Why Nature's Wonder |
Nature's Wonder was inspired by the quote "wander often, wonder always." Nature inspires me to wonder about all sorts of connections in life, so these camps are a way that I can take children outside to connect as well. Whether it is for a day or a week, and whether we are exploring a school garden, or a City Park, I hope that many children will walk away from their experience with joy, inspiration and respect and wonder for nature.
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My Philosophy |
Much of my work is based on the book "Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature." This curriculum uses core routines to tap into child-like passions, with the goal of becoming more aware of and connecting with natural cycles of living and learning about nature. The following are core routines that I tie into my camps throughout the year:
I love to focus on observation and using all of our senses, and coming up with questions to create awe and wonder. Working with all of our senses and honing our skills of observation are crucial to connecting with nature. Everything we take in with our senses, combined with what we focus our mental attention on, results in brain patterns, which in turn determine our perceptions, or how we see the world. Our beliefs about the world are formed this way. Our beliefs, in turn, determine our actions and behaviors. My hope is that these kinds of interactions with nature will help develop children's love and appreciation for even the smallest details of nature, which will then lead to healthier living, as well as conservation and advocacy as they grow. |