by Laura Spark Plumpkin is dead, and we have to get out of the house. Our neighbor Lila won Plumpkin in a school lottery. A squeaky-voiced, black guinea pig, Plumpkin was much loved by Lila and my twin 12-year old daughters, Lea and Naomi, who don?t have a pet of their own. Our usual solution to the no-pet problem is to get outside. Hang out on the front porch and admire … [Read more...]
Before and After: Hiking with Kids in 7,982 Simple Steps
by Elizabeth Small I was the sort of not-uncommon-but-woefully-ignorant pregnant lady who believed I could somehow do this parenting thing differently. Yes, I was familiar with the entirety of human history and the overwhelming evidence that "different" was impossible. But I thought, "Hey, I'll just do this my way." It's not exactly that I thought other people were doing … [Read more...]
My Outdoor Family: The Bonds
Get to know October's "Outdoor Family" by Nicolette Bond Children don't necessarily see nature as something separate from them. I was lucky enough to grow up with parents who encouraged me to run barefoot in the rain, howl at the moon, and play in the mud. My husband and I hope to preserve that connection for our two-year-old daughter Cora and "re-wild" our own … [Read more...]
Supporting Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
by Heather Mundt - Ever wanted to add garden-fresh produce to your diet but lack enough time or a green thumb to tend your own? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) might be the answer. Offering the bountiful varieties of produce readily available at farmer's markets, CSAs take gardening a step further by allowing consumers to invest in a farm for a regular share of its … [Read more...]
Savor a South Carolina Autumn With Kids
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...]
Discovering Animal Stewardship at Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary
by Natalie VanCleave It's a warm autumn evening in the farmlands of Oregon's Willamette Valley as my kids, a pack of their friends, and I are welcomed by Lisa Ryan and her 8-year-old son, Evan at the gate to Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary, 54 acres of fields, barns and animals worthy of Noah's Ark. As the youngsters pile out of the car, even the hard-to-impress 'tween girls … [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 … [Read more...]
Worldschooling – The World as Your Classroom
by Sabrina Norrie In some ways we've always loved the concept of ?worldschooling,? or using the world as a classroom, long before we even knew it had a name. Having traveled my entire life and marrying an outdoorsy man, we loved how we felt as a couple being in this world together and learning from it. And there was no question we would continue to do so as parents. From … [Read more...]
