The Explorers were in the middle of snack time when we got the word, "Put your coats on and come outside for a few minutes. Brendan is here to tap the tree." We all stood up, put on our coats, and headed outside for a favorite combination Schoolmates/Bushy Hill Nature Center annual event: the tapping of the maple tree on our playground.

The Explorers…

It's going to be another great year at Schoolmates. The new Explorers arrived in the rain on Wednesday, September 6. Everyone had raincoats and asked, "Are we going to hike today?" A little rain wasn't going to stop these enthusiastic children.

After some…

It took two days of asking and bargaining, but I got Aurora and Stephen to take a hike with me. Actually, for months I have "led by example." I walk or hike whenever possible. Stephen and Aurora know my beliefs about exercise and being in nature, yet they fight my attempts to get them outside. When motivating children, "lead by example" gets you only so far. After that it's bargain,…

And then there is the world of little things, seen all too seldom. Many children, perhaps because they themselves are small and closer to the ground than we, notice and delight in the small and inconspicuous. With this beginning, it is easy to share with them the beauties we usually miss because we look…