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Kids in Nature
Take the kids outdoors! Get them started young!
© Sally / Quiltsalad
Unless kids are introduced purposefully to nature, they may understand the plight of the Amazon rain forest, but never dampen their feet in a local stream. They may never know the names and songs of the birds they see or understand the wonder of migration. Nature camps for children can invigorate their connections with the natural environment. Your local Audubon chapter may have a camp for kids. NatureRocks.org has lots of ideas for family activities. And check out Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature.
BirdNote®
Kids in Nature
Written by Adam Sedgley and Todd Peterson
This is BirdNote!
[Medley of late spring/early summer birds]
As a boy, Teddy Roosevelt’s love of the outdoors led him to learn and mimic the songs and calls of hundreds of birds. He went on to establish our country’s system of national parks, what the writer Wallace Stegner called “America’s best idea.”
Our childhood experiences of nature stay with us for a lifetime.
Author Richard Louv, in his book Last Child in the Woods, talks about “nature-deficit disorder.” He believes that “direct exposure to nature is essential for the physical and emotional health of children and adults.”
[Sounds of children]
But someone may have to show children the way to delight in and know the natural world. Otherwise, they may never get their feet wet in a local stream. May never know the names and songs of the birds they see. Know nothing about the amazing journey those birds make during migration. [Seattle Audubon naturalist with children]
It’s today’s kids who will be tomorrow’s stewards of the natural world.
[Child making a discovery]
Many Audubon chapters across the country offer excellent summer camps. A website called Nature Rocks has great resources for families. Join organized activities or create your own adventures. Now is the time! We’ll help you find what’s right for you. Begin with a visit to our website, birdnote.org.
[Medley of late spring/early summer birds]
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Medley of bird sounds and sounds of children recorded by C. Peterson and A. Sedgley.
BirdNote's theme music was composed and played by Nancy Rumbel and John Kessler.
Producer: John Kessler
Executive Producer: Chris Peterson
© 2014 Tune In to Nature.org May 2017 Narrator: Mary McCann
ID#05086campKPLU camp-01b
