Nature Walks and Adventure Baskets by Britt White @singing.arrows
The Beauty of Spring has come again, bringing with it its array of delight! From the crisp dewy mornings, the budding blossoms, and warmth that seems to cheer up any mood. Even the birds are singing their songs of joy.
I love that nature was created for the purpose of enjoyment--to explore every detail and to examine all there is to discover. We can day dream in a meadow, and pause to hear the beauty of nature's songs intertwining.
I love that nature has the ability to draw others together and share in the wonder. The quote from Christopher McCandless says "Happiness is only real when shared", and once you have read his story you will understand even more so why this quote rings so true. He desperately needed to go on a soul searching mission into the wild on his own, but in the end he realized that life and experiences were meant to be shared. The beauty in the wild was truly amazing, he found, but it was meant to be shared. I believe this goes back to the original design and desire that our Creator had for this world! It all comes down to relationships. The more we seek Him, the more we find Him. What a gift that He has so artistically designed--the beauty in nature around us so that we may see His display in the everyday! To stop and take it in; to taste and and see that He is good; and to be constantly reminded of the miraculous world we live in.
What a gift that we get to share in exploring nature with our children. When the weather starts to change, especially in spring and fall, we are all more than ready to explore! The itch to ditch our routines sets in, and we begin chasing the sunshine! We have our usual spots that we like to take the children, but even the simplest walk around our neighborhood or local pond is just as enjoyable.
Every season looks a little different. When the babies are little we keep it so simple. Even now, as my oldest is 10, and we still keep our nature walks pretty mild. Soon enough I know the days will be coming when we will be venturing out on longer and harder treks, but for now our simple little outings have been perfect. The goal is not the distance in your nature walks right now, but more the time spent together, observing, and learning organically. Nature walks can also bring the outdoors in for a deeper study in the mind. It is so rewarding to freely just let the children be and watch them come alive by being in the wild.
Here are a few Benefits to Nature Walks:
Mood and Emotional Health
When we go out doors into the fresh air, the change of scenery can greatly impact our emotions. The natural vitamins we receive from just being outside can restore our bodies and replenish them. Vitamin D exposure can impact our overall health and immune systems.
I have noticed that when we have days where we are feeling a little more irritable, going outside for a walk has really changed all of our moods. A change of scenery and a chance to freely explore, helps to reset our minds and hearts for the rest of the day ahead.
2. Nurtures Creativity and Sensory Play
Going outside ignites all of our 5 senses in a natural way. It is a break from the hum of the indoor appliances, the walls of our homes that bounce off noise, and the intruding electronics. Our senses are awakened as we explore the elements. The sensory stimulation in nature provides a true living education. Children and adults need to feel the earth's elements in between their hands and feet and freely imagine. It is so fun to watch as the children have space to play, to dream and explore, but it's even better when you get to share with them in the curiosity of it all.
3. Physical Exercise
Nature is the best prescription for health and best of all it's free! We have gone to a chiropractor and a foot doctor for one of my children because of an interned foot that she has had since she was little. The remedy that was given to me was "more physical activity in nature". Nature play is such a great way to develop muscle strength and stamina. The terrain in nature provides the best physical therapy. Fallen trees turn into balance beams, skipping rocks becomes a skill, and climbing trees and jumping on rocks across a stream is an explorative way to exercise. Not only will this be great for their muscle development and fine motor skills, but they will also sleep so well after time spent in nature. The sunshine and all the movement will wipe them out in the best of ways. Oftentimes on our way home from a nature outing, a few children have already fallen asleep in the car!
4. Increased Curiosity
Being outside naturally evokes curiosity--the sounds of birds, animal tracks along the trail, little critters just showing off their home, the wildlife happening all around, drawing you in with each new sight. Nature can authentically lead to discussions about the information you may already know, or give you a desire to go deeper into discovery. Having a field guide to look up facts, a notebook to record information, and a camera to look back on when you get back home all help to bring the nature walk expedition back home for further depth.
5. Problem Solving
There is so much opportunity for problem solving when being out in nature. Starting off with simple outings, that over time, turn into longer adventures will also develop the skill of increasing problem solving. When the children are younger, it can be a simple thing to try and figure out-- which stone to pick for skipping, which tree limb is strong enough to climb, etc. Eventually as they grow, the problem solving will increase to bigger and more important things. Survival skills are so important in the wild, and the slow increase of problem solving over years spent in nature will only naturally develop into a better knowledge.
Charlotte Mason said
"Let them once get in touch with nature and a habit is formed by which will be a source of DELIGHT through life. We are all meant to be naturalists, each in his degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things"
Nature walks will look different in every season. I can recall days of packing my children up, going on a drive to a coffee shop, and then heading for a local park. There will be days where you will love learning and find yourself pointing out discoveries in nature, and then there will be days where you will just sit back and observe them fully in play. Don't feel the pressure to know about everything in nature, just taking them outside will create a curiosity within them. Enjoy the time spent together and memories being made.
Here is a fun "Adventure Basket" that I keep put together in our garage or the back of my car. Keeping hiking gear organized will help make things easier to grab and go, especially when you decide to go on a nature walk last minute ( which is often for us ). Along with having this "Adventure Basket" ready in my car, I will also have the children bring their backpacks so that when we get to our destination, they can fill up their packs with the items from the basket. This helps us all to share the load of the items and overall stay a little more organized.
Materials :
-Market basket or even a large tub that you can leave in the back of your car filled with hiking items
Picnic Blanket
Thin beach towels ( they are lightweight and quick drying)
Field guides
A step by step journaling book, I love " Nature Drawing and Journaling" by John Muir Laws
Nature Journals to paint in and take notes
Bag full of pencils
Small paint pallet with a paint brush
Binoculars
Mini pocket size microscope
Mini pocket size magnifying glass
Hats
Fanny Packs filled with hand-sanitizer, mini sunscreen stick, chapstick