Did you know just how good summer camp is at strengthening
that critical connection between children and nature so essential
to healthy, happy development? There is a growing movement
across the country working to re-build those connections. Camp
is a time for direct, hands-on activity in nature and for real
interactions and fun. But, as you think about camp for your
children, let's dispel two myths about children, nature,
and camp right now.
Myth #1: Children can only connect with nature in the wilderness.
When Richard Louv, prize-winning author of The
Last Child in the Woods, talks about children and nature, he reminds us that
nature can be found in a puddle or a vacant lot or a city park.
Nature can be woven into a camp program in an urban school or
a remote outpost. And children can feel unconnected from nature
in the wildest of places without thoughtful involvement and modeling.
So, as you choose a camp for your child, add questions about
that connection to the natural world to your list. Does the camp
work to protect the environment and, more importantly, are they
sharing this perspective and these practices with their campers?
Can campers plant a garden or a tree or a flower? If there is
a formal nature program, ask who teaches it and what are some
parts of the program. Does it sound active and fun and hands-on?
If so, it will do wonders in building the connections your camper
feels to the world around them.
Myth #2: Camps must teach nature and environmental awareness
in formal "nature" programs at camp or no connections
with the natural world will be formed.
Of course, formal nature programs can be terrific ways of introducing
kids to the world around them and great nature counselors can
be pied pipers for children. I have watched children be so fascinated
by a wonderfully charismatic nature counselor introducing them
to tiny crayfish in the lake that they all missed lunch!
But children also connect with the wonders of the world around
them by sitting quietly near a lake or sharing a sunset with
friends. They can be intrigued by a family of robins, inspired
by a hunt for lucky rocks, or elated from overcoming a fear of
thunder.
There are so many small moments of wonder during every day at
camp, if children share those days with fun-loving and dedicated
counselors who understand the value of a deep and abiding connection
to nature. So don't worry so much about your camp's
location or whether there is a formal nature program or not.
Just look for a nurturing camp that encourages awareness and
adventure in the outdoors.
Even more important: how can you build on this budding connection
with nature when your child returns home from camp? Become an
outdoors family! Visit local parks and playgrounds. Walk or bike
or climb or run as often as you can. Track the weather, measure
the rain (and jump in puddles, while you are at it), check out
the bugs or the creatures that live in the neighborhood too.
Plant bulbs in every corner. Feed birds. Get up close and personal
with the trees and stay up late and watch for falling stars.
Help your kids become active, healthy, and creative young people
with camp as a starting point. Who knows, you may find an outdoor
lifestyle healthier for you, as well.
For ideas about how to incorporate nature into your family activities,
visit www.CampParents.org/nature.
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