Outdoor Kids in an Inside World

1. Fostering biophilia: Connecting children with nature's wonders

"Flipping rocks, with all of the excitement and disappointment and pain, I can't help but relate their work to my brother's."

Nurturing innate curiosity. Children possess an inherent tendency to seek connections with nature, known as biophilia. This instinct can be harnessed to make nature a normal, everyday part of family life. By encouraging kids to explore their surroundings, parents can help them develop a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Creating opportunities for discovery. Even in urban environments, there are countless ways to engage with nature. Simple activities like observing birds, examining insects, or identifying plants can spark wonder and curiosity. These small touchpoints with nature serve as narrow openings through which children can pass in their search for deeper engagement with the natural world.

Building a lifelong connection. By fostering biophilia from an early age, parents can help their children develop a lasting relationship with nature. This connection can provide numerous benefits throughout their lives, including improved mental and physical health, increased creativity, and a greater sense of environmental stewardship.

2. Camping: Building resilience and family bonds in the outdoors

"I want my kids to learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable."

Embracing discomfort. Camping provides an ideal environment for children to develop resilience and adaptability. By exposing them to minor hardships like wet clothes, cold temperatures, or unexpected weather changes, parents can help their kids build mental toughness and problem-solving skills.

Creating shared experiences. Family camping trips offer unique opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories. Through shared adventures and challenges, family members can strengthen their relationships and develop a sense of teamwork.

Learning valuable life skills. Camping teaches children practical skills such as:

• Setting up shelter
• Building and maintaining a fire
• Navigation and orienteering
• Basic first aid
• Leave No Trace principles

These skills not only contribute to their outdoor competence but also translate to increased self-reliance and confidence in everyday life.

3. Foraging: Discovering edible treasures in urban and wild environments

"I'll pretty much guarantee that, no matter where you are right now, you're within a five-minute walk of something that you and your kids could pick and eat."

Urban foraging opportunities. Even in cities, there are numerous opportunities for foraging wild edibles. Common urban finds include:

• Dandelions
• Mulberries
• Blackberries
• Crabapples
• Acorns

By learning to identify and harvest these plants, children can develop a deeper connection to their environment and gain a new perspective on food sources.

Developing observation skills. Foraging encourages children to pay close attention to their surroundings, honing their observational skills and increasing their awareness of seasonal changes. This heightened awareness can lead to a greater appreciation for the natural world and its cycles.

Promoting food literacy. By engaging in foraging activities, children learn about the origins of food and develop a more intimate relationship with their sustenance. This knowledge can foster a sense of self-sufficiency and encourage healthier, more sustainable eating habits.

4. Gardening: Cultivating patience, responsibility, and appreciation for food

"Through our actions, we have the power to make things thrive."

Hands-on learning. Gardening provides children with tangible experiences of nurturing life and observing growth. Through planting, watering, and tending to plants, kids develop a sense of responsibility and learn about the interconnectedness of natural systems.

Patience and perseverance. The process of growing food from seed to harvest teaches children valuable lessons about patience and long-term commitment. They learn that success often requires sustained effort and care over time.

Connecting with food sources. By growing their own fruits and vegetables, children gain a deeper appreciation for the effort involved in food production. This understanding can lead to:

• Healthier eating habits
• Reduced food waste
• Greater appreciation for farmers and agricultural workers
• Increased interest in sustainable food systems

5. Fishing: Learning life lessons through aquatic adventures

"Fishing—and I'm going to use that term very broadly throughout the rest of this chapter, so that it includes things like clam digging and crayfish trapping—is an incredible relationship-building and mentoring tool."

Patience and persistence. Fishing teaches children the value of waiting and persevering through slow periods. These skills can be applied to many areas of life, from academic pursuits to personal relationships.

Understanding ecosystems. Through fishing, children learn about aquatic ecosystems, food chains, and the interconnectedness of species. This knowledge can foster a sense of environmental stewardship and conservation awareness.

Bonding opportunities. Fishing trips provide excellent opportunities for parent-child bonding and mentoring. The shared experience of waiting, observing, and potentially catching fish creates lasting memories and strengthens relationships.

6. Hunting: Developing ethical stewardship and respect for wildlife

"Hunting creates around itself an arena of tremendous consequence. There's little room for a casual or passive relationship to a pursuit that ends, so long as everything goes right, with a wild creature dead on the ground."

Ethical considerations. Hunting presents an opportunity to discuss complex ethical issues with children, such as the responsible use of natural resources and the importance of wildlife conservation. These conversations can help develop a nuanced understanding of humanity's relationship with nature.

Skill development. Hunting requires a range of skills, including:

• Marksmanship
• Animal behavior knowledge
• Navigation
• Safety protocols
• Patience and discipline

Mastering these skills can boost confidence and self-reliance in children.

Connection to food sources. By participating in hunting, children gain a deep appreciation for the origins of their food and the effort involved in procuring it. This understanding can lead to a more mindful approach to consumption and a greater respect for the animals that sustain us.

7. Bringing nature home: Integrating outdoor experiences into daily life

"I have long strived to incorporate a collection of objects and activities into our home life that would serve as reminders of our relationship to the natural world."

Creating nature-inspired spaces. Incorporate elements of nature into your home decor, such as:

• Displaying found objects (rocks, shells, feathers)
• Growing indoor plants
• Showcasing nature-themed artwork

These reminders can help maintain a connection to the outdoors even when inside.

Engaging in nature-based activities. Encourage children to continue exploring nature themes through indoor activities like:

• Reading nature books
• Drawing or painting wildlife scenes
• Crafting with natural materials
• Listening to recordings of bird songs or nature sounds

Sharing outdoor experiences. Make it a habit to discuss and reflect on outdoor adventures during family meals or other shared times. This practice reinforces the importance of nature in daily life and helps children process and internalize their experiences.

Last updated: January 24, 2025