My mother is shaking her head in shame.
It just never was MY thing, much like green beans.
However this past weekend we spent Memorial Day with family friends at their cabin in Cook's Forest.
Well it TURNS OUT that nature might not be MY thing, but it's my KID'S "thang."
So I have to come up with creative ways to ease myself into this process as well as them. The day after we returned we attempted to continue the process of being "one with trees" by heading out to Raccoon Creek State Park.
If you've never headed out this way, you're missing out. It's local to our area and has lots to do. Including a beach, roped off swimming area, hiking trails, picnic areas, boating rentals and more. The MORE= a concession stand as a reward for us new tree lovers. Great ice cream to cool off!
We loaded up the dogs and went for a picnic and some hiking.
In order to make it interesting with very little stress and whining, I grabbed our laundry quarter bag. The one that I load up any and all coins found in the wash throughout the year. I gave each kiddo a baggie. Ages 9-4. I then told them the items they were to SCOUT for, find and then earn a quarter.
- caterpillar
- insect
- nest
- fungus
- moss
- snake holes
- animals
- birds
- woodpeckers
- bird sounds
- butterflies
- bees
- spider web
- a tree fallen down
- a cut tree
- a carving in a tree
- rings on a tree ( how old is it)
- dandelion
- wild flower
- hawk
- hunting signs
- caterpillar nest
- creek
"Do I get my quarter? That was a forest animal!"
*cue chuckles*
This is just my take on a little nature loving that might work for your family.
We plan to attempt this at least once a month in new areas because my kids need to DROP the techi stuff and hug a tree or 3. Perhaps we'll move to green beans next!?
Ok. Let's slow THAT train down a bit.
BLEK!
- Here are some hiking tips for kids from REI!
- Here is a site that offered tips for getting kids excited about hiking. It also offered scavenger hunt downloads!
- Here's a great blog about connecting your kids with nature!
