The Ember Highlights

Camp Fire USA Heartland Council Bi-Monthly Newsletter

Connecting Kids with Nature

Recommended Reading: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. The book describes what the author dubbed "Nature Deficit Disorder", how children today are less connected to nature than at any other tie in our history. The author grew up in the Kansas City area, and mentions it several times in the book. The author has a website, www.richardlouv.com. It has resources for parents and leaders on things to do in the outdoors with children.

The book even inspired a movement! The Children and Nature Network is a nationwide movement dedicated to reconnecting children with nature. Visit their website for resources and to read what others are doing around the country. www.cnaturenet.org.

Take a Hike!

Now that the weather is warm, it's time to get outdoors for adventures. Go on some hikes--in the neighborhood, at the park, in the woods. A hike is a journey on foot, usually with a purpose, a route and a destination.

Hikers should be properly clothed for the season and suitable footwear is important. Use the buddy system when hiking. If hiking along a road with no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic, with an adult at the front and one at the end of the line. Here are suggestions for different types of hikes.

HOMES HIKE: Look for spider webs, nests holes and other animal homes.

STOP, LOOK & LISTEN HIKE: Hike for 5 minutes or for a certain number of steps. Stop and write down all that you see and hear. Make several different stops.

CRAFTS HIKE: Collect nature items to be used in crafts--loeaves, rocks, shells. Make leaf rubbings, leaf prints or other projects later.

PENNY HIKE: Flip a coin to see which direction you will go. Flip the coin at each intersection or fork in the road. (Do this in an area thoroughly familiar to the adults so your group does not get lost.)

COLOR HIKE: Look for objects of a pre-selected color. Make a list.

HISTORICAL HIKE: Hike to or in a historic location.

CITY HIKE: Look for nature in the urban setting--what plants are growing and where? Look at the buildings--what types of buildings do you see? Even one overturned rock can reveal surprises. Look for birds, bugs and trees.

DETECTIVE HIKE: Look for evidence of man in nature. Bring plastic gloves and bags to pick up litter. Make a list of the evidence you see.

ONCE AROUND THE BLOCK HIKE: Hike once around the block. Then test the observations of the group: Who saw the most round things? What did you see that was orange? What are the names of the streets we were on? Nae the businesses, school, etc...we passed.

STOP & SPOT HIKE: While hiking, the leader stops and says "I spot a-----," naing a familiar object. Everyone in the group who sees the object raises their hand or sits down.