"Wandering: the act of unplanned, aimless walking/exploring/ambling with a complete openness to the unknown." In July we flew to Wisconsin for a month of hiking, exploration, friendship, camping, and relaxation. Together we shared experiences big and small with friends, extended family, and each other. Stories were added to family lore, we gained a better understanding … Continue reading Wandering Across the West
Kids & Nature
A Weekend in Seward, AK
For Father's Day we escaped to Seward, AK for the weekend. We stayed in a yurt on the beach, explored the tide pools during low tide, hiked up to Marmot Meadows for a spectacular view of Exit Glacier, and visited the Alaska Sea Life Center. What made the weekend especially lovely was the lack of … Continue reading A Weekend in Seward, AK
Outdoor Education Resources
"Today, the three major environmental challenges of our time are climate change, the biodiversity collapse, and the disconnect between children and nature." -Richard Louv, July 2013 Definitions Environmental Education is a learning process that increases knowledge and awareness about the environment and develops skills that enable responsible decisions and actions that impact the environment (from … Continue reading Outdoor Education Resources
The Lake Dragon
To celebrate the end of the school year my friend Laura and I took our 5 children north for an overnight adventure on Byers Lake within Denali State Park. We carried our gear and provisions along the 0.5 mile wooded trail to our cabin, then took to the lake by canoe and kayak to explore and keep an eye … Continue reading The Lake Dragon
I love camping.
Every year in May we pack up our gear to celebrate the beginning of camping season. This year we made the 2 hour trip to a beautiful beach in Seward, Alaska. The sun was warm and shining brightly, the mountains were spectacular, and the beach was full of treasure. My kids spent every waking moment on the … Continue reading I love camping.
Connecting Children to Nature through Farming & Gardening
There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air is softer and the morning more fragrant than ever again. — Elizabeth Lawrence Last May I had the good fortune to accompany the third grade class from Prairie Hill Waldorf School on an overnight farm trip to Angelic Organics Learning Center in Caledonia, IL. The … Continue reading Connecting Children to Nature through Farming & Gardening
The Best Summer Camps
Summer camps are booked (good thing too--last day of school is May 19). They're signed up for: Entertain Yourself, Play Nice with Your Siblings, Create Your Own Games with the Neighborhood Kids, Bike Riding, Pogo Sticks & Skateboards, Good Art is Fun and Messy, Getting Filthy, and Reading Good Books. Core skills include solving their … Continue reading The Best Summer Camps
The River of Life
Years ago, before we had children, we lived in a small 2 room cabin with an outhouse along the Turnagain Arm in the town of Bird Creek, Alaska. The cabin was small, forcing us to keep our possessions to a minimum. Additionally, due to the more remote location of the cabin, we did not have … Continue reading The River of Life
Simplicity Parenting Course for Parents
Simplicity Parenting Course for Parents “Today, the three major environmental challenges of our time are climate change, the biodiversity collapse, and the disconnect between children and nature.” —Richard Louv, July 2013 Todays culture of “more” has put families under extreme pressure as they struggle to cope with the issues of excessive consumption, marketing to children, … Continue reading Simplicity Parenting Course for Parents
Road Trip Planning
"And that's the wonderful thing about family travel: it provides you with experiences that will remain locked forever in the scar tissue of your mind." --Dave Barry My childhood vacations were spent camping. I have many wonderful (and not-so-wonderful) memories from those trips: my dad cooking breakfast over the campfire, setting up camp one night … Continue reading Road Trip Planning
