TEENS Archives • RUN WILD MY CHILD

January 10, 2024

Hooked on Nature: A 16 Year Old’s Fly Fishing Journey

Today, we are delighted to share a unique perspective straight from the heart of a 16-year-old adventurer and fly-fishing enthusiast. Meet Jonathan Willis, a teenager whose passion for fly fishing has become a personal journey of discovery and inspired an appreciation of nature and a passion for the great outdoors. In this guest blog post written by Jonathan himself, he invites us into his world, sharing the story of how he got started on his…

Benefits of Climbing Structures for Kids

In CLIMB, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS

Now more than ever, kids need outdoor play time to explore, push their physical boundaries, and partake in healthy risks. One of the most exhilarating forms of outdoor play that has stood the test of time is climbing. From towering trees in the woods to purpose-built climbing structures in parks and playgrounds, the act of scaling heights is not only a rite of passage for many youngsters but also a conduit for an array of…

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May 22, 2023

Teen Mental Health and Nature

In OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARENTING, TEENS

In today’s fast-paced, socially distant, yet hyperconnected world, the mental well-being of teenagers is facing an alarming crisis. The prevalence of anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges among adolescents has reached unprecedented levels, casting a dark shadow over their formative years. As parents, it can be scary to consider the statistics, but it’s also imperative that we delve into the depths of this issue and explore potential remedies that can bring hope and relief….

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September 10, 2022

All You Need to Know About Indoor Rock Climbing For Kids

In CLIMB, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS

If you’ve got adventurous kids that love a good physical challenge, give indoor rock climbing a try! There are so many amazing benefits of rock climbing for kids, including improved coordination, physical strength, problem-solving, gross motor skills, and communication. And it’s easier to get started than you might think! There’s very little required gear, and you can learn everything you need to get started rock climbing at your local rock climbing gym. Today, Michelle Garrett,…

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high school baseball team lined up prior to the start of the game

March 8, 2022

Finding Balance Between Organized Sports and Free Play for Kids

In OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS

As our kids get older and start showing an interest in organized sports, many families struggle with finding balance. Organized sports have many positive attributes and benefits for kids. But, they are also a time commitment that can take away from time spent outdoors or with family. Today, Jen Barnes, South Carolina mom of three teenagers, is here with tips and advice for parents on how to find balance between organized sports and free play…

Wilderness Survival Skills for Teens and Tweens

In CAMP, INFORMATION, LESSONS, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS

Getting kids outside to experience the wonders of nature isn’t limited to the early childhood years. In a world infused with technology and fast-paced demands, our teens and tweens need the great outdoors more than ever. However, by the time they’ve reached their teen years, our kids are often past the days of playing at the park for hours on end. So, how do we encourage them to continue to love nature, to explore its…

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November 10, 2021

Healthy Risk Through Outdoor Adventure and Travel

In FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS

Risk is a part of our everyday lives. Learning to navigate and assess risk is an essential life skill for all kids. But embracing risky play and feeling comfortable in our decision to let kids take risks can be hard for parents. How do we teach our kids about healthy risk while still maintaining a safe and secure environment? Well, you can’t always. However, there are ways to do it with intention. Today, Jen Barnes,…