm your baby. It can work just as well for adults!

I’ll be honest, I was never a bath-taker until recently but it has been an amazing tool for me when coping with anxiety. It took a lot of work (which sounds weird, I know) but I had to practice sitting in a bath! I was so used to moving quickly from one thing to the next, that it felt very uncomfortable to just sit in a bath and relax. If this sounds like you, try starting with 5-8 minutes and then add a few minutes each time you’re in there. I found that listening to meditation music or a podcast like Affirmation Pod with Josie also helps!

Again, I know this one also sounds cliché, but drink more water. Seriously. Go get some right now. I’ll wait.

Great! Your body thanks you for that!

Your body takes in a lot of toxins every day. Not only are they unhealthy for you physically, but they’re unhealthy for your mental health. Drinking lots of water is one way you can help wash out those toxins. Water also helps your brain by preventing dehydration, which can cloud up your thinking. Your brain is about 75 percent water! And 1 in 4 adults is dehydrated right now. You need lots of water to make sure oxygen is flowing to your brain and ensure it has enough energy to produce serotonin. Dehydration can also be a trigger for panic attacks, so be absolutely sure you’re getting enough water every day.

Treating anxiety with nature

I know it seems simple. Almost too simple. But truly the most effective treatment for my own depression and anxiety has been to get back to basics. Get back to nature. Get closer to the life our bodies and minds lived for millions of years, before modern-day society changed everything.

Three weeks. Do these things for three weeks consistently, and then reassess how you feel. I think you’ll be amazed.

And if you don’t see improvements, or ever find yourself in a situation where you’re truly struggling, please ask for help. These are difficult times for everyone. You’re not alone. You can find a list of free, 24-hour helplines here. Don’t ever be afraid to pick up the phone and call.

What are your favorite nature-based ways to improve your mental health?

About the author

Chelsea is a photographer, a mother of two busy boys, and a sunshine and fresh air addict. Her family lives in Virginia Beach, and they spend as much time outdoors as they possibly can! Most of their outdoor adventures involve exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. They love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find them enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. They’re doing our best to reduce their carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when they arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
CRAFTS, FALL, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Five Simple Autumn Nature Adventures
- October 21, 2020
Getting kids outside this fall is more important than ever. As we continue to navigate unprecedented times and deal with stress and anxiety, kids (and parents) desperately need fresh air, sunshine and Vitamin N (nature!). However, we also know that parents are maxed out in terms of what they can plan, research and execute. That’s why we’re here! We want to help busy and exhausted parents come up with fun and EASY ways to get outside with your kids. Today, Katie Fox, a full-time RV-traveling mom of 2, is here sharing five really simple autumn nature adventures that you can do with your kids with little to no planning! These ideas are easy to implement, fun for kids of all ages, adaptable for wherever you live and many can even be done in your neighborhood or backyard.

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot

Finding the fun in fall

Is anyone else’s soul wedded to autumn? The fading summer heat, beautiful autumn colors, cozying up to a good book, pumpkins, apples, scarves, and tasty warm beverages, all really delight my body and soul. Autumn is my favorite time of year.

This autumn, however, also brought with it the challenges of distance learning, working from home, and Covid-19 restrictions. With new restrictions on what we can do safely indoors and out, traditional fall activities look different or aren’t available. Now, maybe more than ever, it is important to take mental breaks to help with the stress and anxiety a lot of us are feeling. And nature really is one of the best ways to easily do this.

Yet, finding time to plan and implement fun nature adventures can be so hard when you are busy juggling all the other things life is throwing your way. Who has the time to do research on what can be done and what the restrictions are and when to schedule? So let me help make it easier with these five simple autumn nature adventures for kids.

Five simple autumn nature adventures

These five outdoor adventures are simple to do and easy to implement. They can easily be done during a virtual learning break, after school, on a weekend or any time your family needs a quick romp in nature to restore your mental equilibrium. They require little to no advanced planning and can easily be done in your own neighborhood and some even in your own backyard!

1. Rainbow hike

There is no doubt about it, autumn is a colorful time of year. So why not enjoy the colors with a fun rainbow hike to see if you can find all seven colors of the rainbow? The first half of the rainbow is fairly easy in North America in autumn. But those last three colors – blue, indigo, and violet – may prove more difficult.

Preparation:

This is one super easy to prep for because it can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make it.

Don’t have time to prepare anything? This hike is perfect. Indeed, all you have to do is take a walk through your neighborhood and look for the colors of the rainbow. Nevertheless, if you wanted to prepare something, you could simply grab a piece of scratch paper and some markers draw a simple box for each color of the rainbow. Or print a rainbow. And there is always the option to have your children create their own rainbow hike worksheet making rainbow-colored squares or use my free rainbow hike worksheet.

Hike implementation ideas:

Once you get out the door, the fun really begins. Try one or more of these ideas to make your rainbow hike super successful!
- Just start searching for all the colors and try to find all seven!
- Go in rainbow color order! This will add a little extra challenge, especially for those children already very familiar with their colors.
- If you are bringing a printed worksheet for your children to use on the hike, bring one for each child. Each child having their own printed worksheet will likely avoid some sibling bickering (trust me, I know).
- If you want to keep your findings, bring some tape (to tape them to your paper) or a small bag to collect them.
2. Spiderweb hunt

Get into the spooky autumn spirit with this engaging adventure and nature activity. Spiderwebs are everywhere, probably even in your backyard or patio. They are simple enough to find and children delight in being able to spot them. A spiderweb hunt is a great way for your kids to become observant of their surroundings and aware of the nature all around.

Preparation:

Again, this one requires little to no preparation. You can simply walk out the door and exclaim, “we are hunting for spiderwebs today!” Then, all you need to do is explore your neighborhood, searching nooks and crannies for spiderwebs. However, if you have time and energy, you could also pair this nature adventure with a book (we love The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle) or a nature journaling exercise. And if you are feeling really ambitious, you could even dive deeper into how spiderwebs are made, what web material is made out of, the strength of the web material, and so much more.

Hike implementation ideas:

For this hike, I recommend bringing along a misting spray bottle to gently spray water onto the spiderwebs. This makes some of the more difficult webs easier for little kids to see and observe. An added benefit is you get to see the water droplets form on the web too, exposing all the incredible designs. Just be careful not to disturb or destroy the webs. These intricate webs took a spider a long time to make and help them catch food. Be respectful and observe with eyes only.

3. Autumn leaf hike

Once those autumn leaves begin to fall it is almost impossible for children to not enjoy them! They find delight in all aspects of the colorful leaves. And what better way to enjoy your autumn nature adventures than to explore the autumn leaves with your kids.

Preparation:

I cannot stress this one enough, this can be as simple as you want it to be! There is zero need to prep for a leaf hike! But, if your children are anything like mine, you may want to consider the following:
- Bring and bag or basket to carry the many colorful leaves your children fall in love with.
- Collect any art supplies you may want to use with your autumn leaves for art projects.
Hike implementation ideas:

As you meander through your neighborhood, local park or down your favorite trail, keep these ideas in the back of your brain. You may want to try them (or you may not), there is no right way to do an autumn leaf hike.
- Simply enjoy the view of the leaves. Maybe point out the colors and stop to examine the colorful leaves you find.
- Try to match the leaves on the ground with the tree they fell from. Identify the type of tree and what color(s) that tree’s leaves turn.
- Collect a variety of leaves to display in your nature display in your home. (you can dip them in beeswax to preserve the color longer)
- Let your children lay down and make autumn leaf angels in the leaves.
- Rake the leaves into a pile and jump into them!
- Toss a handful of leaves in the air and enjoy their faces as the leaves fall down around them. Let them follow suit.
- Use the collected leaves to make a variety of art pieces. Create fall leaf crowns, make leaf rubbings, construct these adorable leaf wreaths from the Artful Parent, create these neat leaf lanterns, or use them to create a multimedia abstract art piece.
4. Costume hike

Autumn is the time of year when many dress up in costumes for Halloween. Whether you celebrate this particular holiday or not, dress-up clothes are likely a regular occurrence in your home. So why not bring the dress-up fun outdoors? People enjoy seeing children dressed up and children love the added attention the costume brings them. Besides, a stroll through your neighborhood is bound to bring smiles to faces all around.

Preparation:

All you need for this autumn nature adventure is a costume! Costumes don’t have to be spooky or scary. They can be fun and creative! Anything from a simple princess dress to a superhero cape would work. The point is to make a regular nature walk a little bit more exciting with costumes.

Hike implementation ideas:

As with the rest of these ideas, this one can be as simple as you want it to be. There is no need to add anything else into the mix. Just dress up and go for a walk around your neighborhood. But, if you want to add to the adventure, consider some of these ideas for fun costume hike day adventures.
- Have a costume tea party. Pack some snacks, a book to read aloud, some tea, and a blanket. After your costume hike through your neighborhood or favorite trail, find the perfect spot in your backyard (or near the end of your trail hike) to enjoy some tea and a story together.
- Create a simple DIY nature-inspired costume for your autumn nature adventures. For added fun see if you and your children can find the nature creatures they are dressed up as while on your hike.
- Dress up with your kids and make the whole hike extra special! Even just a silly hat or a mask goes a long way.
5. Trash pick-up hike

Autumn is the time of year when the trees make themselves look beautiful! But, it is also typically the start of the rainy season in many parts of North America. So let’s help keep the trash out of the waterways by going on a trash pick-up hike! This autumn nature adventure is not only good for kids, but great for the planet!

Preparation:

All you need for this hike is a container to place the collected trash and a method of picking up trash. We usually use a PikStik and gloves. But we’ve also used a plastic bag around our hands as the barrier between our hands and the trash we are picking up. Again, just like the others, there is no need to travel to a local park for this adventure either, as neighborhoods are often littered with trash as well.

Hike implementation ideas:

Grab a couple of plastic bags, or some gloves and a bucket, and head on outside to make your neighborhood or favorite park beautiful and trash-free! Here are some tips for collecting trash with children.
- Set some basic ground rules based on the age of your children. For example, we let our 5-year-old and 3-year-old pick up anything that is not broken glass, sharp-looking, or cigarettes. However, if they see those things, they let us know and we pick them up.
- Sometimes, trash hunting becomes so much fun that children want to keep going and going. This is amazing, but also not practical. So we’ve set time limits and also have a rule that if we fill up our bag, we will take a break.
- Again, there is no need to travel for this hike. Just walk out your front door and collect the trash you see in your neighborhood. Garbage trucks often accidentally lose pieces of trash on garbage day and sometimes people drop (or toss) trash on the ground, too.
- Finally, consider taking some time to briefly talk about why you are cleaning up the trash. No need for a deep discussion on the topic or environmental activism, just let your children know that there is only one Earth and we need to do what we can to keep it clean.
Enjoy autumn easily

Truly, there are so many ways to enjoy autumn. Outdoor activities with kids don’t have to be elaborate or require a bunch of planning. The activities featured here require not much more than a plan to get outside a few household items. We want to make sure that getting out with your kids is a priority and we’re here to help make it as simple as possible!

Autumn is an amazing time of year to get outside and have fun with the kids. Sometimes, I enthusiastically agree with George Elliot and wish I could remain in an eternal autumn to enjoy all the wonderful bits of the season forever. These are only five simple autumn nature adventures, but there are so many other ways to enjoy the season!

What are your favorite autumn nature adventures to do with kids?

About the author

Katie lives in a tiny home on wheels and travels full-time with her two mostly wild children, tech-minded partner, two well-traveled pups, and adopted pet snail. As they wander the North American continent, Katie explores as much as possible, with a particular fondness for the adventures her family enjoys in state and national parks. When not trekking through the outdoors, Katie enjoys baking, homeschooling, consuming mochas from local coffee shops across the continent, practicing her photography skills, and soaking up as much knowledge as she can. As an advocate for families exploring the great outdoors, Katie co-founded a Hike it Baby branch in her hometown in Northern California and tries to encourage families to get outside whenever possible. Katie has a Master’s degree in human development from the University of Missouri, Columbia, but her passion is really history and humanities (which is coincidentally what her Bachelor’s degrees are in). She currently volunteers on the Hike it Baby National team as a contributing blogger.

You can find more from Katie online in the following locations:
Instagram: @familyinwanderland
Website: http://www.familyinwanderland.com
Facebook: @familyinwanderland
RWMC posts: Katie Fox
CRAFTS, FALL, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES
DIY Fall Fairy Garden in a Pumpkin
- October 15, 2020
Fall is such a magical time of year! The turning leaves, the beautiful colors and the crisp cool air! It’s also a great time for nature crafts and getting outside to play! One of our favorite ways to spark imagination and creative play in our kids is through fairy gardens. Today, Megan Rigdon, Maryland photographer and mom of three is sharing tips on how to create a fall-themed fairy garden with children! She’s included materials needed, a list of fall flowers that will look beautiful in the magical fall garden, as well as a delicious roasted pumpkin seed recipe for you to make with your little ones!

Children naturally live in the moment and they allow that moment to be what it is, magical and beautiful in every way” -April Peerless

Magical childhood memories

As I look back on my childhood, I have countless memories of times that felt magical! My cousins and I would create forts in my grandparents’ backyard. It did not feel like any old fort, it was a magnificent castle nestled in an enchanted forest. And when we were inside, when my mother would wash my hair in the bathtub, she would have me look way up high at the vent in the ceiling. That’s where the fairies lived! I would imagine the magical world that lived beyond that vent. I would squint my eyes so hard to see if I could see just one of the many fairies that lived up there. The creativity and imagination of little kids have no end!

Keeping the magic alive

When I became a mother myself, I was over the moon excited to create magical memories for children. Fast forward almost ten years. I am now a mom to three children (ages 5, 7, and 9). I absolutely love watching the magic of childhood through their eyes. And I love helping them create and magical places that inspire them to dream. My children enjoy sitting under our evergreen trees and play with their fairy garden that they recreate every summer. We plant a few shade-loving plants and add some fairy accessories to make the garden come to life! They spend hours and hours playing in the charming little garden.

Fall themed fairy garden

Summer quickly came to an end up here and Maryland and we recently welcomed a brand new season. I noticed that our summer plants faded away in the kids’ fairy garden under the evergreen trees. A few weeks ago I asked my children if they would like to create a fall-themed fairy garden. They squealed with excitement and wanted to get started right away!

The children picked out a few large pumpkins at our local family farm stand. We cut a large opening on the top of the pumpkin making sure it was wide enough to allow room for the fairies to play. Then, we scraped out the pumpkin seeds and set them aside in a bowl to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds later that evening (recipe below). We filled each pumpkin with potting soil to the top and patted it down evenly.

Fall friendly plants

Next, we researched plants that would work well in pots in the fall time. Mums, Pansies, Marigolds, Violas, Celosias, Kale, Asters and Ornamental Peppers are all wonderful choices for a fairy garden in the fall. We had room for just about two plants to be added to each pumpkin. This allowed room for the fairies and some accessories too. The children dug a little hole, placed their plant in it, and patted it down gently. They loved this hands-on activity and the chance to get their hands dirty!

Fairy garden accessories

The hard part was now behind us and they were ready to accessorize their fall fairy garden! This is probably the most fun part of the process for little kids and where you can really see their imagination and creativity coming to life! They get to use natural objects found around the yard and home to decorate and accessorize their fairy garden.

The children found round-shaped rocks and painted them orange with acrylic paint. After the rocks were dry, they drew faces on the orange rocks to make them look like little jack-o-lanterns. My daughter ran over to the cornfield next to our house and picked a cob from the stalk. She pulled the kernels off of the cob and placed them in the soil to make it look like little stepping stones or trails in the garden. They gathered acorns from under our oak tree and pulled some moss that was growing on our patio. So many treasures were found just in our own backyard! The fairies and gnomes can be found at most craft stores.

Fall fairy garden giggles

I sat back and watched them giggle and come up with wonderful stories for their fairies as they explored in their new pumpkin fairy garden. The conversations and questions were priceless and adorable. You could literally see their eyes sparkle and their happiness overflow. My heart felt that same magical joy as I watched them play.

I have always believed in the magic of childhood and think that if you get your life right that magic should never end” – Colin Thompson.

Roasted pumpkin seed recipe

When we cleaned out our pumpkins for the fairy gardens, I reminded my children to save the pumpkin seeds. We made the most delicious Roasted Pumpkin Seeds! To make these seeds, all you need to do is pull the seeds out of the pumpkin and separate them from any pulp. Wash and pat dry the seeds with a paper towel. Then, toss a cup and a half of the seeds in a bowl with two teaspoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt. Stir them up and then spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on oven temperature of 300 degrees. Let them cool. Pop them in your mouth and enjoy!

Have you ever made a fall fairy garden?

About the author

Megan Rigdon is a mother to three energetic children and lives on their family farm in Harford County, Maryland. She is a lifestyle family photographer and a lover of joyful and colorful images. Megan has a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught Kindergarten prior to having her own family. They spend as much time as possible outdoors exploring the farm and going on adventures. Raising chickens, fishing, gardening, camping, and crafting are just a few of her favorite things to do with her family.

You can find more from Megan in the following locations:
Professional Instagram: @meganrigdonphotography
Personal Instagram: @megmrigdon
Website: meganrigdonphotography.com
RWMC posts: Megan Rigdon
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FAMILY TRAVEL, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, NATIONAL PARKS
Kakadu National Park, Australia with Kids
- October 8, 2020
Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest terrestrial national park, situated in the Northern Territory’s tropical north. It would be hard to find a place that is more unique or diverse as this Aboriginal-owned World Heritage-listed National Park. It’s an incredible place. Today, we have Jodie of Territory Mama here to take you along on a trip through Kakadu and give you all the recommendations, tips, and advice you need to plan a trip to Kakadu National Park with kids.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park spreads across almost 200kms from north to south and over 100km east to west. The diversity of landscapes it covers range from coastal and estuaries to billabongs and floodplains, through to the rocky ridges and stone country of the Arnhem Land Escarpment. These landscapes are home to more than one-third of Australia’s bird species and one-quarter of it’s freshwater and estuarine fish species. Not only does Kakadu extend across such spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife, but it’s home to the oldest living culture on earth.

But, the best part about Kakadu National Park is that it’s easily accessible for families. And there are lots of amazing outdoor experiences for families to discover together. It’s a truly magical place and you can’t understand quite how incredible it is until you experience it for yourself, but I’ll do my best to capture a little bit about what makes this place so special.

Things to do in Kakadu National Park with kids

There are so many things to do in Kakadu National Park with kids. I’ve broken activities down by a couple of different categories: cultural experiences, waterfalls, and magical sunsets. These three activities encompass a lot of other activities that can be done at these locations (hiking, swimming, animal sighting, camping, etc.).

Cultural experiences at Kakadu

The traditional owners Bininj Mungguy have lived and cared for this country for more than 50,000 years and you can experience firsthand their connection to the country through many of the cultural experiences and tours on offer within Kakadu.

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise – Kakadu Cultural Tours

The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is a scenic boat tour upstream of the majestic East Alligator River. Your Aboriginal guide will provide insight into their culture, traditions, and beliefs. You will experience traditional hunting and gathering techniques and learn about the many uses for the plants and animals that call this area home. You may also spot many of the local saltwater crocodiles that inhabit this spectacular river. The cruise operates between May and November and is owned and managed by the traditional owners of Kakadu.

Yellow Water Cruises

Ran by the Indigenous-owned Kakadu Tourism, the Yellow Water Cruises offer a year-round boat cruise along the ever-changing Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Billabong. It is recommended to take the cruise during sunrise or sunset when the wildlife is most active but many visitors undertake more than one cruise during their stay to experience the changes in wildlife at different times of the day. While cruising along the tranquil wetland there is an abundance of wildlife to encounter, up to 60 different bird species, saltwater crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo, and wallabies all in their natural habitat.

Warradjan Culture Centre

Warradjan Culture Centre was developed by the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu to help tell their story. Displays include artifacts, bush tucker, and local artwork. During the dry season (April – September) local Aboriginal artists often conduct demonstrations here from painting to traditional weaving techniques and the kids are always welcome to join in.

Waterfalls at Kakadu National Park

There are so many stunning waterfalls to choose from at Kakadu National Park its hard to know where to start. Some can be a little more difficult to access than others and depending on your family’s level of hiking, its always a good idea to check with the Bowali Visitor Centre to see which falls would best suit your family. Here are our picks that are easily accessible but still have spectacular views and perfect swimming holes.

Gunlom plunge pool

Only a 100 metre walk from the carpark this sandy beach-like pool is perfect for young families. A shallow entry means the smallest members can splash by the edge while the more adventurous can swim to the waterfall. Gunlom is a seasonal waterfall and best visited in the early dry season (May – June); however, the bottom pool remains swimmable usually until August-September. (Gunlom waterfalls pictured below)

Maguk

Maguk requires a little more of a walk-in with a rocky 2km track. However, the effort is worth it when you reach the stunning turquoise pool. This waterfall is spring-fed so it flows year-round, which makes it a perfect stop even for travelers visiting later in the year when other falls start to dry up. Seasonal closures do still occur due to crocodile movement, so always check with the visitor centre before your visit.

Igoymarrwa

Igoymarrwa is a small crystal clear plunge pool located in the southern end of the park. Although a short drive in from the main Kakadu Highway, you will still require a 4WD. The waterfall however is just a short walk from the carpark opening up to a lush little oasis. (Igoymarrwa pictured above)

Jim Jim and Twin Falls

If you happen to visit Kakadu during the wet season (October – April) a scenic flight over Jim Jim and Twin Falls is an experience you will never forget. You can choose between a light aircraft or helicopter, with flights leaving from both Jabiru and Cooinda airstrips.

Magical sunsets at Kakadu

There’s a number of sites to take in the incredible Kakadu sunset but here are our top three.
1. Gunlom Top Pools – Gunlom is perched at the top of a waterfall. You can take in not only some of the best views in Kakadu but watch as the sunset lights up the bush and surrounding escarpment.
2. Ubirr Rock Art site – This point is overlooking the Nadab floodplain. It’s a stunning cultural site where you’ll feel as though you’re on a set from a movie scene. Channel your inner Lion King while watching the sun set into the horizon and the birds find their way to roost for the night. Ubirr is also home to some of the oldest artwork in the world, with galleries dating back thousands of years.
3. Nawurlandja Lookout – Nawurlandja overlooks the mighty Burrungkuy rock and Anbangbang billabong. The sun here sets behind you but you have front row seats to a spectacular display as Burrungkuy escarpment transforms before your eyes with the setting sun. (pictured below)
How to get to Kakadu National Park with kids

Kakadu National Park is approximately 250km south of Darwin. If you fly into Darwin you can hire a car to explore the park on your own terms. Alternatively, you can join one of the many tours on offer, but be prepared these are often rushed and on a strict time schedule. We recommend 5-7 days to explore the park at a leisurely pace and to really explore all Kakadu has to offer.

When planning your visit keep in mind the scale of the Park, 200km from North to South. Many attractions are a full day out. If hiring your own vehicle, we highly recommend a 4WD. While much of the park is still accessible via 2WD, it will limit the sites you can visit, particularly, the waterfalls.

Where to stay at Kakadu National Park with kids

Kakadu National Park has a range of accommodation options to suit most budgets. Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park, and Anbinik Kakadu Resort all offer a range of air-conditioned cabins, eco tents or unpowered and powered campsites. For those looking for a little more luxury on their visit be sure to check out the Mecure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, which has been built to resemble a crocodile!

There are, of course, many campgrounds throughout Kakadu if you have your own camping gear. We love the campgrounds at Gunlom, Mardukal, and Garnamarr.

It is always a good idea to check in with the staff at the Bowali Visitor Centre before your visit to get the most up to date reports on road conditions, site openings. You can also get more in-depth information about the walks, level of difficulty, and whether they are suitable for you and your family.

Our land has a big story. Sometimes we tell a little bit at a time. Come and hear our stories, see our land. A little might stay in your hearts. If you want more, you can come back.”

Jacob Nayinggul, Manilargarr Clan

About the author

Jodie is a mum of two little adventurers living in the Top End of Australia. With a passion for nature and a lust for adventure, she is always exploring with her two littles in new and exciting places or special old favourites.

You can find more from Jodie online in the following locations:
Website: territorymama.com
Instagram: @territorymama
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, CANOE/KAYAK, FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Family Travel: Sunriver Resort, Oregon
- October 5, 2020
Adventure is out there for those that know where to look! And we love sharing those hidden-gem locations that are jam-packed with outdoor activities for the entire family. Today, our Creative Team member Araceli Gonzalez, a California mom of three and adventure-seeker, is here sharing her family’s recent experience at Sunriver Resort just outside of Bend, Oregon. While travel may not be possible for everyone right now, we highly encourage you to bookmark this post and immediately add Sunriver Resort to your travel bucket list for your next outdoor adventure getaway!

*This post was sponsored by Sunriver Resort. All opinions expressed and photos contained herein belong to the author.

Sunriver Resort in Bend, Oregon

If you are looking for sunshine 300 days out of the year, Sunriver, Oregon is waiting for you! This region of the PNW experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate and lots of sunshine year-round. In Sunriver, you will find a little gem known as Sunriver Resort. Sunriver is located about 15 miles south of Bend, Oregon right at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. The Deschutes River (a major tributary of the Columbia River) runs right through this beautiful resort and alongside the bike trails and golf courses.

If you’re looking for a fun getaway with plenty of adventure right at your doorstep, Sunriver Resort has so much to keep the entire family entertained, occupied and having fun outside. We spent a few glorious end of summer days enjoying this beautiful resort and absolutely loved every minute. I’m so excited to share our experience with you and encourage you to consider adding Sunriver Resort to your “must-see” list as soon as you can. This place is a true gem. My family and I will definitely be back. Sunriver may just be our new summer tradition.

Outdoor adventures at Sunriver Resort

The best way to get around Sunriver Resort is on a bicycle. Bike to grab your morning coffee, go shopping at the village square, dine at beautiful restaurants, all while filling your day with outdoor adventure and exercise. Every activity is within biking distance. If you don’t want to bring your own bikes, the Bike Barn has over 300 bikes ready to ride! Bikes are available first-come, first-serve and rentals include a helmet, lock and bike map.

Biking is definitely the most popular outdoor activity in the area and something this resort is known for. The bike trails are extensive, impressive and exquisite! Ride alongside the Deschutes River or through the forest on over 40 miles of paved bike paths and some of the best mountain biking trails in Oregon.

Horseback riding at Sunriver

One of the highlights during our stay was our visit to Sunriver Trail Rides. It is a magnificent Horse Ranch with over 54 beautiful horses. Sunriver offers guided trail rides in the spring, summer and fall for all experience levels, as well as pony rides for kids ages 2-6. If you need a lesson or refresher course, they also offer horseback riding lessons for those that want to polish up their riding skills.

We spent the day riding along the river and across stunning meadows. My youngest enjoyed a pony ride while the rest of us set out on “The Great Meadow Experience.” We saw coyote, deer, and other wildlife roaming through these serene meadows, which was just spectacular!

Also, this is a great place to meet genuine real-life cowboys! How about that? If you do the ride, you will get to experience a trail ride led by a real-life cowboy who will not only teach you, but entertain you with incredible stories and tales of cowboy life. These two had so much to talk about as we galloped down the meadow.

We also made friends with the most amazing horses. My children absolutely fell in love with these gentle animals and within minutes, they were the best of friends.

We spent the entire day horseback riding and getting to know these beautiful creatures. I love adventures where we can slow down and really take it all in. This adventure was one that I will always remember for it’s calm and soothing experience. The entire day felt relaxed, un-rushed, fun and grounding. It was such a great way to spend our last days of summer.

Deschutes River float trips at Sunriver Resort

The next day, we set out on a water adventure down the Deschutes River. A quick bike ride from the resort and we explored a 6 mile stretch of the Deschutes River. This is such a great way to see the beauty of this entire area. You can float, kayak, or paddle down the river on a raft, canoe, kayak or paddleboard. All rentals are available at the Sunriver Marina and include life jackets, paddles and a shuttle ride back to the marina at the end of the float.

We rented canoes and slowly made our way down the river. This felt just like a real-life lazy river, only better! The scenery was incredible, the company was fantastic and the weather was perfect. We stopped for snacks along the way and enjoyed a slow morning cruising down the river. We had so much fun floating down this picturesque river while lazy ducks moved right along with us!

Sunriver Resort pool

And last, no trip to Sunriver Resort would be complete without a trip to the pool! The Cove pool is the resort’s outdoor pool and is zero-entry (great for little ones). It also has a hot tub, private cabanas, a waterslide, nature walk and discovery area, a poolside restaurant, lakeside trails, and a spacious deck and lawn. My kids absolutely LOVED the rock slide. The pool offers gorgeous mountain views and was such a serene experience.

Adventures for everyone

Sunriver Resort is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation for the whole family. The adults had just as much fun as the kids and we all got to do something (multiple things, actually) we loved. Our days were filled with so much adventure and we never had to leave the resort. The location is inviting and offers so much fun for the entire family and we are already making our list of what we’ll do when we come back. Because, we will definitely be back!

Have you been to Sunriver Resort in Oregon?
What activity would you be most excited about?

About the author

Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation to a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. Araceli is a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
All RWMC posts: Araceli
GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Ways to Reconnect With Nature as a Family
- September 29, 2020
This year has tested and challenged us in more ways than we ever could have imagined. There’s been so much uncertainty, stress, and exhaustion over the last six months and that’s taken a toll on our physical and mental health. As parents, we tend to feel the effects more deeply and have experienced more unprecedented change and pressure than ever before. Today, we have a beautiful story about what happens when a mom in healthcare experiences burnout. Amber of @PlayLiveBe and her kids dive into the science of nature where they find renewal and healing. In these wild spaces, they reconnect with nature as a family, create food memories, and tap into an overflowing wellspring of life. Here’s how they’re doing it and how you can reconnect with nature as a family.

Adjusting to a new normal

This year has been so unique and challenging in ways we ever anticipated. Every day is the same and also completely different and unique. Yet, I am aware of one consistent thread woven throughout 2020…the anticipation of change. Change comes in the form of news updates, illness, and job revision. It can be a family reorganization, new budget constraints, modified educational delivery, and more. For someone like me, change can be unpredictable and unsettling.

I am every bit a Type-A planner who schedules time for “exploration and adventure”. While I appreciate spontaneity and last-minute adventures, that’s not usually the way we head out the door. However, thanks to some awesome nature research, the last decade has helped me regain my life balance. Translated, this means I can now hike without planning too far ahead.

I am also an Emergency Medicine Provider on the frontlines. While I am accustomed to the usual stress of my job, nothing could have prepared me for this year and the changes and challenges 2020’s brought with it. In fact, these last 6 months have been a blur. While the world has shut down in many ways, health care has not and we are busier than ever.

Some days I work a “normal” shift. Other days I work in a parking lot. By noon, temps on the asphalt are nearly 140°F and the gauges inside our PPE suits read 20° higher. Today, I lose 10 pounds of sweat and am thankful for a short, 8-hour shift.

I survive the initial pandemic waves on pure adrenalin, coffee, and dark chocolate. But it isn’t long before sleep deprivation and exhaustion set in…and that is when my emotional state deteriorates. My organized, well-planned life is unraveling.

The healing power of nature

Disappointment, sadness, anxiety, anger and stress begin to predominate my mental state. And then I feel nothing at all.

After weeks, why can’t I remember how to rescue myself and reach for a sense of calm?

I don’t know, but I can say this: nature’s infinite beauty calls me. The power in her waterfalls, the melody of her twilight crickets, and the hum of her honeybees. Nature’s unparalleled ability to persevere is astounding.

So I do what speaks to my soul: I reach out to the natural world and find myself embraced by her seasonal rhythms. I reconnect with nature to heal and soothe.

The moon continues to scroll through phases, wildflowers bloom on cue, fruit hangs low on the vine, and rivers flow. It is how it always has been…recurring, stunningly beautiful, and healing.

Ways to reconnect with nature and heal as a family

Now, reconnected to something greater than myself, I feel my perception of the world begin to shift. I begin to experience positive emotions in abundance: calm, peace, focus, happiness, optimism, motivation and inspiration. This is what it feels like to come alive!

Time outside is sooo good for our brain. Not surprisingly, it also improves our physical health. A staggering amount of research supports the following:
- Time spent surrounded by nature improves vitamin D levels and reduces obesity.
- It lowers cholesterol and decreases our lifelong risk of heart disease.
- Nature calms ADHD and anxiety; it alleviates depression and makes us more creative.
As a mom, we know internal journeys are rarely afforded personal space in which to grow. 😊 So, let me tell you about some of the family-friendly nature adventures that helped pull me…and all of us…back to center. Here are a few ways you can reconnect with nature as a family and help heal your spirit, minds, and bodies.

Daily interaction with green spaces

I love the Scandinavian phrase “there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing”. It’s an expression I quote as my kids complain of being sent outside in the rain or heat. The same phrase we say before hiking…we walk through the woods in all kinds of weather; except of course during lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes. (10 out of 10 do NOT recommend.)

In her book, The Nature Fix, Florence Williams promotes a concept called the nature pyramid as a recommended guide for ensuring adequate doses of nature to all humankind. It is comprised of gradually increasing time in nature…and it works along a dose curve. Meaning, the more time we spend in nature the more beneficial returns we are afforded.

Williams says daily interaction with green spaces in the form of a park bench or water fountain “help us destress, find focus and lighten our mental fatigue.” This has been our daily routine for the last 7 years: breakfast followed by outside free play. It is during this time when my kids make mud pies, dig trenches and collect acorns. This is so beneficial but according to the nature dose curve, we can do better.

The next level of the pyramid is similar to the Finnish model of weekly, hour-long outings in quieter spaces. This is when we visit a regional park with a natural water source. We pack lunch, sit by the river and enjoy time away from responsibility. By frequenting the same natural space we are able to observe seasonal rhythms in the plants and animals where we play.

Moving further up the nature pyramid we find monthly excursions to natural areas, time here is measured in hours. Scientists who study interactions between our immune system and forest immersions like this are completely inundated by positive research. The results are astounding and cannot be replicated by streaming a babbling brook on your big screen TV.

Hike near water

At the very top of Williams’ research-based nature pyramid are the rare but essential multi-day bursts of wildness we need once a year. Intense bursts of immersion in nature, near a natural water source, will “rearrange our very core, catalyze our hopes and dreams, fill us with awe and offer reassurance of our place in the universe.”

This is our brain on nature and it’s breathtakingly amazing.

As scientists quantify nature’s effects on our mood, well-being, and ability to think we are reminded of the numerous aspects of life a hefty dose of nature can help. These include memory, planning, ability to create, daydream, and focus.

It is no surprise that my self-prescribed intense nature therapy is transformational to my outlook on life. I have been pulled to a happier, healthier, more content mental space after spending time outdoors.

Of all the places my family wanders, acorn collecting and backyard mud pits are the most common. However, hikes near water remain our favorite! Hiking is so incredibly beneficial to your physical and mental well-being. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in your environment and reconnect with nature. Add some water, whether it’s a babbling brook, a little pond, a beautiful lake or a river and it elevates the experience for you and the kids.

Slippery rocks and uneven surfaces provide massive stimuli to a growing brain while the sound of running water soothes us all. Throwing rocks is a blast for the kids and can provide endless fun. Plants and animals that live in and near the water add to the excitement and provide opportunities to learn.

Connect outside with food

Some of my most compelling childhood memories exist at the intersection of food and emotion. These moments of consciousness are packed with incredible detail. Each given $1 a week, my brother and I bought chocolate coins and bubblegum cigars; very rarely, we saved the money. Sometimes we were able to snag our favorite treats…those sold in frozen form.

My memory of the Pink Panther ice cream is inexplicably linked to grass-stained feet and mosquito-bitten legs. We chased the unforgettable sound of an ice cream truck, muddy arms waving enthusiastically over our heads, a wrinkled dollar bill clutched in our fist.

That incredibly delicious frozen bar tasted more like cough syrup than cherry, but it was all I ever wanted. Round ears set atop a light pink face with not one, BUT TWO gumball eyes. I tried in vain to make that purchase last all night; I even licked the drips running down my arm.

This is the junction of food and emotion; it is what scientists refer to as “the strongest associative memories you can make”. These food memories are not just an illustration of intersectionality they represent a critical juncture that invokes powerful memories of lived experience.

It is my hope that some of our outdoor family adventures will converge with our time in the kitchen to create some of the most intense memories my children’s subconscious will ever establish. One way we help our kids understand seasonality is with a backyard garden. Growing your own food in an incredibly powerful way to reconnect with nature.

Though small, we care for this space with great responsibility. We tend the soil, plant the seeds and all the tiny sprouts then we wait with great anticipation for harvest to begin. We reconnect with nature through growing a garden and caring for the earth. It is here we find that kids are more willing to try new fruits and veggies if they have established a connection before it lands on their plate.

We watch cucumber plants unfurl their vines and attach tendrils for support. We celebrate the first yellow flower and pollinator arrival. Because of this connection, my kids now love cucumbers in all shapes and forms…munching them fresh off the vine, as an acidic pickle or sprinkled with sea salt and eaten as a snack.

Our nature walks remind us that the first honeysuckle drenched breeze of early summer means blackberry vines are flowering too. It won’t be long before we will walk, buckets in hand, along a path covered in wild berries. We taste as we go and learn to look for ripe fruit that has turned from tart red to sweet purple.

Through berry stuffed mouths I hear my Little People ask: “Mama, can we make kid-sized pies with some of these?”

Yes, we certainly can! Back in the kitchen, we work together. As flour and butter combine, somehow ingredients find themselves everywhere. How does that even happen?! Again, we taste as we go and talk about the importance of keeping this dough cold…heat from the oven hits ice-cold pockets of butter and creates steam.

This is the science that magically creates flaky layers in our pie crust. Before long we pull delectable little pockets of summertime goodness out of the oven. Handpicked blackberries tucked inside crisp little shells. These hand pies practically dance on the pan…glittered with demerara sugar you might start dancing too!

Perhaps one day when my kids are fully grown they will pick fresh berries alongside honeysuckle flowers, bite into a crisp pastry shell, taste blueberry cheesecake or drink sumac-ade and acquire some serious gastronomic déjà vu.

Remember your why

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as the world gets busy again. In those weeks where I existed mainly in the blue, the pressure was mounting and I had to withdraw from nonessential tasks. What started as an innocent attempt to learn from groups with great ideas quickly became something larger than myself.

I was no longer forming my own thoughts so I hit pause and removed social media platforms from my phone. During my social media fast, I worked on listening to myself think and on cultivating real relationships. What a wild thought!

These incredible people supported me, held me accountable, felt my loss, and celebrated victories. Rather than stare at a screen, I strengthened bonds with my family. We immersed ourselves in nature, became allies with the land and the food it provides.

We visited farmers’ markets, walked in rivers, danced in the rain, enjoyed an isolated beach, picked tomatoes, read tons of books and we played. Golly jeepers, we played; never before has fun been so important. We reconnected to nature and the physical beautiful world around us. The best part…I began to feel again.

Throughout this time of reflection, I was able to sort through my emotions and remember my why, my raison d’être, my reason for existence.

As it turns out my heart was there all along; but as I increased the noise in my life I lost touch with her voice.

I returned to the world of social media, not surprisingly my first action was to delete anything toxic: people, groups, organizations. I even deleted entire social platforms. But I added so much more.

The people, food, locations and ideas on my feed are more colorful now than ever before. I follow more National Parks and organizations committed to preserving these incredible spaces. I follow mamas who are getting it right: those who share real stories…real images…demonstrate life balance…and immerse their families in nature.

Importantly, I share an authentic version of myself.

All of these changes have given me a new way to reconnect with nature in a way that feels genuine and refreshing.

The beginning of a new opportunity

Just as the moon moves across the sky in phases, so too was this walk with emotions in my life. Tonight is a New Moon; a dark sky, perhaps symbolic of the season from which I just emerged.

But this is a sky filled with incredible promise. Tonight will be dark but the stars will shine brightly in celebration of a full moon to come. My family and I have been given a new beginning; an opportunity to reimagine the framework of our life. A chance to reconnect with nature in new ways and fully appreciate and understand the significance of the world around us.

The future will have uncertainties but one thing is sure: we will remain connected to nature and each other. These wild spaces and the food memories it provides deliver energy to our soul; for that wellspring of life, we are incredibly thankful.

These are the elements that sustain us, maintain our focus, and fill our hearts with contentment.

So now the real questions…

How are YOU doing this year?
Are you and your family reconnecting with nature?
How can we help?

About the author

Amber is a seeker of moments and a dream chaser. She is a lover of wild spaces, good food, red wine, and dark chocolate. She worldschools her two kids (2^nd and K), volunteers a bit too much, and is an Emergency Medicine Provider working with the Southeast Region’s largest COVID-19 response team. For more real-life adventures you can follow Amber and her family on Instagram @PlayLiveBe or check out their website at http://www.playlivebe.com.
CRAFTS, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Wildflower Hike and Homemade Bookmarks
- September 23, 2020
Have you ever gone on a wildflower hike with your kids? Not only is a fun way to get outside and explore, but wildflowers can also be used in so many fun crafts and projects! Today, we have Robin Lloyd, Colorado mom of three, here sharing tips on how to make the most of your wildflower hike and how to turn your wildflower treasures into beautiful bookmarks with your kids. Enjoy!

Wildflower hike expectations

One of the most important lessons I am learning as a parent is that we can do great things on a small scale. For so long I’ve been wanting to take my children on a wildflower hike and collect wildflowers to make beautiful bookmarks. However, I wanted our experience to be just right; the perfect winding path chock-full of vibrant wildflowers set against stunning mountain views and dappled golden light. I didn’t want to go until I had researched exactly what types of wildflowers we’d find so I could amaze my children with my wildcrafting knowledge. I wanted to be able to name and teach them about each unique bloom was as we placed them carefully in our beautiful handmade flower press. In my mind, I could picture it so vividly and wanted desperately our adventure to look just like that.

But, the reality was that these ideals of a perfect moment were holding us back from having the actual experience. We’re all busy and sometimes it’s more important to have any experience rather than wait for the perfect one. I realized I didn’t want my perfect vision of our outing to keep us from having fun and creating memories.

Have the adventure anyway!

Finally, I was tired of waiting for the time to make our wildflower hike perfect. One evening I did some quick research on my AllTrails app, and found a nearby trail that mentioned wildflowers. The next morning I threw prepackaged snacks into our backpacks and a cooler pack for the flowers and we took off. (I will say that I highly recommend doing a little trail research as there are unforeseen closures during this time due to COVID!)

The next day, we went on our wildflower hike and had a wonderful time! No, I didn’t know all the flower names, but that was ok! We looked them up later (which was really fun for all of us). I believe it’s important to also do the big adventures, but don’t let the fear of an adventure not being perfect hold you back from enjoying all the little ones! We opted for action over perfection and now we go on intentional wildflower hikes quite regularly. Sometimes every couple of weeks! Once wildflowers are no longer in season, we collect leaves and grasses. I have found a few things that help us make these hikes fun and easy and I’m excited to share them with you today.

Wildflower hike tips for parents

Cooler – Bring a soft cooler pack or reusable silicone bag for the flowers you collect on your wildflower hike. If you have young children as I do, your flowers are going to get squished. It’s ok, it doesn’t affect the outcome of the bookmark keepsakes.

Photos – Take pictures as you collect your blooms! I am learning wildflower knowledge right along with my kids, and it’s much easier to look up and identify pictures of intact blooms than the “well-loved” specimens we take home with us.

Press – Use a flower press or book to place flowers into upon returning to the car. I use our giant Webster’s dictionary. Every time I go to order a flower press, I decide to wait. Maybe one day I will order one (or make one), but for now, our Webster’s has never let me down. A handy tip is to keep it in the car, ready for spontaneous pressing of treasured finds! In complete honesty, I have often forgotten to place our flowers in the book before driving home and ended up digging them out of various backpacks upon our return. They still turned out fine. Fair warning, you might find some crawling friends in there as well.

Scissors – Bring small scissors along on your wildflower hike. We don’t always remember these, but occasionally they help when trying to take just a bloom and not the whole plant. A great part of the fun is picking the flowers, and I like to let them do it themselves. I carry these in my personal backpack.

More – Collect just a few more flowers than you think you’ll need (but please don’t take them all). See above about flowers being well-loved! Not all flowers will make it home, and that’s ok. Petals will fall off, and stems will get crushed. This does not always render them unusable! We typically use our “leftover” bits and pieces to make collage bookmarks. Make sure that you’re allowed to collect/pick/keep wildflowers in the area that you’re visiting (not all parks or nature preserves allow you to pick or take anything). And be sure to leave plenty of flowers for the birds, bees, and butterflies (and other people to enjoy).

Anything! – You don’t have to only use wildflowers. We collect and make bookmarks with all kinds of things we find on hikes, like leaves and feathers. You can find all kinds of different items and objects on your hikes any time of year. Anything remotely flat will work!

Let the flowers dry out first

If you want to turn your wildflower hike treasures into bookmarks, the first thing to do is to let the flowers dry out. If possible, let them sit for a couple of weeks to remove all moisture. Sometimes the colors will fade a bit. That’s to be expected. I’ve heard of people microwaving their flowers to dry them out and preserve the colors, but we haven’t tried that yet.

While the flowers are drying, we use our photos from our wildflower hike to identify which species we found. It’s a lot of fun to see the kids learn new things about the plants and flowers in their area. A lot of times they remember a flower name from our last outing. Sometimes we will write the names of each flower on the bookmarks, sometimes little quotes, and sometimes nothing at all!

Making wildflower bookmarks with a laminator

When we first started making wildflower bookmarks, I used my laminator for this process. However, after a while, it resulted in a ton of plastic waste. Since we do this activity frequently, I wanted an option that was less wasteful. So, I started using the wax paper method. Using a laminator is easy, however. And you’ll get no judgment from me if you choose to use that method. It is far less messy and results in a much “tidier” finished product.

If you do choose to laminate, simply have your kiddos arrange the flowers on construction paper. Slip each flower-covered piece carefully into laminating sheets and run them through the laminator. Have the kiddos cut out when cooled!

I will say, if I am sending bookmarks to distant friends or family we will still use our laminator as it makes for a sturdier bookmark. The wax paper laminating method does eventually fall apart, but in my house, that’s a good thing. We would have far too many treasures if everything we collected lasted forever!
Waxed paper wildflower bookmarks

Now, instead of using the laminator, we make our wildflower bookmarks using wax paper and glue. They’re not quite as study, but they do just fine and the kids get to be very hands-on throughout the process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- wildflowers
- clear waxed paper (I have used the brown natural kind too, it makes for a vintage-looking bookmark!)
- plain paper (we love using colored construction paper so everyone can personalize their own)
- washable glue
- kid-safe scissors
How to make wax paper wildflower bookmarks

Have each child arrange their flowers on a piece of construction paper. I have them cut out the flowers AFTER laminating. You can draw outlines on the paper first, but I prefer to let them just have at it! We end up with very interestingly shaped bookmarks, and that is part of the fun!

Drizzle glue* over the flowers on the paper and then place waxed paper under each piece of flower-covered construction paper.Place another piece on top, (right on top of the glued flowers) and then set the entire thing on an iron safe surface covered with a thin towel (I like using tea towels).

*We did try it without the glue, and it didn’t work as nearly as well. The waxed paper does melt to the flowers and paper, but without fail it falls apart when little hands try to cut out the flowers.

Place another tea towel on top. Iron the flower-covered side of the paper first. Iron on medium to high heat for a few minutes until the wax has adhered to the paper, checking periodically to make sure it’s not burning. Flip over and repeat the process. A delightful smell of wildflowers will waft from the papers!

Once the glue has dried to clear and the papers have cooled, let the children cut out their wildflower bookmarks! We usually let them dry overnight, or place them in the sun to speed the drying process.

Now, if you’re like me and somehow always manage to leave them out in the rain, just hang the flower papers up overnight and they’ll be fine in the morning.
The beauty of a bookmark

These lovely little bookmarks are so fun to make and have so many great uses. They are easy to slip into envelopes and mail as surprises. They make wonderful gifts for grandparents, relatives, teachers and friends! You can hang them on walls as decoration. My kids love having them over their beds where they can see them every day. Hang them on windows and let the light shine through them like stained-glass. And of course, they’re perfect for using as bookmarks in your favorite nightly read! The flowers and the bookmarks stimulate exciting “remember when” conversations about our adventures every time we look at them.

Have you gone on a wildflower hike with your kids?
Are wildflower bookmarks in your future?

About the author

Robin Lloyd is a Colorado mama of four year-old boy-girl twins and a one and a half year-old boy. Her family are second-generation homeschoolers and strive to spend every moment possible outdoors!

You can find more from Robin in the following locations:
Pinterest: @ThisLittleMustardSeed
Website: The Mama Playbook
Facebook: @thislittlemustardseed
BEACH, BIKE, CAMP, FISH, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
9 Character-Building Outdoor Activities For Kids
- September 17, 2020
Technology is everywhere these days. Our children are growing up as digital natives in an era where screens are pervasive and they’re plugged-in to multiple devices throughout the day. It’s no wonder why kids today are so adept at technology. However, the last thing parents want is for their kids to be screen-addicted or penned inside. Now, more than ever, it is important for families to make spending time outdoors and off-screens a priority. There’s no better way for kids to build character, confidence, and improve their physical and mental health than being outside. Today, we have Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers here sharing nine character-building outdoor activities to get your kids outside and having fun in the sun.

Overcoming the challenge of getting kids outside

2020 has been a hard year in so many ways. The challenge of spending time outdoors right now is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, pervasive wildfires, diminished air quality, and more. With education shifting towards an online and virtual format, kids are spending their days inside and in front of a screen. Plenty of education and mental health professionals (and parents) are concerned about the long-term effects of remote learning environments. Now more than ever, it’s important to ensure that children have opportunities to spend time playing outside and in the fresh air.

Being cooped up and inside the house has the opposite effect of being outdoors. Between obesity and Vitamin D deficiency, not to mention higher stress levels, spending too much time indoors is detrimental to a child’s physical and mental well-being. If society’s goal is to raise healthy and happy kids, then it’s time to unplug, power down devices, and head outside. We owe it to our kids to give them the benefits of nature and outdoor play time.

Character-building benefits of being outdoors

So what’s a parent to do right now? In the era of virtual learning, the lure of electronics is strong. Screens provide kids constant new information, a changing view, and countless things to do. But guess what…so does being outside! As parents, it’s our job to take the lead and demonstrate that outdoor activity is a non-negotiable, essential activity.

Start small, but make outdoor time a priority. Don’t give up after a few minutes or the first time your child says they’re bored. Boredom means that they’re going to have to get creative! After a while, kids will begin to develop new habits, start thinking outside the box and reap all of the benefits that come from playing outside. Benefits include physical exercise, lower stress levels, better temperaments, better sleep habits and lower anxiety.

Playing outdoors also helps to build character. Certain intangible qualities can be fostered thru particular character-building outdoor activities. From confidence and resilience to respect and kindness towards others, these are things that children can develop by playing outside.

We are builders of our own characters. We have different positions, spheres, capacities, privileges, different work to do in the world, different temporal fabrics to raise; but we are all alike in this, — all are architects of fate.”
John Fothergill Waterhouse Ware

Exploring, bouldering & climbing trees

During a child’s formative years, they learn about their relationship to their physical environment. They learn about their limits and how to push past them. Kids learn how to take risks, problem-solve, compromise and overcome obstacles. Character-building outdoor activities such as exploring, bouldering, and climbing trees are a few easy ways to get children moving and taking healthy risks. Other than a good pair of shoes, water, and sun protection, these activities do not require much equipment and don’t need a lot of planning. They just need a parent willing to get them outside and let them play!

When kids explore, they are fueling their curiosity about new places and things. Exploring allows kids the opportunity to build confidence and courage as they work through frustrations and challenges. Figuring things out builds problem-solving skills and promotes independence. This teaches kids that they can tackle bigger challenges the next time they encounter them.

Hiking, backpacking & fishing

Fostering a love and appreciation for nature is just one of the benefits of being outside. Hiking, backpacking, and fishing are three activities that require minimal equipment and can lead to lifelong loves of these activities and the outdoors. Each activity helps to teach survival skills. They also bring real-life science and ecology lessons to life so kids can learn about ecosystems and where their food comes from. They turn kids into tiny naturalists that instinctively want to protect their planet and the nature around them.

But beyond these practical skills, activities like hiking, backpacking, and fishing are character-building outdoor activities as well. Through these activities, kids learn patience, perseverance, diligence, and resilience. To land a fish, kids have to wait and be patient until they get a bite. To go the distance on a trail, kids have to put in the effort step-by-step and be tenacious. With each activity, there are sure to be challenges; overcoming adversity and doing hard things helps to develop resilience and grit.

Youth sports, water sports & bike riding

There are plenty of benefits of playing sports that are reason enough to encourage kids to run, jump, and play outside. Physical benefits include reducing the risk of obesity, increased cardiovascular fitness, and the healthy development of bones and muscles. But outdoor activities like youth sports, water sports, and riding a bike have character-building benefits as well.

Kids who are drawn to the camaraderie or competition of sports will cultivate certain character-building traits. When children participate in sports they learn social skills like sharing, respect for others, communication, teamwork, and self-advocacy. Youth sports expose children to situations that help foster these important social skills.

While swimming is regarded as a life skill, it has character-building benefits, too. The adage sink or swim helps to illustrate that a person must succeed by their efforts or fail. Waterborne kids learn to be attentive and hardworking if they want to stay afloat, both in the water and in life.

Cycling is another great character-building outdoor activity for kids to engage in to reap all of the physical, mental and emotional benefits of being outdoors. Developing proficiency in bike riding is not only a rite of passage but a way for kids to be independent. For kids to take their two-wheel adventures away from home, they have to prove their trustworthiness and demonstrate responsibility. They also learn skills such as navigation, awareness, and observation.

Programs that encourage outdoor time

It’s never too early to encourage children to reap the character-building benefits of being outdoors. If you’re looking for a program that encourages outdoor adventures and character-building activities, check out Wonder Club Explorers. I created Wonder Club Explores a few years ago to encourage my child to explore outdoors. It’s an independent scouting program for young children where they earn merit patches by completing nature-inspired activities. We’ve found that kids are delighted to get outdoors and love the bonus of earning a patch that they can proudly display. Parents love that we help facilitate activities and give them a reason to get outside and play.

Older kids looking to socially distance and be physical at the same time might consider forming an outdoor physical education pod to stay active once “virtual school” lets out. Outdoor playdates and scheduled activities give parents some help and accountability in prioritizing outdoor time for their kids. Find a few families with children your kids’ ages and schedule a meet-up! Make it a weekly (daily?) thing and watch as your kids gain independence and confidence week after week by playing outside.

Build character through outdoor activities

There are any number of ways to encourage the fun of outdoors without making it seem like it’s a chore or something kids ought to do. Whether you’re doing any of the character-building outdoor activities mentioned above or simply letting your kid run around outside and be free, the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of outdoor activity are clear. They far outweigh any obstacles, difficulties and drawbacks, especially when outside play is approached with the happiness and spirit that comes with being a kid. Now more than ever, we hope you’ll find ways to encourage your kids to get outside and play.

About the author

Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6 year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, FARM, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
10 Tips for Letting Your Kids Help with Chores
- September 10, 2020
Getting kids to help out around the house with chores can feel like an overwhelming task at times. Very rarely do kids offer to clean up the playroom, put dishes away or walk the dog. However, kids are naturally curious, want to spend time with their parents, and love helping out in the right circumstances. Today, we have Creative Team member Jake Smith, Washington farmer and dad of four, here sharing 1o tips for letting your kids help with the chores. Whether you’re on a farm, in the city or anywhere in between, these tips are great ways to incorporate fun, learning, and responsibility into your chores and projects. Before you know it, you might even start to like doing chores with your kids!

10 tips for letting kids help with chores

Currently, our family lives on a small farm in Washington State where there is an abundance of daily chores. Staying on top of all the chores around a farm is no small task. Some days when I call on my kids to help out, I’m not exactly met with joyous, excited replies. So, I decided to dig a little deeper to figure out how to make doing something monotonous a little less so.

I make no claims to be an expert on the subject of getting kids to help with chores. However, I feel like writing these 10 chore tips is as much for myself as it is for the kids because it’s so easy to get impatient and just revert to the classic, “fine, I’ll do it myself!” manta. At the very least I’m here to provide a glimpse of hope that doing chores with your kids can be fun, rewarding, and will set them up to become capable and creative problem solvers.

You don’t have to live on a farm to teach kids about responsibility and helping out with chores. We haven’t always lived on a farm. Just a few years ago we lived in the suburbs and were able to experiment with and apply many of these same principles successfully. I hope you’ll be able to apply some of these tips to your situation, wherever you live and whatever the chores are.

1. Make it fun

I can’t stress enough how important it is to make helping out with chores fun for the kids. If there’s only one tip you take away from this post and forget the rest, this is that tip. I won’t lie, there are plenty of chores I don’t enjoy doing. Why would I expect my kids would miraculously love doing the things I dislike? They share my DNA after all, chances are we’ve got more than a couple of similarities.

However, when we need to get some work done, it helps tremendously to find a way to incorporate a little fun into the chore. If we’re dreading the chore or if it’s bordering on the mundane, we pump the jams and do dance silly dances while we work. We sing songs or tell each other jokes. Whatever it takes to get excited that day. And while I’m not saying you should bribe your kids, if you happen to have some popsicles you were planning to dole out later that day anyway, maybe some correlation between work done and a reward isn’t a bad thing. Particularly, when they’re struggling to get excited about cleaning up the living room…

2. Offer choices

When getting kids to help with chores, I’ve learned some days they just need options. Kids like feeling like they have some control and say in the decision-making process. If there are multiple chores that need to be done, I give them a choice. Do you want to help feed the chickens or the cows today? Some days they’ll choose the chickens, some days they’ll choose the cows, others they want to do both and we have to decide which to do first. However, we are all susceptible to choice overload so I try not to offer them more than two or three options at a time.

For many of our farm chores, they aren’t big enough yet to do things on their own, so they assist me. It’s not the end of the world if I don’t have helpers. However, it certainly makes it more fun for me when they tag along, carry what they can, and ask a million questions. Before I even realize it, they’re able to do a little more, then a little more. Eventually, they take over a task from me entirely. It’s a beautiful process to observe and bittersweet as they get older.

3. Follow their interests

Following our kids’ interests is more than a small part of why we have our farm. I’m willing to bet our kids were partially influenced by our desire for living the farm life, but regardless, while we were living in the suburbs, farming is what they played, drew, and talked about every day. We worked and sacrificed in other areas of our lives to make finding our farm a priority. A place where the kids could explore their interests and space to develop new ones.

For you and your kids, it may be something other than farming. Maybe it’s sports, going camping, biking, animals, art, etc. Every one of our kids has slightly different interest areas. Our oldest LOVES her chickens. At eight years old she knows more about birds of every type than I do, no joke. Going and collecting eggs, making sure waterers are filled, and checking to be sure everyone looks healthy isn’t even thought of as a chore to her. She loves it. Our kids don’t think about their interest areas being work, they just wake up and want to go do them. Unfortunately, things like unloading the dishwasher and taking out the trash rarely fall into this category so you may have to rely on one of the other ten tips for those guys.

4. Create a daily chore routine

Kids love routine and knowing what to expect. Every day, we try to do roughly the same chores, in the same order, at the same time of day. It gives the kids some consistency and helps with transitions. The kids now know that when I’m finishing up filling waterers for one group of chickens, we will be transitioning to filling buckets of water to pack to another group of chickens further away. They can anticipate the next move, so they run into the barn and argue about whose turn it is to hold the hose to fill the buckets that day. By the time I’ve reached the hydrant, there’s usually one of them holding the other end of the hose ready to fill the water buckets up.

Some of these chores were never ones that I specifically asked them to do or help out with. I just went about my daily chore routine, they followed along and picked up on it. They saw places where they could jump in and help out, based on our routine. Certainly, our chores don’t all happen this seamlessly, and even this example has breakdowns regularly when they can’t agree on whose turn it is to hold the hose. That’s just life.

5. Make it a learning experience

We homeschool our kids and consider our farm part of the learning experience. Farm life is a natural progression to ask questions and invite curiosity. While we’re doing our chores, we like asking the kids leading questions that get their brains thinking about life on the farm. “Hmm, interesting this chicken egg is green, do you know why that is?” “Why do you think the cows chose to eat this variety of grass but didn’t touch that grass over there?” “Wow, the moon is super orange tonight, what do you think causes that?”

Chances are, I don’t actually know the answers to most of these wonderings, either. But that’s ok. Because we’ve fostered that childlike wonder about everything, the kids are asking me what seems like a million questions a day about things I’ve never even considered. I’ll ask them to keep that question and we’ll look it up when we get back into the house. Every evening we’re looking up answers and learning together. They’re so excited about the things they’re learning, seeing, and exploring they don’t even notice we’re getting chores done at the same time.

6. Lead by example

Kids are observant. Sometimes, they’re a lot more observant than I want them to be. My attitude about a certain task is almost always replicated in my children. If I’m going to have a bad attitude about going out and shoveling snow in the dark for the fifth time this week, there’s absolutely no chance they’re going to want to join me and help out. They may come out and sled down the hill while I shovel, but there’s no way they’re going to help me shovel because I’ve told them it’s terrible either in my body language or in word. Why would they willingly want to do something they know I don’t enjoy?

However, if I make it fun (see tip #1) for myself, chances are it’ll make it fun for them too. We’ve had many snow shoveling competitions to see who can clear the most snow the fastest. The clear winner? Me. 😉

7. Let them take ownership of their areas

This tip fully belongs to my wife, I can’t take credit for it. We were struggling so much with getting the kids to help out regularly with household chores; unloading the dishwasher, cleaning the bathroom, setting/clearing the table, etc. You know, the ones you just sort of do over and over and over again all the time endlessly? We tried assigning chore charts for these. Then we tried a weekly rotating chore assignment. Then we tried no chore charts. You name it, we tried it. No luck.

Kicking and screaming fits regularly lasted longer than doing the actual chore would have taken. Finally, in order to get the kids to help with chores, my wife got the idea to try letting each of the kids have “their areas” of ownership. Areas of the house that involved certain tasks they could become experts in and take pride of ownership around. If the bathroom is clean, I know to comment to my oldest about how great it looks. If the front entryway has all the shoes put away and I can actually walk through it without tripping, I know kid #3 has worked her magic and to tell her thank you.

8. Include them in whatever you happen to be doing

Even though I’m a farmer, I still work my normal 8-5, off-farm job just like everyone else. So, when I’m home in the evenings or on the weekends I like to spend time with my family. Shocker, right? Rather than making all the farm work another thing keeping me away from my wife and kids, we’ve worked to turn chore time into family time.

Kids have a natural curiosity and love for helping out. Just by tagging along in whatever I happen to be doing, they’re observing and learning from me constantly. A lot of the time we gather eggs together, if someone gets a particularly pretty egg they’ll exclaim and show the rest of the family. When we go load haybales for wintertime feed, the whole family comes along. Sure, I do all the work at present while my wife drives the pickup, but they’re observing and learning. In a few years when they’re strong enough to help out, they’ll do so excitedly and the learning curve will be small.

9. Expect them to be beginners

I know this one sounds pretty straightforward but for some reason, it wasn’t easy for me to realize they have never done…well, anything really. Maybe because they’re kids? Like I said in the beginning, I’m not an expert in this parenting business. Maybe I’m the slow learner? But I had to learn to just let them be terrible and take forever at first. Would it have been easier and quicker to just do some tasks myself? Yes, absolutely. And at first, I would do just that. I would take over and complete it myself.

However, now I’m slowly learning to just let them be terrible, to let them learn, to figure it out through some guided trial and error. It’s going to be terrible the first time anyone does anything. The tenth time? A little less terrible. The hundredth time? They might have it down pretty good by then. By providing your kids with a safe space to try, fail, and try again, they’ll learn over time they can figure most anything out and won’t be afraid to take the chance to try. This is probably one of the most empowering things I’ve done for my kids.

10. Have patience with them

Having patience with the kids as they figure out how to help with chores goes hand-in-hand with tip #9. Like I said in the beginning, I’m no expert at this. I’m trying to figure it out at the same time. But, I have noticed one thing, if I’m grumpy or short with my kids while they’re doing their best to help me out, you can rest assured they’re not going to enjoy doing that task again the next time. I try to always be conscious of my attitude and my demeanor, especially around them. It may seem like craziness but I find at least 50% of my kids’ attitude around anything in life directly reflects my own attitude. In reality, it’s probably much higher.

As parents to our precious little children, we’re their whole world. They’re taking in, learning, and figuring out everything through us. It’s all new. They look to us to mimic what to do, how to react, how to feel. So, having patience with them means having patience with myself, and understanding the much greater goal is not to have accomplished my to-do list successfully at the end of the day. The goal is to have lived a life worth living, to have loved my family unconditionally, and to have mattered to those around me.

How do you get your kids to help with chores?

About the author

Jake and his wife Jessica are raising four adorable children on Blackridge Farms in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest. Jake enjoys any time spent on the farm taking care of their various animals and seeing how quickly the kids learn to care for and love their animals. He bounces back and forth between the farm and his 9-5 while Jessica shoulders the bulk of responsibility of homeschooling the kids, keeping the house in order, and keeping a watchful eye on the farm in Jake’s absence. While he has one foot dipped in the 1800s, the other foot has danced around the marketing and tech fields where Jake has worked as a Graphic Designer, Digital Designer, and most recently a User Experience Designer. Beyond those pre-packaged titles, Jake is a creative dreamer with an entrepreneurial streak that believes in the power of one’s mindset, time spent with loved ones, and real, healthy food.

You can find more from Jake online in the following locations:
Instagram: @blackridgefarms
Website: Black Ridge Farms

You may also like this post on Cattle Farm Chores for Kids.
INFORMATION, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OUTDOOR SCHOOLS
Introduction to Outdoor Schools
- September 3, 2020
Chances are, you’ve probably heard the term “forest school” or “outdoor school” thrown around recently. While the concept is still relatively new in the U.S. and Canada, forest schools and other nature-based outdoor schools are gaining in popularity. But what exactly is a forest school or outdoor school? What makes it different than traditional preschools? And where do you even find one? Well, let’s find out!

What is an outdoor school or forest school?

Outdoor or forest schools are a type of early childhood education that takes place outside. The term applies to both the type of learning and the physical location of the school. Commonly referred to as “forest schools,” these schools do not necessarily have to be held in the forest, but they are usually located in a diverse and rich outdoor environment (woodlands, wetlands, farms, zoos, parks or in other outdoor areas). You may also hear them called nature schools, outdoor nursery schools, forest nursery, nature kindergarten, farm school, forest kindergarten or nature preschools.

What age do kids go to outdoor schools?

Typically, forest schools and outdoor schools are for preschool-aged children (3-5 years old). Many outdoor schools are just beginning to expand on the traditional nursery school structure by offering kindergarten classes (age 5-6) and nursery school programs for younger children (1-2).

Where did outdoor schools originate?

Denmark popularized outdoor forest schools as we know them today in the 1950’s, as the country struggled with a lack of indoor space for preschools and early education centers. The children thrived outside and the outdoor school trend caught on and spread over the next few decades. Now, forest schools are found around the world in countries like Sweden, Germany, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.S. and beyond.

What’s different about outdoor schools?

The outdoor school curriculum focuses on learner-led outdoor play that encourages curiosity and exploration. The lessons are all outdoors, usually in wooded areas, and are learner-centric and play-based. Forest schools differ from traditional education in that learning is led by the child’s own curiosity and interests in an unstructured way. Instead of presenting investigative questions, teachers at outdoor schools observe and support children in their chosen activities and forms of play. This allows children to explore their own personal curiosities, develop confidence and independence, as well as fostering an internal motivation to learn.

Unlike traditional indoor school, forest schools do not have tests or assignments. Students are encouraged to develop skills, socially interact and engage with nature. Teachers use observation and documentation to plan play-based learning programs that encourage active exploration, inquiry, independence, choice, problem solving, wonder and discovery.

What do outdoor schools teach?

Outdoor schools focus on hands-on educational and experimental activities individually and within groups. Children build interpersonal skills like teamwork, communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. They also build spatial and motor development, as much of the day is spent in movement with full-body sensory activities.

Students are also taught to take calculated risks with the support of a teacher, through activities such as climbing trees, exploring creeks, using tools, and lighting fires. Teachers work with the kids to assess risks and benefits so their decisions are informed and calculated. They determine if the risk is safe or not. This aids in the child’s judgment, resilience, and self-esteem so she/he can make better decisions in the future.

Finally, children learn about nature and the world around them in outdoor schools. They often study and collect items in nature for use in projects, experiments, and crafts. Sometimes they grow their own fruits and vegetables in a community garden and help prepare snacks. They develop a better understanding and appreciation for nature and how we can interact with and take care of our environment.

Outdoor classrooms

One of the most important aspects of forest school is that classes are held completely outside. Students attend forest school outdoors in all weather and climates in order to experience different sensations. Ideally, educators conduct lessons outside 100% of the time (unless the weather is deemed too dangerous). Children learn to dress appropriately for all kinds of weather and outdoor activities. They truly learn that there is “no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Being outside in an ever-changing environment sparks curiosity in children and offers them new sensory experiences every single day. Children attending outdoor schools develop a bond with nature and a deeper understanding of the environment around them.

Outdoor school curriculum

The curriculum at outdoor schools varies just as much as the schools themselves vary. Depending on your location and the focus of the school, curriculums can vastly differ in structure, activities and lessons. The children at most forest schools learn through many of the traditional preschool and early educational activities (playtime, storytime, learning centers). However, they do so while outside and incorporate nature education into their daily flow.

Outdoor schools also tend to incorporate outdoor activities into their daily routine. Activities will differ across programs, but a few examples are:
- Nature arts and crafts
- Yoga
- Music
- Campfire
- Storytime
- Hiking
- Exploration time
- Fort/shelter building
- Tool use
- Climbing
Why outdoor schools are becoming so popular

Outdoor schools are growing in popularity across the U.S. and Canada. Parents are starting to realize the focus on test-taking (at the expense of social and emotional development) is detrimental to children. When kindergarten was created in Germany in the 1800s, there was an integrated outdoor play element. This has since been pushed aside in favor of preparing children academically for elementary school.

Parents are now returning to the roots of early childhood education. They realize children learn better from physical activity, exploration, and hands-on experiences. They’re looking for a more holistic approach that considers not only “academic” knowledge but social skills, emotional intelligence, resilience, and communication as well.

Finding an outdoor school near you

Outdoor schools are fairly new to the U.S. and Canada. But with the growing demand for kids to spend more time outside and off screens, outdoor schools are popping up in cities and towns across the US. It can be hard to find a great outdoor school in your area (as they usually don’t have a big budget for advertising), but we’re here to help!

Together with the Swedish kids’ clothing company Polarn O. Pyret, we’ve created a master directory of outdoor schools across the U.S. and Canada. You can search for an outdoor school in your area by entering your city, state or zip code in our Outdoor School Directory.

Would you consider an outdoor school for your child?
Do you have any outdoor schools near you?

*Our friends at Polarn O. Pyret love supporting outdoor schools and families! Check out their outdoor school partnership and savings program.
*Special thanks to Wind Ridge Schoolhouse LLC, a neighborhood nature preschool in Duluth, MN for children ages 3 – 6 for all these great photos.
BIKE, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
10 Ways to Make Summer Last
- September 1, 2020
Summer’s last weeks are upon us. The shimmering sunlight dancing on water as your children frolic seaside (or lakeside, or creekside) is fading. Soon, the leaves will start changing, the days will get shorter and the temperatures will drop. While fall is my favorite season, I’m certainly not ready to give up summer yet! The last few weeks of summer have the potential to be the best of the season! Today, we have Creative Team member SarahRuth – Georgia teacher and homeschooling mom of two – here with 10 ways you can make summer last and get the most of the final few weeks of this magical time of year.

10 ways to enjoy the final weeks of summer

With officially only a few weeks remaining of summer sunshine and play, we’re determined to make summer last as long as possible! Grab your children, your sunglasses, and your smile….we won’t let you miss out on those last days of summer. Here are ten ways to make summer last and create memories that will last well beyond the seasons!

1. Chase a waterfall

If you are new to this idea, grab hold and run with it! Remember that song, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls….”? Ignore it – that’s terrible advice. You most certainly should chase waterfalls. When dating my husband, he took me to a new waterfall on every date. The sense of wonder and awe as you trek to along a path and hear the rushing water, continuing until it crests into view – it’s priceless.

Where we live, kid-friendly waterfall hikes are often under one mile. Unless your children are older or more used to hiking for longer periods stick with shorter walks on even terrain. Add some floats and you’ve won summer accolades officially! Buckets, small containers, and scoops are welcomed tools at waterfalls for my sons. Summer will certainly last longer when you and your crew make chasing a waterfall happen!

2. Sit in the sunshine

Yes, just sit. On a blanket, or not. Barefoot, or not. On a sunny day or in a sunshower. The benefits of sunlight and sun exposure are innumerable! The list goes on and on; it eases depression and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, enables the production of vitamin D, and more! Merely basking in the sunlight outdoors is an invaluable experience. You don’t need to do anything more than walk out your door.

But if you’re feeling adventurous, go for a hike. Our family often grabs a favorite book and brings it on hikes. When we arrive at a good resting place, we drop a blanket on the ground, get out a snack, and I read aloud to the kids. Our skin yearns for a good kiss of the sun. Of course, wear a good sunscreen if you intend to show a lot of skin for an extended period. Hammocks also make a great sit spot in the sun. We like to hang some in our yard as well as carry them on hikes. Summer won’t slip away as quickly if you make it sit with you.

3. Forest bathe

Not a bath. Well yes, a bath, but a different kind. The bathing that occurs when you let summer linger on your skin and prickle your senses in the woods. Summer will last longer if you dash into the woods headlong and let the greenery embrace you. Believe it or not, forest bathing is a real thing. The term first emerged in Japan and is taking the world by storm.

Did you know that phytoncides are emitted from plants and trees in the forest to protect them from harmful insects and germs? Some say it is what creates that “forest smell”. When you forest bathe, you literally immerse yourself in nature. But sure to cut off your phone and put down the iPad. Disconnect from the world and reconnect with the natural world.

Want to forest bath in the deep end? May I suggest a barefoot bath? Encourage your children to join you. Connect your feet to the earth and experience grounding. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes. Feel the warmth and the coolness of the woods. Allow the trees and the forest canopy to offer something nowhere and no one else can.

4. Water fight

A water fight is a great way to make summer last a bit longer! Do you need instructions? 1. Splash in a river. Laugh. 2. Throw a water balloon at your partner. Laugh more. 3. Jump into the pool and soak everyone poolside. Laugh. 4. Let your children use water guns to soak you….then bring out your super soaker and get them back! Keep laughing! 5. Get out the water hose and give everyone a turn chasing and spraying each other. Laughter galore!

There really is nothing quite like a water fight to level us onto equal footing with grandparents, babies, and all ages! Whether you do this in the cool of the evening, or in the midday heat, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite! Invite neighbors. Social distancing approved. Everyone wins in a water fight. There is no keeping score, there are no losers. Celebrating with a homemade popsicle is a great finale, by the way. If summer had a magnum opus it would be a great water fight in the back yard, don’t you think?

5. Watch the sunset

Most summers, our family rents a condo on Hilton Head Island. While there, my favorite thing to do is see the sunset and sunrise. Pink, orange, and dusky purple swirl at the horizon. Rain or shine, I ride my bike along the pathways and then onto the beach. I often bring my journal and watercolors along. Every poem I have ever memorized erupts to meet the sunrise and sunset as I watch my children play in the sand.

This year, the current pandemic prevented our summertime escape to the beach. However, our mountains have let us experience new joy. Summer continues to bring us beautiful sunsets as we hike to peaks and watch as another day closes. Not willing that it occur without our happy chatter and watching eyes.

Don’t live in the mountains? No beach trip for you either? That’s okay! The sun sets in the West everywhere! No matter your location, get outside and experience it with your family. Try out a compass. That is a fun way to practice navigating and essential skills while making summer last. Never once have we regretted watching a sunset. Snacks welcome – our favorite is air-popped popcorn, in case you’re wondering.

6. Dance in the rain

Wellies or not, dancing in the summertime rain should be on your making summer last list! Wriggling worms, the pitter-patter of drops hitting trees, and the laughter of your kids are worth this little adventure. What might make this most wonderful of all is that it is usually a surprise and can’t be planned! You won’t know exactly the day or hour of this grand ball – you may have an inkling of suspicion around the weather, but the invitation will be random. Also, no need to leave your house or pack bags. This fun summer activity will meet you at your home, at the park, or wherever you happen to be!

When you hear the drops begin to drip, run outside (sans umbrella) and dance like nobody is watching. Let your inner 5-year-old out! Splash in puddles, let the rain be your music. I can assure you there are nary few children who won’t stop gawking and join you! Also, rainy day hikes are great fun. Don’t let showers deter you from hitting the trail. Instead, pack your gear and plan to enjoy the coolness of a good summer rain. You will make memories that last a lifetime! Plus, this is a grand way to make summer last.

7. Ride bikes at sunrise

If you have a bike, plan a biking date with a new day. Grab a light snack and your favorite cold brew. Put those sleepy babes in the bike trailer (yep, in their PJs) and ride out to meet a new day! A little foresight is needed for this one. Ideally, you would know the local sunrise times and also plan for comfortable weather. A rainy day might make seeing the sunrise less brilliant. Be sure and check your tires and bike chains before heading out. A good flag on your bike trailer is also essential.

Our family loves bike rides because the wind from our speed truly cools us as we pedal. Breakfast picnics are also welcome. Fresh fruit, cream cheese, and good bread taste even better in the summer morning’s first light. Go ahead, ask me how I know!

8. Splash in the creek

Make summer last a little longer by heading creekside. If there isn’t one super close, it is totally worth a day trip. Plan to visit a creek with 2-6 inches of water and not more. A good flow of water is fun, even for littles. So long as the water depth is shallow, the speed of the water is nothing to fear. Lots of small rocks are ideal.

Be sure and bring some small mason jars or a plastic container. When your children get into the creek, they are sure to find some amazing creatures. Crawdads, crawfish, crayfish….how do you say it? These little fellows are summer’s mascots! Carefully overturning rocks is sure to be a favorite past time once they observe a salamander skittering through the shadows. Parents can enjoy some lounging beside the water, toes in. Although this mama enjoys some splashing and creature hunting as well. Summer will last a smidge longer if you linger creekside.

9. Eat a meal outside

In our family, summer is for outdoor eating (well, so are autumn and spring, now that I think of it). Nothing fancy is required for dining al fresco. Your regular food can just happen to make its way to a picnic table in your driveway or a blanket on the lawn. If you aren’t up for a big meal, sandwiches taste better on a blanket in the woods. Promise.

Does summer last longer if ants are guests during meal times? I’m not sure, but you can be certain these bodybuilders will be visitors if you plan to eat out of doors. Kids love watching ants and it truly is amazing to see them carry crumbs 100 times their weight! Also, eating outside means you beat heating up your home by using the oven. Some family favorites of ours include waffles and bacon in the yard, fire-cooked burgers, and fresh fruit. Meals outside mean less clean up. Dripping popsicles, goopy marshmallows, and melty ice cream don’t require mops when enjoyed outdoors. Standing ovation, please! Of course, you do want to pack in and pack out, like all good visitors.

10. Activity of your choice

My last suggestion on making summer last is to choose your family’s favorite summertime activity and enjoy it together one last time. Whether it’s catching fireflies, enjoying a bonfire, watching a movie outside or something not shared here, the important thing is getting out there and enjoying the last weeks of summer. Together is better. Children thrive when experiences include parents, grandparents, and friends. Stay safe. Use caution and wisdom. Our summer may have looked different this year, but it’s still a beautiful season to embrace and behold!

So how will you make the most of these final weeks of summer?
Share your ideas in the comments or tag us in a photo posted on social media with the hashtag #runwildmychild.

About the author

SarahRuth is a homeschooling mother of three boys. She was raised in cities across the East coast, but now resides in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia where her husband grew up. Passionate about inspiring others to shift from the status quo of Western indoor life, she launched a local Free Forest School chapter in 2017. Her family clocked over 2k hours outdoors in 2019 and believes that outside time as a family is vital to a joy-filled life. She collects books, stray children, and as much coffee as her body will permit. When not foraging, chasing waterfalls, or camping with her crew, you can find SarahRuth crossing the globe from her laptop, teaching English full time online! She has two bachelor’s degrees in Education and is passionate about teaching children to love learning through outdoor adventures.

You can find more from SarahRuth in the following online locations:
Instagram: @mountainpaz
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Missing Your Community During COVID
- August 25, 2020
One of the hardest aspects of parenting during a pandemic has been the loss of community. It takes a village to raise a child, so what happens when you’re no longer allowed within six feet of your fellow villagers? Today, we have the amazing Brenna Jeanneret here, writer, climber, and mom, talking about how the loss of her climbing community has affected her and how she’s finding new ways to connect in a COVID-concerned world. We hope this post will help inspire you to connect with your community, reach out to friends, and find new ways to stay in touch with those that mean the most.

The crux

I feel my leg start to shake uncontrollably. “Elvis Leg” is what climbers call it. I am hanging from two fairly large holds and standing on stable, positive footholds staring up at the crux of the route.

As I try to pull myself together, my eyes follow the length of our rope, one end figure-eighted securely to my harness and the other attached to my husband’s belay device. I am 6 bolts off the ground, roughly 35 feet in the air, and because I am leading the climb rather than top-roping it, there is enough slack in the rope for the wind to blow me from side to side. The last carabiner protecting my fall shimmers in the sunlight 3 feet below me and this realization makes my hands sweat.

I try to calm myself by looking out at the ocean view. Cape Hedo in Okinawa, Japan is one of our favorite climbing spots; the water is clear, blue, and expansive. The sound of the waves drowns out the voices below and everything but the climb fades to the background.

Now that the ocean calm has slowed my breathing, I turn my attention back to the climb. I am standing just below the crux, which I have not been able to complete before. I am both nervous and excited. Over the last several days, I’ve been working out all the moves leading up to this point but have not been able to put them all together without falling. Sending this route would validate all the training, the long drives to the crag, and all the mental preparation I’ve done.

The crux move requires that I reach my right hand up and left, crossing my body to a slopey, wrong-facing hold. Readjusting my balance to make the hold “right-facing” is key but made more difficult by the slight overhang in the wall. I will be twisted and off-balance with nothing to catch me but air, creating a real possibility that my arm or leg could catch the rope and flip me upside down.

I chalk up and shake out, one arm at a time as I look at the crux and mentally map out the moves. Something in my brain flips and I decide it’s now or never. I yell down to my husband over the roaring ocean waves that I am ready. Slowly, I reach up to make the move…

Building our community of climbers

As we sit around the fire later that evening, someone passes me a bag of chips going around and congratulates me on my send. It is the hardest climb I have lead to date. As food and beers are passed and shared we recant the day; we talk beta and technique, how my leg shaking leg could be seen from the ground, the way my feet cut from the wall as I hit that cross move and barn-doored out.

I am given hugs and high fives.

The feel of the evening, the fire, the shared experience of failure and success, the warm hazy buzz…it’s something I have thought about often during the pandemic. These things that bring the climbing community together, meeting new people at a crag, a congratulatory high-five, shared food and gear, they are out of reach right now.

Climbing is how my husband and I build community, even in Okinawa, a small Japanese island on the other side of the world. This is what has always worked for us. We are climbers. That is our identity and we have found that following our drive to climb has attracted other like-minded, passionate friends, no matter where we are.

When I got pregnant with our son, we did all we could to hold onto that piece of ourselves and the only community we knew how to build. But my pregnancy was rough and climbing in that way just wasn’t a possibility. I had to find new ways to build a community for myself as a new mom and for my son just coming into the world.

Lack of motivation during COVID

Over the last 2 years and before COVID hit, my son, and I had found families to adventure with, commiserate with, and to love. The climber in me was coming back to life. Getting outside, even on toddler-paced hikes seemed like a huge step in the right direction. Climbing trips were finally starting to become a reality. But, over the last few months, we’ve traded playdates and mini-adventures for the backyard sandbox and neighborhood bike rides in the name of being safe and keeping things close to home.

For weeks after the initial lockdown, I wished we had taken more advantage of the parks when they were open. That we had made more long treks for early morning boulder sessions. If we could just get out for a mini-adventure, I thought, that would change things, we’d get back on track.

I have noticed, however, that since state parks have reopened and visiting them during off-peak hours while practicing social distancing can be entirely safe, my motivation to break our new close-to-home routine is lacking. A “mini-adventure” to a state park just doesn’t hold the same appeal it used to. It now feels overwhelming and exhausting.

Though other feelings and reactions related to COVID have come up this one by far is the most surprising to me. After spending the last 20 years of my life carefully arranging my days and weeks to fit in the most climbing and outdoor time, why, now when we finally have a piece of the puzzle back am I lacking in motivation?

One. Simple. Word.

Community.

Dealing with the loss of community

Missing our community of friends feels both simple and complicated.

There are simple, obvious, straightforward ways that my son and I miss our community. I miss going to a new place that I don’t know how to navigate but my friend does. We simply miss other children. Toddlers love other toddlers. Their only criteria for instant friendship…you’re a toddler! Simple in that I find relief and gratitude knowing that another adult I trust is looking out for my child in the same way they would watch over theirs.

But a hug from another mom who has also started her day at 3 am to battle her admittedly opposed toddler? That’s now complicated. A hug is support, understanding, and comradery, without saying a word. That hug says, “I see you”, and “You’re doing great” and “This is hard” all at once. But, that hug is complicated in ways that I never imagined a hug could be complicated.

The mutual smile from a fellow mom who sees my kid run full speed down a hill with nothing but boots on somehow reinforces and validates everything I’ve done as a mom up to that moment. That smile holds no judgment. That smile is accepting and inclusive and makes the 2 hours I fought my kid to get here worth it. That smile is now hidden by a mask.

And what about that knowing in their eyes when my kid has a tantrum in the middle of the hike because I made the wrong pretend truck noise? It’s something only another parent of a toddler on that hike, at that moment can understand and it’s everything. It’s gone and I can’t believe how much I miss it.

Yes, I can (and do) go on hikes and mini-adventures with just my son. But, not having another parent there, if nothing else, to witness the insanity and total irrationality of raising a toddler leaves me feeling catastrophically alone.

Finding new ways to connect to your community

Dealing with the loss of climbing during pregnancy was hard in a way I wasn’t prepared for. I didn’t know how I was going to come back from that, especially with a new baby. But, over time, my son and I were able to find our own tiny and inclusive group of outdoor-loving families to lean on. They’ve supported us in more ways than I can describe.

During the pandemic, our in-person adventuring with our community has been put on hold for a bit. It’s been hard, so I’ve had to adapt. Now, I am finding new ways to be connected to our community and take care of ourselves during this uncertain time. Here are a few things we’ve been doing that help.

Adapt

My husband and I are primarily sport climbers, meaning we use ropes and quickdraws to secure ourselves to permanently placed draws while climbing. Bringing my son along requires at least one other adult to keep an eye on him while one of us climbs and the other belays. Since that’s not an option right now, we have switched gears to bouldering. To boulder, we only need a crash pad, shoes, and chalk.

We look for boulders that have flat landings so that our son can roam safely and so that whoever is climbing doesn’t necessarily need a spotter. This frees the other parent up to keep eyes on our son and helps to prepare all of us to re-enter, not just sport climbing communities, but bouldering communities as well, when this is all over.

Prepare for life after-COVID

As a climber and advocate for outdoor learning my ultimate goal is to get my son acclimated to the climbing life as much as possible in the hopes that he will fall in love with it too. To do that my husband and I have been taking our son climbing at least once a week. We show him how to pack a crash pad, how to spot boulders and of course how to relax like a climber, i.e. laid back, feet up, lots of snacks, and a little climbing. Our hope is that once life returns to normal, we’ll have our adventure buddy prepped and ready for the action.

Safe pods

As a family, we decided to extend our safety bubble to include one other family that we know and trust. They’ve been tested and are not in contact with anyone else. We still take certain precautions like not sharing snacks, only playing outside, and keeping our hands to ourselves. Though my son is an independent kid and comfortable on his own, I have found that seeing these friends every week or so has lifted his spirits.

Socially distant mom dates

A couple of my mom-friends and I meet every 3 or 4 weeks at an empty parking lot and sit in the back of cars, 6 feet apart. We get to see each other and talk about all things motherhood. It helps so much to just hear someone else’s experiences, how they are dealing with the virus, isolation, toddler meltdowns, and what they’re watching on Netflix!

Write and talk about it

Journaling is something I’ve always done to deal with stress. Whether it’s a physical notebook, an online document, a blog, or something in between, writing things down can help process thoughts and emotions. With so many virtual groups sharing and interacting with people, I’ve found that taking my journaling online has been the most helpful. Going one step further and talking about it with someone, on the phone, at a distance, text, or whatever is even better. Frustration and anger have very little power when said out loud.

We’re in this together

While this mom thing is unique and different for us all, we’re all in it together. And these times are uncertain and unprecedented for all of us. If you feel the same way I do about community and have any insight or advice to share, I’d love to hear it! Sharing our stories and experiences help us all process and know that we’re not alone. Our lives and communities may look different now, but if we can be there for each other, we’ll come out on the other side stronger.

How are you handling the loss of community?

About the author

Brenna Jeanneret is a writer who shares stories as an outdoor climbing mom. She writes about the messy and authentic intersection where adventure and parenthood collide. Check out her writing on her personal site at http://www.brennajeanneret.com. Or look for her new podcast The ReWild Mamas where she discusses adventure and motherhood.