Friday, November 11, 2011

Children Need Nature

By Lonnie Lorenz


Expert are renewing to child caregivers the importance of being in out in nature with kids. Swift Nature Camp is a Nature Camp that promotes a child's development in Nature. So how can parents get their children outside? Rather than locking them out of the house try a hike. They wonderful activity at any time of year. In the spring, hunt for the flowers first peeking out of the soil. Birds are also interesting to kids. The younger ones are happy just to see them fly and eat at a feeder. Older children can pick up an identification book and identify the birds and determine if they are just flying through on a migration pattern of staying the summer.

Once summer arrives, animals of all varieties are at their most active. Even the most urban park has a few squirrels in the trees, as well as a wealth of playground equipment to get your child moving. Your flower and bird watching activities can easily carry over into summer as well.

Autumn is the season of harvest and reproduction for nature. Make sure to give your child a bag to collect pine cones, acorns, seeds and other items that can be used for crafts or displayed as is. A bouquet of colorful fall leaves is incredibly easy to create and will give your child a constant reminder of the fun they had outdoors.

While winter is not the most hospitable season for many, nature hikes can still be incredibly rewarding. Try picking out a specific spot and throwing out seeds, bread, apple chunks or bird feed. When you return, examine the ground for animal tracks, and try to determine which animals have been enjoying your feast. If you continue to supply the same area all winter, you will most likely get the chance to see if your guesses were correct before the snow melts.

Take your budding naturalist outside and find a place where a nature journal can be used to record their finds or just their feelings. Youngens will prefer illustrating their finds, while an older child will be happy with a disposable camera as they walk through nature.

In late spring, prepare a garden patch for your child. Keep their attention span in mind while planning the size and number of plants, unless you want some extra work on your hands. Vegetables like carrots, leaf lettuce and radishes are almost foolproof, and many children will be thrilled with nothing but one or two pumpkin plants for jack o' lanterns.

Outdoor activities are most prevalent in the summer months. However, since most parents continue to work for the bulk of summer, finding time to get out and enjoy the activities available can be a challenge. Many children love the idea of camping, but rather than giving yourself the hassle of planning a week-long trip, just set up a tent one morning in the backyard. Cook your meals outside, fly kites and play tag. When it's time for bed, crawl into your tent and tell stories by flashlight. The best part: your hot shower is just a minute away the next morning!

For those parent who are not so eager to do the camping thing summer camp is your answer. You can choose a day camp for the younger campers or an overnight camp for the older kids. Camp is safe and secure while parents are working or traveling.

Forts are always popular with kids. Our 9 year old still loves them. We like to get the snow block makers and try to build a snow fort. Often it is a disaster but we have fun and enjoy hot chocolate breaks.

Think outside when you are trying to instill a sence of nature in your child. Movies and videos of animals just don't cut it. Take all your activities outdoors, painting, eating, washing, almost all activities are more fun outside.

The UCLA Center for Healthier Children has examined numerous studies that have found a physically active child has a higher classroom performance than a non-active child due to increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain. According to them, "Studies have shown that physical activity helps the mind to work better and being physically fit is associated with higher self-esteem." In other words, keeping your child active helps his brain as well as his body. By moving outdoors, your child gets the added benefit of ready-made lessons about their world.

To learn more about finding the right summer camp for your child check out Summer Camp Advice Summer Camps




About the Author:



No comments: