Lets get back to The simple art of nature stUdy
Connection. Curiosity. Discovery. Creativity. All to be had, all within reach for my children, and me.
Some of the fondest memories I have as a mother come from the times I have spent with my children practicing the simple art of nature study. A fairly simple process with few requirements: inquiring, curious minds; a few minutes of time set apart - without rush, hidden agenda, or distraction from the demands of everyday life; and a place to interact with nature.
The setting can be something simple, even just a backyard or nearby park, or more involved, such as a nature area, state park, trail, or country road. With these three ingredients at the helm, my job is to simply give the kids space to explore, and time to observe and discover what they will.
It is amazing to me how much we all have learned through this very simple structure of nature study. Insect life, plants, mammals, birds, flowers…we can now name hundreds of species.
I find something remarkable in connecting with the natural world around me, and watching discovery, curiosity, and delight dance in their eyes.
Its this deep kind of learning that I am after - the on-the-scene, active, discovery kind of learning. Not something they have only read from afar in a book (though, I do love books!), but something they have touched with their hands, smelled in the wind, admired with their eyes.
These are the things that will stay with them, far longer than a school lesson absorbed from the confines of a desk chair.
Living on the farm has opened up realms of discovery for my children and I: the path to gaining a ewe’s trust; the complex hierarchy of the chicken’s culture and society; the work to establish with our horses the leadership they crave and, in return, to gain their respect; the intricate work of the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds as they pollinate our fields with dedication, skill, and perseverance.
So grounding, and wholesome, and rich. So much to take in, to process, to learn.
Life lessons, such as these, are a legacy for my children.
I long for them to have this depth of experience under their belts, as they grow up to take their place in our media-crazed, fast-paced world.
Years ago, families would send their children to Grandma and Grandpa’s farm for a week every summer…for exposure to the daily rhythms of farm life, the rich experiential learning, and the connection to nature’s complexity.
Kids would spend their days there in delight, outside in the bright sunshine and fresh air. They would come home with a deeper appreciation of all that farming is, and how their dinner came to be on their table.
Its not so easy now, with fewer and fewer family farms operating in the countryside.
We want to help fill the gap, and make this on-farm experience a reality for children today.
Which inspired us to create Heart and Soil Ridge Farm Day-Camp. We are looking forward to the fun times of learning and discovery, where time for curiosity is at their fingertips.
I’m sure we all know of kids who would truly benefit from, and love this kind of opportunity.
Join with us and share this post on social media so we can get the word out!