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!