Hooray for Outdoor Education!

Capitol Hill 2nd Graders learning about pond life

"Kids who play outside are simply more focused, healthier and happier." - Jason Mark, writer for The Earth Island Journal

I have been taking my two children to Tryon Creek since they were babies. I would strap them to my chest, a la Baby Bjorn-style, and traipse along the park's forested paths, breathing in the fresh clean air, admiring the lush green space around me and enjoying some relatively calm and centered moments amid the chaos of daily child rearing.

As my children grew, I took to planting them on Tryon Creek's trails on their own two feet, expecting their curiosity and energy levels to run wild. And, while they didn't seem to mind being in the natural world, they didn't display nearly the interest or appreciation I hoped they would.

Until now.

I have discovered the key: Hands-on experience with outdoor education. A few weeks ago I blogged about No Oregon Child Left Inside.  The purpose of this act is to provide opportunities for children to explore and learn about nature in order to encourage stewardship of the land by nurturing and inspiring an appreciation of the outdoors.

Last month I began taking my kiddies on guided hiking tours of Tryon Creek. The interest those hikes have generated is through the roof! Now my kids ask to visit the park on a near daily basis. They look for things they learned about on past hikes and ask questions about plants and creatures that are new to them (alas, I am no naturalist so I have to leave the answers until the next time we are with a park expert). They have chosen to write about their park visits at school unprompted. Now, that's something new! And, they always express concern when they see a sight along the trail that has been disturbed (joggers, you know not the damage you can do to a rough skinned newt.).

My children's cheeks are rosier then ever, their young legs are strong and sturdy, and they radiate enthusiasm and joy with each and every hike. A heartfelt thanks to outdoor educators!

(Click here to read Jason Mark's take on No Child Left Inside: http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/elist/eListRead/no_child_left_inside)