How it all began...

This was me as a youngster!

My passion for nature began as a little girl when I first experienced what it was like to be curious in nature and to learn from my surroundings.  I was and still am the kind of person that will disappear into the mountains and never return if I'm given the opportunity.  As a result, I developed a passion for exploring outside at a young age and found places like Yosemite to be the perfect place for me to express myself and learn!

Growing up I struggled in the classroom setting.  I was shy, but at the same full of energy and struggled paying attention or sitting still for long periods of time.  Outside is always where I excelled.  I was able to absorb information and learn with all of my senses.

Looking back on my childhood days now, I know that I was not, and even now, am not the only one who struggles in the traditional classroom setting.  As a result, I took it upon myself to make sure that more students have the opportunity to experience different forms of learning.

In high school, I started working with a program called NatureBridge that hosts schools and groups in National and State Parks all over the United States.  Every Memorial Day weekend I coordinate a trip for what used to be my classmates, but now that I've graduated I get to call them high school
students :).   As just a high school student myself, I did all of the recruiting, planned all of the fundraisers, made the phone calls, did the paperwork, organized transportation and wrote sponsorship letters. Now that I'm a college student, this year I did all of that on top of school work and my job.  If you're a teacher reading this...you can do it to!  The reward for all of the hard work is so sweet!
Just look at how happy these students are!

This picture was taken as soon as we arrived in Yosemite after our seven hour drive in 2014.

To read more about the 2014 trip, see my blog post here!

NatureBridge Field Research Course

If your high school kids or students are looking for a great way to spend the summer and build up their resume for colleges, the summer field research course (FRC) is a perfect fit.  I had the opportunity to participate last summer on a scholarship and had the absolute best time of my life!

The Field Research Course is a summer backpacking program hosted by NatureBridge that provides an opportunity for students from all over the world to come to one of three parks and embark on a backpacking trip where they will come up with a scientific question, develop methods to test that question and then collect data and present their findings!  Here's a short video with student and educator reflections about the trip.

All of these students come together from different backgrounds and immediately build friendships and bonds.  In my group we had a student from Florida, a student from Louisiana, and even a student from China! The rest of us were from all over California.  I still keep in touch with all of the people that were in my group and am incredibly thankful that I had the opportunity to participate!

For my project I worked with three other students and measured the impact that runoff from trails has on plant growth and diversity.  We also compared natural runoffs to made-made runoffs to see if there was a difference in their overall impact.  Another project tested the growth of California Corn Lilies in an attempt to find their ideal growing location.  In addition to our projects, we got to learn about the geology of the park, constellations, plant species and animals.  We also got to eat amazing food and see some absolutely spectacular places!

An additional aspect of this trip that makes it amazing and one of a kind is that there is financial aid for families that need it, and NatureBridge can supply students with everything they need in order to be fully equipped for the backcountry!  Students also don't have to have any backpacking experience in order to participate.

The group that I went with is part of a research project being conducted by graduate students from Stanford University (that hasn't been published yet) that is studying the impacts that programs like FRC have on its participants.  A few weeks ago, I did an annual follow-up interview over the phone and found myself surprised at my answers to the questions that I was being asked.  This trip really changed me and I'll give you some examples of how.  It gave me the courage, desire, and assurance to make the decision to switch majors from civil engineering to earth systems science.  It also made me aware of all the things that I personally can do to have an impact on our planet.  As soon as I got home I transformed my home and my parents businesses into more sustainable and less wasteful places.  I also declared a minor in global sustainability to learn about more things that I can do to make an impact.

Opportunities like the Field Research Course really do have the potential to change your child's life.  I strongly encourage every student to take the opportunity to go on a program like this one.  Coming together and working with peers in a beautiful setting makes anything seem possible.

FRC students celebrating after a long day of hiking.

Learning about plant species in Yosemite National Park.

Collecting data along the trail.

Measuring the slope of a tested area for an experiment.

Forest Monday

Teacher in Vermont is recognizing the importance of getting kids outside and has received approval for "Forest Monday"!  We should all follow in her footsteps!  Rain or shine, every Monday Mrs. Minnucci moves her classroom outside.  "Outside offers so much," she says.  "It is sort of the deepest and wildest environment for learning that we have."  There is a full length article here.  I strongly encourage you to check it out!  It's a very enjoyable read!

Breaking the Boundaries of Education

This past weekend, my Yosemite team and I decided to try something a bit different.  We embraced the idea of learning without boundaries.  The former Steller Science Expedition, a trip that happens once a year at my old high school transformed into "Don't You Quit".  As talked about in this previous post, I started an outdoor education program as a student, for students, at my old high school.  Every year about thirty of us travel to Yosemite National Park to engage in hands on and experiential learning with a program called NatureBridge that not only provides students with more knowledge, but also improves confidence and leadership skills.

Students from Righetti High School atop Sentinel Dome this past weekend.

In response to the sudden passing away of my co-coordinator and fellow Righetti High School student, the rest of the team decided to take this program even further.  To honor Breanna Rodriguez we renamed the program "Don't You Quit" after an inspirational poem that she used to enjoy.  This phrase became the theme of our entire experience.

In the spirit of "don't you quit" we turned the weekend into the ultimate learning experience by incorporating as many forms of education as we could.  To begin with, this trip was open to all ages.  We had learners with us from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, undergraduate school, graduate school, and postdoc.  All of us came together to impact each other and learn from one another.

All of us interacting in the multipurpose room at the Crane Flat campus in Yosemite.  We shared art, music and games.

Our group was joined by five students and their adviser from the school of music at Chichester University in the UK.  They shared their knowledge of music with the rest of the group and introduced us all to ways of learning through lyrics and sounds.

We bridged the gap between age and experience and made learning all inclusive.

We were also joined by an art teacher that incorporated art into our hikes and curriculum as a visual learning tool and form of expression.

We also had an improv artist that was planning on joining us that fell ill and couldn't attend, but in his honor we tried a few improvisational activities as well!

This was a part of our Giant Sequoia improv show.

In addition, we were also joined by an English teacher who inspired us to share stories and learn from their morals.

All of these things were incorporated into NatureBridge's traditional scientific curriculum.  We also learned about water shed studies, botany, ecology, National Park history, geology and sustainability.

Combining all of these things turned into this crazy awesome mess of learning and collaboration.  Once all of the participants were taken out of their daily rolls and placed in Yosemite, they were no longer defined by age, profession or niche.  Everyone there was there to learn and to grow in a way that cannot be replicated by any traditional learning curriculum.  Learning is a never ending process, it's an adventure, and we all thank Breanna for teaching us that.

Keeping it Local

In previous posts, I've mentioned national and even international outdoor learning programs, but keeping it local is also an amazing and beneficial way for kids to learn and grow.  If you put in the research, you will most likely find that there are nonprofits close by that offer outdoor education programs.

Keeping activities local can be more affordable and give students the chance to learn about local plant and animal diversity as well as local environmental issues.  Here in Orange County, a great resource is Earth Roots.  There is a great summary of the programs that they offer on the homepage of their website.  Another great nonprofit that hosts schools is the Outdoor School.  I had the opportunity to go as a youngster and was completely transformed by the experience.

These local nonprofits are a great way to get kids outdoors and inspired to learn.

Day Dreaming

Check out this awesome article about why daydreaming is critical to effective learning!  There's no better way to unplug and truly let your mind wander than by visiting a National or State Park!  I especially like Tip 2 and Tip 5.

#TripsWithNick

Trips w/Nik Episode 1 (Waterfalls, Positivity, Yosemite, Crash)
Come take a trip with me! (Trips w/Nik ep. 1 Waterfalls, Yosemite, Positivity, Crash)My travels have inspired me to create #positive journeys for myself and others to benefit from. If you like this - send me an email, share, like, and/or comment on THIS so I can connect with YOU! (17 min) #TripsWithNik #MyPerspective
Posted by Nik Koyama on Monday, June 1, 2015

Outdoor Learning Ideas for Parents

Check out Edutopia's article about outdoor education resources for parents!  With summer already here, it's a great time to use these ideas with your own kids.

More words from the wise...

A student lost in thought during a NatureBridge program.

"The power of imagination makes us infinite." 

"The sun shines not on us but in is."

"Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world."

-John Muir

When I think of nature or conservation, John Muir always seems to come to mind.  He seems to have such a good grasp on putting words to things not easily described.  Muir was transformed as a young boy by the beauty of nature that surrounded him growing up.

"This sudden plash into pure wilderness-baptism in Nature's warm heart-how utterly happy it made us, wooingly teaching her wonderful glowing lessons, so unlike the dismal grammar ashes and cinders so long thrashed into us..." -Muir A Boyhood in His Youth

The beautiful setting of his settlement in Wisconsin was his teacher growing up.  Being exposed to beautiful places as a young boy shaped him into the historical figure that we all know him as today.  All great conservationists and naturalists were exposed to nature's classroom as kids.

Getting your children outdoors increases environmental awareness and teaches them the importance of caring for our planet.

Don't fear the outdoors

"Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of nature you may renew your own.  Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you."-John Muir

One of the many reasons that kids aren't getting outside as often is that parents worry about their children's safety.  One solution to that is to go outside with them.  If you're swamped with work, bring it outside with you so you can keep an eye on your kids and still get work done.

What's interesting about most parents' fears is that they're not necessarily afraid of the outdoors, they're afraid of is the people outside.  Every child is engrained with the phrase don't talk to strangers, but what's the harm in playing in the woods?

Micheal Pyle talks about this issue in his book Place-Based Education in the Global Age: Local Diversity. Chapter 8 No Child Left Inside

If you live in a community that doesn't have immediate access to safe natural places, plan weekly adventures for your family so your child has the opportunity to indulge in the natural world!  It will be worthwhile for your child because they'll be able to experience new and beautiful places that promote personal growth and it will be worth while for you because you'll get to see your child transform before your eyes! 

Out Here

This article was read on one of the first nights of a NatureBridge program that I was on and it really impacted me.  It was written by Carolyn Highland, someone who went on an expedition to New Zealand with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).  It serves a reminder of the importance of remembering your true roots.  If we forget about home towns and birth dates and remember that we are all  a part of this Earth, we can realize that we all have things in common.

Friluftsliv "Open Air Life"

Check out this article written by Lynda McGurk, it's a perfect reflection on the impact that just a glimpse of nature has on kids.  It outlines simple ways that you can be an outdoor mentor for you kids, grandkids, or students.

A Glimpse at a NatureBridge Program

I have talked a lot about NatureBridge because it's where I've found the most success, but there are many other amazing programs out there for students.

NatureBridge is an outdoor learning program that caters to K-12 graders in Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate State Park, the Santa Monica Mountains, Olympic Park, Prince Williams National Forest, and the Channel Islands.

I highly suggest checking out their website to learn about the different programs that they have to offer.

NatureBridge is a nonprofit organization that hires top notch educators to run experiential and life changing programs for students.  Their programs are also customizable and can follow a desired focus expressed by the coordinator.  Check out their mission statement below:

"NatureBridge fosters environmental literacy to sustain our planet. Through hands-on environmental science programs in nature’s classroom, we bring science to life for more than 30,000 children and teens each year. With our vision for a more sustainable planet, we advocate for effective environmental education in our schools to create pathways to environmental literacy for all young people." 

Getting started is as easy as deciding which campus works best for you and contacting the reservations coordinator.  Their staff is absolutely amazing and is willing to work with you to answer any of your questions.  When I first contacted the Yosemite office I had no idea what to expect, but about two minutes after sending my email I received a phone call and follow up email from a staff member that was excited to help me out!

If you have any questions about NatureBridge programs please comment below, I am happy to answer questions or connect you to someone who can!

Here's a video that I made after completing my first school program in Yosemite.  It gives a little glimpse into the activities and adventures that await!

Words from the wise...

http://www-tc.pbs.org/nationalparks/media/photos/00000/S0952-header.jpg

John Muir used to say "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."

Speaking from personal experience, this statement couldn't be more true.  When I'm at home I tend to be timid and shy, but out on trails, and in parks, I'll talk to anyone and everyone who's willing to listen!  Something about being in a beautiful place enriches the spirit and fills you with the same happiness and confidence that is being poured into the stranger walking beside you.  The empowering atmosphere that tall trees and beautiful landscapes provide have the power to connect the most distant of strangers.

I have had students come up to me after nature trips bewildered at how they had been classmates with their peers all year, but didn't become friends with them until that moment.  It's amazing how being in a natural setting connects you to your peers on a whole new level.  Being able to experience beautiful places with others builds life long friendships.

I had to opportunity to go on a trip called the Field Research Course as a high school student which was a two week backpacking program open to students from all over the world.  I'll talk more about this course and how beneficial it is in another post, but to get back on topic, I spent two weeks in the woods with absolute strangers, but came out with life-long friends.  Every student in the group came from a different racial or religious background, but coming together to learn in nature connected us all.  Where we were from and our past didn't matter, we were all present to learn and grow together.

Most people don't have the strength to cope with life's challenges alone, we need friends or family to confide in.  Sometimes as a kid, it's really hard to make friends or learn how to express yourself.  Sending kids to nature programs is an amazing way from them to break out of their shell and form new friendships.  So to loop this post back to the beginning, "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."

Can Waterfalls Make you Happier?

Apparently there is scientific research behind the idea that waterfalls can improve mental health!  The collision of water molecules produce negative ions which interact with our blood stream alleviating depression, relieving stress and boosting our energy!  Being around waterfalls and the ocean are scientifically proven ways to improve our mental being.  This article is the inspiration behind this post and does an amazing job explaining why and how studies show such a positive impact of nature on people.

The article references a study that was done showing that "Researchers found that those who relocated to settings with a higher exposure to nature were noticeably happier during the three year study period." (Sheer) 

This positive energy doesn't only impact children, but adults as well.  Bringing your kids to places like the beach or state parks can foster positive energy and improve relationships with your child!  Give it a try!

Sharing that positive energy with my two best friends!