31days of Exploring God's Creation- Day 4- Tips and Tricks of the Trade- Nature Boot Camp

Welcome! I'm truly glad you're here-

I'm participating in a #31days of . . . series 

started by Nessy of  "Nesting Place"

There are actually hundreds of 

bloggers participating in this 

challenge to dig a little deeper by 

posting on the same topic for 31 days straight

Throughout the month of October 

I'll be bringing you posts about

"Exploring God's Creation"

Getting the Family Out in the Great Outdoors

and this is -                      - with the Sub-topic:

Day 4  . . .

Tips and Tricks 
"Nature Boot Camp"

 

Camping and Whitewater Rafting- ClassII- Kentucky 

Some Tips 4 Families in the Great Outdoors: 

If you have very young children or are new to the idea- you may not

want to start off with a three day rafting trip down a river. 

Hiking is a good place to start on your adventures. You probably

shouldn't begin with a 6 hours trek in the mountains either. Do some

 nice trail walks through the woods at local parks. If you're looking 

for more- you can always rent a cabin at a state park or something 

similar to use as "home" base while you "get your feet wet" in the 

outdoors. I realize that not everyone will want to rough it quite like 

we do. Here are some basic tips I've picked up along the way that

 I find to be helpful with preparing the kiddos for time in the wild. 

*Hiking is a terrific family activity for connecting with nature.

To begin with- we "started" them quite young. Before they could even

 walk they were "hiking"- in back packs and carriers.

Tubing Rock Springs River in Apopka- FL

Visit as many parks as possible to find opportunities for your family

One of the goals in connecting with nature in the wild -is to actually See 

some wildlife.That can be a bit tricky when you're leading your own

 pack of wild animals ' lil angels. Children (and some adults) have a 

tendency to be a might too loud while trekking through the woods. 

They scare off all the beautiful critters before they even know they're

 there. Getting your "team" out early on in life and often will increase 

the likelihood of your family being able to capture moments . . . 

                                  . . . like this:

Kelly Park - FL

If my boys had come floating down the river as crazy and  loud as

 the group who came down behind them- we never would have even

 seen her, much less spent several blissful minutes of close observation

 and connection with her :

Apopka, FL

This little guy did eventually get a look at her- I think the picture is 

hilarious because he's looking the wrong way and I was desperately

 trying to point him the right direction (without scaring her away) -

funny, I think he and our new friend are both looking at the same thing! 

*Training- word for the day- let them know they're on a mission

You have to train them to quietly enter into the wild- How in the world?

Well, try applying the same principles that get you interested in a thing. 

If there is a lot of "hype" about something- it's bound to catch your 

attention - at least for a bit. So, talk it up! BEFORE you get to the 

woods- Tell the kids about how REAL explorers do it. If you're out

hiking- give them some binoculars or a  camera. Explain what they 

may see if they can be quiet enough.If you are excited, they will be. 

*Create some hype- and give them information!!!

 

Family Walk- Our Neighborhood

*Have realistic expectations- you know your children best.

I'm here to tell you that if my boys can be trained to walk quietly on

 a trail- anybody can. How? Remember the talk we had yesterday

about sticks? NO, I'm just kidding- but it can help to give them a 

walking stick of their own. Just have them be on the look out for 

one that is about the right size for them. I think it makes them feel 

more like real explorers if they have a walking stick and a camera!

 

Florida's Space Coast- the last Space Shuttle!

*Help them get into the spirit of adventure-take is seriously

We certainly don't adhere to a *silence policy - there's no fun in 

that! But, by setting aside a portion of time (start small and build 

up to longer stretches) when they know that the whole family is 

working together toward the same goal  - working as a team and

they are an important part of it (not just the noisy children in the way)

they are going to be more inclined to help make it happen. We tell

them to use soft voices and even teach them a couple of hand signals-

you'd be surprised at how much that actually adds to the adventure!

*Let them know they are an important part of the team

 

Blue Springs, Florida

Have a wonderful time together as a family! Encourage co-operation,

reward good behavior. Be impressed with the rock they pick up. 

Really "be there" in the moment with them and they will bend over

backwards to do a good job for you and they'll become interested

in what you are interested in. 

*If they feel a sense of togetherness they will want more

You've spent some time educating them, and practicing your crazy

mad exploring skills as a family. You've looked at bugs, and flowers, 

and noticed an animal print. Maybe you've even gotten pictures of that

Bald Eagle or a mama deer drinking from the river.

 Then it's time to let the kids cut loose for a bit! 

*Let them go a little wild in the wild!!!

Tree climbing- Oscar Scherer State Park- Venice, Florida 

Camping and "Dirt Surfing" at Babcock Ranch - FL 

  

Camping Along the Suwannee River - Jumping from a Tree!

*You don't have to go far to start training your little family for big adventure in the great outdoors

Start today or this week by talking about the animals who live nearby.

Begin building up some of the "hype" about the adventures you'd like

to experience with your family. Visit a local park or nearby woods and

take a walk/hike on a trail to gauge how well they might do, but don't 

get discouraged if it takes a little time to adjust to the idea. I think 

you'll be surprised and pleased as punch at how well they'll take to 

the idea of family adventures! 

 

*It's God who's in the details y'all- get familiar with His handiwork and your whole family will come to know Him better - see Him more clearly

Romans 1:20

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly

seen, being understood by the things that are made,

even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse."

You may want to read the first three days of the series :

My series- Exploring God's Creation -  here
Day 1- The Value in Family Walks- here 
Day 2- Natures Stimulus Package - here
Day 3- No Fear- Be Prepared- here

Y'all come back now- 'ya hear?

Feel free to grab my button from the side bar for #31days Series 

or the AdventurezInChildRearing button! many thanks- 

Other #31dayers I think you'll enjoy:

 Mandy- Biblical Homemaking               Heathalee- Butterfly Genes:              

 

Melanie- Only A Breath             Amy- Missional Mamas Soul