Getting Your Kids Out

We as parents have been told for many years now by all the experts that our kids are being deprived of essential outdoor time. Nothing has changed. Kids still need to unplug, open the door to their imaginations and the environment, and explore.  But it’s too hot, you might say.  There’s too many bugs.  It’s not safe for them to just go on their own. What are they going to do outside? Can’t they learn more from the TV and internet?

Yes, it is hot, but that’s why we play in the river while looking for wildlife and insects that tell us how clean it is. Surprisingly, bugs tend to bother adults more than the kids.  We use bug spray, or these new nifty bands that you wear on your wrist. While ticks are a risk, it is worth it! Chances of contracting a tick born disease is low as long as you do a tick check after each outdoor adventure.

To answer the last questions, we encourage you to take a look at The Roving Nature Center at Whittemore Wildlife Sanctuary. Kids come to day camps in a nurturing and chaperoned environment with planned activities, hikes, and crafts. It’s not too late to sign them up to get outside, use their imagination and learn about the world around them hands first. They catch crayfish, go on a historical timeline hike, pet frogs, watch seeds grow, and write a nature themed play. They dress up and go on a hunt for Alexander the Beetle, fly like a bee from flower to flower, and hide in tunnels from the hawk who is searching for his next meal.

No one can compare the actual experiences and fun of being in nature with sitting in front of a screen all day. Who would?  Wouldn’t we as adults want to get out in nature?  I sure do.  So do it. The trails at Whittemore are open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.  Go for a hike with your dog, walk around the pond and watch the frogs’ splash, listen to the creek run along the trail, or see a fledgling experience life outside its nest at the blue bird field. Maybe you can just go to your yard and make shapes out of the clouds, count the stars, or watch the ants carry food twice as big as they are.

Learn more about The Roving Nature Center and Whittemore Wildlife Sanctuary at www.WhittemoreWildlife.org or email joylogan@whittemorewildlife.org.  Like us on Facebook, sign up for our monthly newsletter, and become a member.

Contact: Joy Logan, Director.  PO Box 26, 7 Rockaway Rd, Oldwick, NJ.  908-439-1201. joylogan@whittemorewildlife.org www.whittemorewildlife.org

Last modified: July 21, 2014