I realize however that all families do not always have the same background or comfort in this "off trail" exploration. I also realize that different parks have a different tolerance of off trail exploration. So in leading a family nature hike I realize that in general it is particularly important to set ground rules that everyone can follow and feel good about that journey.
When I was at a camp in Minnesota leading teenagers into the woods, the counselors followed the belief that you had to respect the boundaries of the leader most restrictive. Therefore, if one counselor said, "these rapids are too dangerous" then the whole group would go around the rapids. This motto existed after a few particularly scary runs down rivers: when canoes capsized, luggage was lost, and boats needed to be repaired. No one had been hurt, but the lesson had been learned to respect the wild river and the skills and comfort level of the counselors.
Yesterday I had inspired this group of families to get out into the woods, but I realized that I did not fully understand my role. For the future it made me realize I need to clarify what role I am to have when I plan future hikes so I know whether it is just an informal event where everyone does sort of their own thing or if it is something that I am guiding, leading and therefore setting parameters and expectations. The Children and Nature Network has a Family Nature Hike program that has somewhat formalized this role of facilitating Family Nature Hikes and while I never felt it necessary to use it, I can see its place especially when you are getting groups of people together who you may not know.
I plan to lead many more groups into nature. Each experience I have gives me new insight and reminds me to feel confident in my own gift of teaching nature. I have a unique perspective as a mother of twin boys and over 20 years as an educator and urban naturalist. I have much to learn and much to share.
A few activities that I did do on this hike was at the start of the hike get us prepared for animals we may see by having children pull stuffed animal puppets out of a bag.
An group art project where we looked for different colors of green.
A group game of imaginary ball toss where you pass a ball to one another...1st it might be a tennis ball, then a watermelon, a feather ecetera....
When I was at a camp in Minnesota leading teenagers into the woods, the counselors followed the belief that you had to respect the boundaries of the leader most restrictive. Therefore, if one counselor said, "these rapids are too dangerous" then the whole group would go around the rapids. This motto existed after a few particularly scary runs down rivers: when canoes capsized, luggage was lost, and boats needed to be repaired. No one had been hurt, but the lesson had been learned to respect the wild river and the skills and comfort level of the counselors.
Yesterday I had inspired this group of families to get out into the woods, but I realized that I did not fully understand my role. For the future it made me realize I need to clarify what role I am to have when I plan future hikes so I know whether it is just an informal event where everyone does sort of their own thing or if it is something that I am guiding, leading and therefore setting parameters and expectations. The Children and Nature Network has a Family Nature Hike program that has somewhat formalized this role of facilitating Family Nature Hikes and while I never felt it necessary to use it, I can see its place especially when you are getting groups of people together who you may not know.
I plan to lead many more groups into nature. Each experience I have gives me new insight and reminds me to feel confident in my own gift of teaching nature. I have a unique perspective as a mother of twin boys and over 20 years as an educator and urban naturalist. I have much to learn and much to share.
A few activities that I did do on this hike was at the start of the hike get us prepared for animals we may see by having children pull stuffed animal puppets out of a bag.
An group art project where we looked for different colors of green.
A group game of imaginary ball toss where you pass a ball to one another...1st it might be a tennis ball, then a watermelon, a feather ecetera....
No comments:
Post a Comment