When people think of South Carolina, they usually picture the Atlantic coastline destinations of Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and Charleston. While there are lots of great outdoor spots in the low-country, we love exploring the upstate. My wife, Kendra, is from a community near Greenville, so when we visit her family, our adventures start from there and do not disappoint. An … [Read more...]
Managing an Outdoor Meltdown
by Bridgett Ross "Take a deep breath in, and exhale slowly." I have witnessed these words ease overwhelming emotions countless times. I even use them on myself. When speaking these words to my 3-year-old son, however, he responds, "I DON'T WANT TO BREATHE!" Okay. I guess I have to get creative. "WOW!" I announce. "This leaf! Watch how it flies!" I place a dry leaf in the … [Read more...]
Diversity in the Outdoors: Starting a conversation
by Jennifer Fontaine The definition of DIVERSITY: di?ver?si?ty | d??v?rs?d?,d??v?rs?d?/ | noun The quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc. A Clemson University Master Teacher and Alumni Distinguished Professor in wildlife ecology, J. Drew Lanham is a naturalist and conservationist with strong interest in integration of game and nongame … [Read more...]
How to Raise a Wild Child: Outdoor Families interviews Dr. Scott Sampson
by Jennifer Johnson - Many parents of young children are familiar with Dr. Scott Sampson, better known as 'Dr. Scott,' a paleontologist from the PBS show 'Dinosaur Train.' Dr. Scott always ends each show with the tagline: "Get outside, get into nature, and make your own discoveries!" and earlier this spring backed up this charge with the publication of his book, How to Raise a … [Read more...]
Forest Schools: Education in the great outdoors
by Sabrina Norrie - Eliza Minnucci came onto my radar last spring. This public school teacher in Vermont did something somewhat revolutionary. Inspired by a forest school in Switzerland, but understanding the realities of traditional schooling models in the United States, she approached her principal about bringing students outdoors for a full day of learning each week, no … [Read more...]
Nourish: Healthy lunches your students will love
by Robyn Gleason - Planning, Planning and more planning! Everyone tells you that you must do this in order to make life easier, but where does one find the time to plan? It's not always easy for sure, and when it comes to kids' healthy school lunches, just a little bit of time will ease the stress of those busy first weeks of back-to-school. The key? Give it some thought on … [Read more...]
Taking ‘STEM’ Learning for a Hike
by Jessica Schaefer? If STEM learning is important in the classroom, it?s important outdoors. But here?s the glory: It?s even easier outside. Far from the busy box of a traditional classroom, outside, things get real. Balls don?t stop at the edge of the gym; things that fall, break; water and wind create changes everywhere. The biggest value of STEM learning outdoors is … [Read more...]
My Outdoor Family: Meet the Sages
Editor's note: The Sages- Clark, Kelly, Clark (8), Sophie (5) - are a homeschooling family who believes in "learning by living" with nature as their classroom. This month's "My Outdoor Family" column features Kelly's perspectives on a variety of outdoor-related topics, and readers can learn more about the entire Sage family on Kelly's blog, SageTribe: Adventures from our … [Read more...]
Great Gear: New guidebook helps first-time visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Guidebook review -- Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park; first-time trip guide for families by Erin Kirkland It's never too late to begin planning next summer's family vacation, and in the case of national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, a year may be considered prudent. In 2016, the National Park Service celebrates 100 years of enhancing visitor … [Read more...]
How To Connect With Nature By Disconnecting in the Great Outdoors
by Bailey Gaddis - Collectively, much of humanity has developed a habit of dissolving into the vortex of technology; we log in to invisible connections and tune out physical surroundings. While technological capacities at our disposal can be fabulous when harmonized with the act of turning it all off to connect with nature and joy in time spent with family that … [Read more...]
Finding Our Way “Down Under”
by Sarah Richardson ?Mom? What are those pink things underneath that cow?s tail?? my daughter asked a few weeks ago as we sat watching a herd of bulls in the field across the street. Drawing from a legion of parental advice columns, I answered only the question I was asked, hoping that was the end of it. I was NOT ready for the inevitable, ?What do they do?? Turns out it was … [Read more...]
Exploring Colorado’s Western Side: Family adventure awaits
by Melissa Edge - With mounting excitement, my family and I hopped aboard a gondola to glide 2,200 feet across the Royal Gorge area of Western Colorado. As we smoothly traveled 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River with amazing views of deep canyon walls, my son had a smile that stretched from ear to ear. We had arrived at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Canon City on day four … [Read more...]
“Earthcaching” Indiana’s Hemlock Cliffs
by Duane Bolin - If someone were to ask, where is the perfect playground for a family who loves the outdoors? I'm guessing Hemlock Cliffs Indiana might not be your first answer. The Colorado mountains, perhaps. Or maybe the California coast. But, the rolling hills of Southern Indiana? Not so much. While images of the Rocky Mountains and Yosemite National Park routinely find … [Read more...]
Road Trip Tips For Summer Driving
by Jen Bauer - My childhood was filled with road trips down the east coast, and I have fond memories of curling up in the back seat of our tiny car, pillow beneath my head, my sister at my side, playing games for hours on end. Pit stops were made for snacks and souvenirs, and I still have pennants from each state we visited. Stopping only to rest at night, when we would pull … [Read more...]
My Outdoor Family: Meet the Yearouts
by Annie Yearout It's July in New England and my kids are running around a Vermont field at dusk, chasing the fireflies twinkling all over a pinkish sky and creating a magical, warm, summer night light show. Sleepy birds are chirping their final songs for the day, and multiple generations of my extended family are building an evening campfire to roast sausages and fresh corn … [Read more...]
Tame the “stuff” with Chums Latitude Series cases
by Erin Kirkland It's always about the "stuff." Little stuff, funny-shaped stuff, stuff that takes up space needed for other stuff. My junk drawer at home is testament to my penchant for keeping things, and when I travel, the "stuff" seems to multiply. Storage of small items, be they batteries or a spare pair of sunglasses and a toothbrush is critical for the organization of … [Read more...]
Exploring Japan’s Sarushima Island with Kids
by Dan Tilton - My family and I love the outdoors. But we weren't sure if our recent move to Japan would keep us from enjoying camping, touring national parks, hiking, swimming and experiencing just about any activity that can be done with a 2-year-old child in tow. I was delighted to discover that not only do the Japanese enjoy the majority of these activities, but also that … [Read more...]
