Summer is the time of year we expand our wings – exploring trails with friends, dipping our toes in pristine waters and experiencing nature at work.
There is an inherent rightness to immersion and movement outdoors amid the fractal forests, dappled light on our skin and the sound of bird song as our backdrop. We all know more time outside brings wellness on all levels for all beings. What if we continued exploring all year long?
We were designed to experience the beauty and even harshness of the outdoors. While running out into a winter storm may not top your to-do list, adapting to the cold might – as witnessed by the increasing number of cold water plungers these days.
The benefits of exposure to the elements and Mother Earth’s creatures are immense and complex. Some cultures whittle this down to “forest bathing” – or walking in the woods without distraction (aka, your phone or ultra chatty friend) and taking it all in. Even something as simple as being barefoot on the earth is said to regulate many bodily functions, accelerating healing and improving heart health among them.
Children seem to be drawn to being in natural settings and (literally) getting their hands dirty. When disconnected from screens and given the right clothing, they easily while away the hours in puddles, on beaches and in campgrounds.
Parents and child-care givers recognize and facilitate outdoor immersion during the summer months on vacations and through enrolling in camps and weekend events hosted outside. Hours in the fresh air and sun inspires connecting and appreciation of the earth, which is so in need of our attention and protection. It’s much more natural to care for and even defend the creatures, trees and ecosystems we have spent time with than those that are complete strangers.
The school year may seem miles off, but any parent knows that planning ahead makes life smoother down the road. Finding opportunities to keep nature-based learning continuing all year can be facilitated through programs such as the Fianna Wilderness School. Toddlers, children and teens who participate in this type of nature immersion program - one or two days a week - learn about wild crafting, navigation, tracking, bird language, natural materials, medicinal and food plants, and more through games, storytelling, songs, guided exploration and simply being in a natural setting. This exposure supports social emotional development and capacity all year while strengthening practical survival skills and empathy for the land.
Those homeschooling can participate in the free PIE (Partners in Education) program which features outdoor days spent with other homeschoolers. New this school year is a yearlong, one day a week yoga program for kids through Jyoti Yoga with 500-hour-trained yoga teacher Clara Moon Song. Registration for these mentorship programs has already begun.
Priming interest for participation in these types of programs by getting outside and moving during the wonderfully rich summer months can prepare young ones for this all-too-unique exposure to their home beyond their house.
Let’s Talk Trash is contracted by qathet Regional District to deliver its waste reduction education program. For more information, email [email protected] or go to LetsTalkTrash.ca.
