The Children and Nature Network has set out to establish the month of April as Children and Nature Awareness Month. I first read about it here. This could not have come at a better time for I have been concerned about the disconnect my children have with nature for quite some time.
This disconnect I know is partly my fault because I have fears they will get hurt or stung by a bee and end up being allergic, break a leg, oh yeah that already happened, or get kidnapped. I know, I know, I have issues.
And because well, to be honest, I'm lazy.
In spite of all this I have come to realize the benefits far out way my irrational fears. I know for myself nature is very soothing and I can only imagine it is the same for children. I have noticed my children seem to have an innate desire to be outdoors. They really, really want to be outside and ask to go out everyday.
My own memories of being outdoors are some of my fondest. I can remember lying on a blanket in the backyard reading books and gazing at the sky through the tree branches. Walking through the woods and dropping pebbles in the stream or watching leaves float with the current. Going to the beach and walking along the jetties, digging in the sand, and being excited and afraid all at the same time over the horseshoe crabs.
As an adult I still find comfort in being outdoors. I once walked along a path through a bamboo forest in Hawaii. I have never felt more at peace. I wanted to sit and never leave. The sound of the bamboo as it banged into each other is one I will never forget. It was ethereal.
Anywho, enough about me - The kids and I have set a goal to go outdoors every day this month. Rain or shine we will be outdoors!! We will be documenting our experience through pictures and sharing them with you here. Won't you join us?
