Using the colors of the rainbow, have children identify something they see along the trail that is a specific color; works best for young elementary-age kids. Materials: None needed. Ages 3-9.

Read about other day hiking activities with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

When I was a child, growing up in the 1960’s, we spent literally hours each day outside, immersed in nature. As soon as we came home from school, we changed out of our school clothes and into our play clothes. We were required to change because our parents knew that when we played outside, we would be coming home dirty. It was expected that children preferred to play outdoors and even on the rare occasion that we resisted, my mom would practically push us outdoors, saying “It’s too nice…

Writer's Note:

This article references the experience of orphan children, their care environment and an observational methodology called Empowerment Photography (as it is viewed in the context of what is termed eco-psychological and nature therapy).  

Ecopsychology considers the connection between our self and the rest of nature to be essential to mental, and thus, ecological health.  In this respect, ecopsychology offers a way…

     With curiosity I read Suz Lipman’s Slow Family entry: …

As far back as I can remember, spending time outdoors has been a big part of my life. Some of my favorite childhood memories happened outdoors. In the warmer months it meant playing baseball on the front lawn with the whole family and neighbors, riding bikes in the woods on the hilly trails, running around on my cousin's farm, feeding the cows as they milked and swinging in the tree swing he made for us. In the winter, it meant sled riding in the back yard, seeing how high we could fly over…

What kind of map should you carry on a day hike with children?

For me, the answer always is more than one type.

I like road maps to show me how to get to the trailhead and printed guides to give me an overview of the trail's key points. I like a satellite pic to show me where to park and how to reach the trailhead, as they are not always easy to visually locate. I use topo maps to show me the trail and landmarks on the horizon I can see to help orient myself. With a yellow…

F.U.N. Families Understanding Nature

The Rangers at the  Army Corp of Engineers Lake Philpott have a awesome program called of all things FUN

Families Understanding Nature. There are brochures and activities that you can download. Topics like: Be Aware of the Bear,Birds of Philpott…

http://gogreenamericatv.com/let-nature-speak-to-you-love-is-the-color-of-a-rainbow/

It is my pleasure to share Rainbow with you on Go Green America!...

 Teacher finds unconventional ways to teach science right here in the Triad of NC WAY TO GO !

Follow link to video.

Science Teacher finds ways to get his students OUTSIDE !

As Educators what do you do to get your students outside !

http://www.naturesummitmb.com/call-for-proposals/

The Manitoba Nature Summit Inc. has developed a strategy to train potential young environmental stewards who work with young children in a variety of capacities.

Manitoba Nature Summit 2010 & 2012

The Manitoba Nature Summit Inc. is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization invested in incorporating nature into children's lives.…

Canteens or plastic bottles filled with water are vital for any hike, no matter how short the trail. You'll need to have enough of them to carry about 2 pints of water per person for every hour of hiking. If going into arid regions, you'll probably need more.

When looking for a canteen or a water bottle, make sure it seals tight and can be…

When hiking with children, always dress for the weather. For example, a light-colored and loose-fitting T-shirt is a must on hot, sunny summer days and in desert areas, a windbreaker a must in windy climes, and a water-resistant rain jacket in wet areas.

Some parents prefer to dress their kids in bright clothes on hikes, as they’re easier to…

By Jenni Veal for Nooga.com:

"For the children? They must grow up upon the best. There is never a time when they are unequal to worthy thoughts, well put; inspiring tales, well told.” – British educator Charlotte Mason (1842-1923)

Consider giving the gift of books this holiday season, with a Charlotte Mason twist: living books that inspire and cultivate an interest in the natural world.

Read more at…

From the very popular series PROJECT WILD

Growing Up Wild

Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. …

The North Carolina state park system offers a wide range of educational opportunities and resources. With programs that engage families in hands-on experiences that promote appreciation and understanding of our state’s great cultural and natural resources.

From the Junior Ranger program,nature study hikes to educator training workshops, we offer resources to help guide your learning adventures and help you to continue connecting children with nature.

 …

I met a wondeful lady.Kieran Lindsey who has spent here career helping people connect with nature around them.

She presented to ourVa.Master Naturalist Class 

From her site.

Kieran is the founder and author of Next-Door Nature. She is also co-author of Urban Wildlife Management (the first textbook on the subject), editor of the Journal of Wildlife Rehabilitation, a lecturer on urban…

A rainy day here, and I wanted to catch up on some posting.I recently completed the 3day Leopold Education Project Facilitators. I am available to present these workshops for Traditional and Non Traditional educators, and North Carolina Teachers can earn CEUs or EE credit.The activities are geared for 5th-12th graders and Adults but several of them can be used at any age. I…

Visit the NC Parks Jr Ranger Site

Explore, learn and help out your state parks! The new Junior Ranger guide is packed full of fun activities you can do at any of our 39 state parks. Be a Junior Ranger!

• It's a fun way for children to explore with their family, scouts troop or youth group. Activities are geared for children ages 6-12.

• Children gain an appreciation of North Carolina's cultural…