|
Tips to help you connect your family to nature!
|
 Students build blue bird nesting boxes as part of a Public Land Day celebration on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest. This effort is to help kids learn about our local natural resources on public lands and engage in actions that teach them how to become stewards of our environment As the end of the year approaches, many households are starting to consider where to direct year-end giving dollars. There are many crucial needs in our community that deserve support; in a perfect world, we would be able to fund every cause, but in the real world you’ll need to make choices about where to contribute your year-end donations in a way that aligns with your values and your hopes for the future. If youth mental health, resiliency, and public lands are important to you, then supporting programs to get western slope kids into outdoor educational and recreational programs provides a long-term solution for those issues facing our youth, and our community at large. What impact does an early introduction to the outdoors have on who a child will become as an adult, and how are they affected physically, mentally, and emotionally as they grow up? As it turns out, childhood exposure to outdoor activities can be directly connected to positive long-term outcomes in these areas. Physical Wellness Children are increasingly neglecting outdoor play in favor of the digital world—reducing kids’ screen time is often a major struggle for parents. Computers, mobile devices, and video games are passive forms of entertainment, and they don’t call for physical coordination, strength, endurance, or any of the other attributes necessary for a healthy body. Outdoor play, on the other hand, promotes all of these things, and is a natural method of encouraging physical activity in young people. A 2015 metanalysis of studies regarding the effects of time spent outdoors on children found, “outdoor time is positively related to physical activity and negatively related to sedentary behavior in children aged 3–12 years'' (https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/12/6/6455). The more outdoor time children have, the more physical activity they take part in and, conversely, the less sedentary behavior they display. Mental Health & Resiliency Many people spend time outdoors because it brings them a sense of happiness and well-being. If adults need to get away to nature every now and then to stay happy, surely children must benefit from these quieter natural spaces as well. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a 2018 study showed that the more time children spend in nature and the greater sense of connection they personally feel with nature, the less likely they are to experience psychosomatic symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, headache, stomach ache, backache, and other maladies. The benefits start with as little as 30 minutes of outdoor activity per week (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29679604/). As we consider ways to address the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges in young people, including a disproportionately high suicide rate in our area, outdoor activities can play a crucial role in building resiliency and promoting mental well-being in our youth. Stewardship of Public Lands Physical activity, cognitive development, and emotional well-being are relatively easy to quantify in research. But what about something like the desire to preserve our natural areas, or an understanding of the importance of good stewardship practices for our public lands—can we quantify these outcomes? Though it’s more difficult to show a correlation between time spent outdoors during childhood and an individual’s likelihood to become a good environmental steward, it has been shown that the amount of time spent outdoors has a direct correlation with a child’s feelings of connection with nature. This sense of connection with the natural world then has a direct influence on behaviors related to environmental stewardship in children such as, “conserving water, turning out lights, recycling, talking about the environment, and picking up litter” (https://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=nerr). The more time young people spend in the outdoors, the more likely they will become involved with environmental stewardship and preservation of our public lands. As you consider how to distribute year-end donations in our community in a way that most aligns with your values, know that when you donate to organizations that provide opportunities for local kids to get outdoors for science education and recreational field trips, you’re not only directly contributing to their physical and mental well-being—you’re also helping to raise a generation that will value our natural environment and ensure the preservation of public lands for years to come.
0 Comments
 Fourth grade students spent a morning on the Grand Mesa National Forest learning to cross-country ski. It isnt as easy as it looks with very different levels of physical coordination but the kids had a great time and learned some endurance skills! Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN) promote these types of outings to get more youth outside in Delta, Montrose, Mesa and Ouray counties. What impact does an early introduction to the outdoors have on who a child will become as an adult, and how they are affected physically, mentally, emotionally—and even morally as they grow up? As it turns out, we can directly connect childhood exposure to outdoor activities with positive long-term outcomes. Time spent outdoors, whether in play, outdoor education, recreation, or even gardening can play a crucial role in building resiliency and have a positive impact on the mental and physical well-being in our youth. Playing outside helps children use their imaginations to develop creative thinking and problem solving skills. Many outdoor activities require kids to work together and communicate in order for everyone to have fun or to accomplish a common goal. It has also been discovered that a bacterium in the soil increases serotonin in the brain and improves mood. Who knew that getting dirty is a good thing! The more outdoor time children have the more physical activity they get. Outdoor play promotes physical coordination, strength, endurance, attributes necessary to develop a healthy body and mind. It is an easy and natural way of encouraging physical activity in young people. As adults, many of us have learned an escape to a special place in nature helps us relax. A visit to our nearby public lands to exercise, walk with a friend, or enjoy the beautiful weather certainly helps us recharge and re-set mentally and emotionally. Our kids need that too! The more time children spend in nature and the greater sense of connection they personally feel with nature, the less likely they are to experience symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, headache, and other physical afflictions. Nature's fix helps them build mental and physical resiliency. It has been shown that the more time we can get younger generations to spend in the outdoors, the greater sense of connection they will feel with nature, and the more likely they will become involved with environmental stewardship and preservation. We want the next generation to feel ownership towards our public lands and care for our natural resources. After all, we are part of nature. Simple actions such as conserving water, turning out lights, recycling, establishing native plants, talking about the environment, and picking up litter is a great start. At Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN), we believe strongly in both the individual impacts that activities in nature have on each young person, as well as the broader long-term goal of creating another generation who feel strongly about the importance of maintaining and safeguarding our public lands for the benefit of all. Our goal is to continue supporting programs that have both a personal and philosophical impact on the future of our natural areas, in order that future generations may enjoy these spaces for many years to come. We would like your support to help FOYAN continue to provide a variety of outdoor experiences for our local youth. In our sixth year as a nonprofit, we have served over 8,000 youth and their families with outdoor activities and environmental learning opportunities. Please consider donating to FOYAN through Colorado Gives on or before December 5th, where your donations will be boosted through the incentive fund. Give Where You Live and donate here to help us make the biggest impact: www.coloradogives.org/organization/friendsofyouthandnature  Students from Delta County School District put together blue bird nesting boxes for their school yards during a public land day field trip. This was a stewardship project focused on providing more nesting habitat for Mountain and Western Bluebirds in our area. In the decade since Richard Louv's book “Last Child in the Woods”, educators, parents, health providers, conservationists, and administrators have been rethinking the nature/child relationship. According to Lesley University, research is showing us the powerful, positive impact on the health and well-being of children when they are connected to their environments. Environmental educators have been instrumental in creating awareness, programs, and opportunities for children of all ages to connect with the natural world. We know that our future depends on citizens who will have a sense of ownership and stewardship of the earth. Of primary importance in these efforts is making sure children are engaged in the natural world. Here are a few tips for doing just that: Allow children free time in the natural world. This doesn’t mean organized sports or adult-directed activities, but time to explore, play, and invent. It might take the form of building a fort from branches found in the woods, wading in and observing a stream, climbing a tree, or collecting natural objects like shells, rocks, or acorns. These could be favorite memories as your children grow older! Be a Mentor Rachel Carson, in her 1956 article entitled “A Sense of Wonder,” asked adults to find one child to mentor and get him/her out in the natural world. As a teacher or a parent, it is important to share your own love for nature. Your enthusiasm will spark the same in children and youth, encouraging them to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, to look closer at life on the ground and in the soil. You can share your knowledge of local trees, wildlife, and plants. Learn together. (Whether it was a parent, grandparent, or other relative or friend, most adult conservationists can point to those people in their lives who had significant influence on them.) Friends of Youth and Nature has many mentoring opportunities at events we facilitate for youth. Create opportunities for children to have experiences with the more-than-human world. Volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center, snorkeling on a vacation, or simply walking in nature and having surprise contact with local species. These are all important ways children can come into contact with the species that share their home. Speak of them as friends and talk about how they are connected to humans. Study the local bio-region. Guide children to understand the area they live in: for instance, where their water comes from and where it goes once it leaves their home or school; what plants are native or non-native, wild or cultivated; what animals share their home with them; how people make a living from the earth’s resources; and what natural wonders—ponds or streams, marshes, hills, and so on—are nearby. Enroll your child in a real outdoors camping program. In addition to fun, physical activities, find a camp where children sing by the campfire, sleep out under stars, learn to make bows and arrows, learn to steer a canoe, or learn to use a bow drill to make a fire. Get to know your state or national parks. If you are lucky enough to live near a protected area, visit it. These parks are protected for a reason and offer wonderful opportunities for hiking and exploring and experiencing the sounds, smells, and excitements of unfamiliar natural environments. Examples include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado National Monument, Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, McInnis Canyons, and Dominguez/Escalante NCA. Local state parks managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife have activities and programs for kids as well. Volunteer project– each season, choose one environmental volunteer project in your community. This is a great opportunity to engage children in real life actions. Whether it is planting trees, creating a garden, pulling invasive species, or picking up garbage—begin the stewardship mindset. It’s never too early to start instilling those values. The satisfaction of working together as a family while making a difference feels great. Check out volunteermatch.org for local opportunities or organize your own project in a local park or on public land. You can also check with any of the many provider organizations on the Friends of Youth and Nature website for other opportunities. Stewardship ideas for teens and young adults: Many of the above suggestions can also apply to teens and young adults as it’s never too late to instill a stewardship mindset. There are also organizations that provide opportunities for individuals and families as well: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado allows you to volunteer as a youth or as a family (AGES 6+). Volunteering with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is a great way for your children and family to learn about our state's diverse outdoor places and how to care for them in a fun and unforgettable way! Find out more at: Volunteer | Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (voc.org) The Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC) is a program of Mesa County Partners, a nonprofit organization based in Grand Junction, Colorado. Check them out at: Western Colorado Conservation Corps (wcccpartners.org) Friends of Youth and Nature is a non-profit that promotes opportunities for youth and families to get outside, experience outdoor activities, and explore nature. Follow our outdoor news blog and receive monthly tips on connecting your children to nature. Learn more, visit: www.friendsofyouthandnature.org  Cottonwood Elementary fifth graders embark on a 3 day rafting trip on the Gunnison River with Colorado Canyons Association. Transported by rafts and duckies students got a close up interaction with the river and learned of its history. (Photo credit: Doug Goodwin) On a brisk, but sunny day in late September my 5th graders circled up next to the Gunnison River. This was to be day one of three days over which all three of the 5th grade classes from Cottonwood Elementary School would go rafting on the Gunnison River to learn about river ecology, navigation, Native Americans, and hopefully, a bit about themselves. One of our guides from the Colorado Canyons Association led them on one of many team building activities for the day. “As you go around, say out loud your name and what kind of animal you feel like today.” The kids came up with great names for themselves. I said I felt like a border collie because of my teacher role of keeping everyone together. I would quickly find out though, we were in good hands with our guides for the day. After a thorough river safety talk the kids split up into boat groups, loaded up and hit the river. The day’s float would be on a beautiful class 1-2 stretch starting at the Pleasure Park and going 6 miles downstream. In addition to the 3 16’ rafts, we also had 3 inflatable two person kayaks known as duckies. Including myself, I was fortunate to have a couple brave parents to help rotate kids through the duckies and learn about how to pilot the smaller boats. As with most river trips, all the stresses of planning and preparation melted away once we were on the river. The miles slowly drifted by. Along the craggy cliffs kids kept an eye out for wildlife. Their keen observation paid off as they spotted several bald eagles either in flight or nesting within the crags. At a giant cottonwood tree, the kids listened intently as a former high school teacher turned river guide told them a Native American story about the stars, and the trees and the spirits. From there we headed downstream to Eagle Rock Shelter-one of the oldest Native American sites in North America. Nearly 13,000 years ago this area was frequented by ancient people. The students learned about the Utes and other Native Americans who occupied the site. Looking carefully, students spotted dozens of both pictographs and petroglyphs among the contours of the rock. From there we headed back down the trail to the awaiting rafts, lunch, and more river time. The kids were in great spirts. Prior to loading up, they frolicked in the water like otters and laughed, and lived the river life. In all too short of a time, we were at the takeout. Under the direction of our guides, the kids helped organize their life jackets, got their packs out of the dry bags said thanks and loaded up on the big bus. I want to thank a variety of people who helped make this trip possible for our 5th graders. First off, the Colorado Canyons Association, who worked with us on pricing and scheduling-not to mention their professional, informative staff. Also, the students and parents helped. For several weeks leading up to the trip 5th graders worked hard in the mornings before school selling pickles to help raise money. Friends of Youth and Nature contributed a sizable amount to help get our kids on this trip. The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District and Forever Our Rivers also helped us. In addition to this, the Montrose Rotary Club pitched in. Last, but not least, the Cottonwood Elementary School PAC gave us the final financial push to make this trip possible. The importance for students to experience trips like this cannot be understated. Many students-including myself as a youth, thrive in outdoor settings. They realized that learning happens all around us. Students gain confidence from outdoor experiences and this confidence can transfer to other learning avenues. As a former river guide and outdoor education instructor, it was incredible to get our students on the river and give them an opportunity to experience something many of them had no idea existed. I know with our students that seeds of curiosity were planted and that their learning will continue to grow-both in the classroom and outside.  Students enjoyed their float on the river (photo credit: Doug Goodwin)
(Left) Students from local schools visit Ridgway State park during the banding season to learn about bird migration. They observe the biologist remove the birds from the mist nets, identify the species, measure and age them, and fit them with numbered metal leg bands. They also learn about the obstacles for migrating birds, how to use binoculars to identify birds, and native plants in various local bird habitats. (Right) It is always a thrill for a student to release a newly banded bird. Migratory birds take cues from nature to know when they should head south for the winter. Typically, these are birds that depend on insects and aquatic life as their primary food sources—food sources are not available during winter. In spring, the birds return to their northerly breeding grounds where food is again plentiful. It’s thought that diminishing food sources, fewer daylight hours, and lower temperatures provide birds with indicators they need to begin fall migration to warmer climates. It may also be that many species of birds are genetically programmed for this behavior. Because birds can’t tell us the reasons they migrate or when, wildlife biologists track bird migration a variety of ways. In addition to live migration maps that use radar imagery to identify vast populations of birds migrating during spring and fall (visible online at Birdcast.info), observers on the ground verify the radar imagery as they report sightings of migrating birds using Ebird. Both of these citizen science applications are important for gathering migration data, but bird banding and nano-tagging are even more important indicators of migration. On the ground tracking also occurs at seasonal migratory bird banding stations. In Colorado there are at least a dozen banding stations. At these stations, ornithologists operating under federal banding permits, set up mist nets and capture birds to be banded. After applying a permanent aluminum leg band with a nine-digit number, birds are released; but, not before a thorough evaluation is completed. This includes wing and tail feather measurements, weight, sex and species identification, and aging. All of this data is logged online on the US Geological Society’s North American Bird Banding Program’s website, where anyone can report a found bird with a leg band to determine where and when it was banded. Some stations are now fitting migratory birds with tiny Motus radio-transmitter tags attached to a lightweight elastic harness. The harness fits over the feet and across the bird’s back under feathers and carries a geolocator tag about the size of a pinky fingernail. Like an aluminum leg band, the tags are numbered and recorded for specific birds. When a bird is caught in a mist net, the banding team will log the recapture and look up when and where it was originally banded, thereby gathering basic information about migration. Motus tags, while expensive and not yet widely used, transmit better data to researchers looking at migration routes, stopovers, and final destinations. All of which provide important data sets to help conservation of migratory species and their necessary habitats. Birds, bats, and, even insects, that have been fitted with Motus tags can be monitored if they fly within a few kilometers of a Motus receiver tower. The Motus system puts information gathering on the fast track. Instead of relying on a bird to actually land in a net multiple times, in one country or another, tagging and tracking birds with nanotags allows real-time monitoring of species. About Migratory Bird Banding Stations Depending on the stopover location, the weather, and the quality of habitat, birds can stay for a few days or a week or two—enough to get them ready for their next travel day. Locations rich in habitat and food sources provide the best locations for banding stations. Ridgway State Park, which has hosted an annual fall bird banding station since 2006, sees a lot of Wilson Warblers (and other warblers) during its banding season. The station is open the first two weeks of September, starting the day after Labor Day. After that, the federally-permitted bander heads to Grand Junction for one month of banding at Grand valley Audubon Nature Preserve, Connected Lakes, until mid-October. Stop in to see these tiny little birds up close and personal at a banding station. Wilson Warblers leave breeding grounds in the Yukon and travel to wintering areas in Central America. On each stopover during its +4000-mile journey, a bird will gain up to 9 percent of its body weight to fuel the next leg of its flight. To date, banding stations on the Western Slope of Colorado are not nano-tagging migratory birds, but are expected to in the future. Stations in Montana and Canada are using them in limited capacity. Mary Menz is a naturalist, Colorado Native Plant Master, and author of two books on wildflowers. The most recent is Wildflowers of Colorado’s Western Slope, available at area book sellers.
 This healthy bear has been in a feeding frenzy called hyperphacia, storing up fat to get through the long winter ahead (photo credit: Shuttertock.com\Brett Welcher) Fall is a beautiful time of year to get outside—trees are starting to change colors and there is a pleasant bite in the air, a welcome change from the warm summer temperatures. With fall comes preparation for winter such as cleaning up the yard and garden, and stockpiling wood for the fireplace or wood stove. Animals are also preparing for winter, and educating the public about being ‘Bear Aware’ is a focus this time of year for the United States Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service. Fall is an especially important time to be cautious around bears as they are entering a biologically driven phase called hyperphagia. Hyperphagia is the name given to the drive in bears that increases their feeding activity. This builds up the fat reserves necessary to get them through five to seven months of hibernation. Black bears, the only bear species in Colorado, eat as much as 20,000 calories a day during this time, sometimes foraging for 20 hours a day! Eating and drinking non-stop, bears rely on fruits, berries, acorns, and insects to satiate their appetite during this hyperphagia phase. They are opportunistic feeders and will also raid garbage cans, local honey producers, and orchards in more populated areas if given the chance. Bear encounters in Colorado can be opportunities to observe them, with caution. What do we need to do to keep ourselves and the bears safe during this time of year? Some things you can do at your home for bear safety are to make sure your garbage is in a bear resistant garbage can or dumpster, and bring bird feeders in at night. If camping, make sure all food and garbage is in a bear canister or airtight container and locked in your trunk, or hung from a tree away from your tent, car, or camper. Always lock your car or camper when you leave your campsite and at night; bears are very smart, and have been known to open door latches! Once a bear associates people with food, they become what is known as a nuisance bear and may have to be relocated, or if they are involved in repeated human-bear encounters they may have to be put down by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials. If they come into your yard or camp, yell, bang pots, blow a whistle, or honk your car horn to chase them away – and always make sure they have a clear escape route. While hiking in bear country, it is a good idea to wear a bear bell on your pack or talk to your hiking partner while on the trail. These noises will usually let the bear know you are there, and they will move away on their own before you even see them. Be alert, keep your dog on a leash, and pick a camp spot away from signs of bear activity such as bear scat or overturned and shredded logs. An unleashed dog can bring an irritated bear directly back to you, increasing the chance of an unwanted bear encounter. It is a good idea to carry a can of bear spray, and know how to use it. If you see a bear while hiking, experts say the first thing to do is to stay calm, face the bear, stand your ground, and talk to the bear in a calm voice to let them know you are human. Say things like, “Hey bear,” and make sure the bear has an escape route, stepping downhill off the trail if necessary and backing away slowly. Never run or climb a tree! If you see cubs, you should leave the area immediately as the mother will be close by—never approach a bear or bear cubs! If the bear stands up, they are trying to identify you by seeing and smelling you. Wave your arms slowly over your head. If the bear huffs, stomps, or pops its jaw, they want more space. Keep backing away slowly until you can’t see it anymore. If the bear approaches you, it could be food-conditioned, or rarely, an aggressive bear. Stand your ground, keep backing away, and yell or throw small rocks towards the bear. Now is the time you will want to get your bear spray out, but do not use it until the bear is about 40 feet away. If the worst-case scenario occurs and the bear attacks, fight back with everything you’ve got – a pocket knife, hiking poles, or even your bare hands. People have successfully fought off a black bear by convincing them that they are not worth the trouble. Keep in mind that this scenario is extremely rare. If you see a bear in the distance, enjoy the sight and count yourself lucky to have seen such a beautiful animal. Don’t try to get closer—just enjoy this rare moment and move on to enjoy the rest of your day. Know that you are in bear country and be Bear Aware! More information can be found on the internet by searching “Be Bear Aware” or “Bearwise”.  A few minutes outside can work wonders for your kids' stress levels and overall feeling of well-being. There are lots of quick hacks to get your kids outside for 20 minutes- like hosting a mud party! (Photo Credit: Shutterfly.com\Christin Lola) It’s a new school year, with potentially lots of changes for your children: starting elementary, middle or high school, or maybe a new school altogether; figuring out class schedules; getting to know teachers or a new friend group; feeling overwhelmed with assignments and new routines. This time of year can be stressful for young people. Here is a great antidote: 20 minutes outside! Our friends over at Generation Wild (Great Outdoors Colorado) compiled a fantastic list of ideas for quick 20 minute activities to get kids active and outdoors. A few minutes outside can work wonders for your kids’ stress levels and overall feelings of well-being. Here are just a few of the 20 ideas for 20 minutes outside from Generation Wild:
It’s not always easy to get kids to turn off the computer or put down the game controller. So how do you get them to play outside? Here are a few tried-and-true strategies that will actually help get them off the couch and out the back door. Try relocating their favorite indoor activity to the outdoors. Nudge them to read, draw, or play with their favorite toy outdoors in the fresh air. Being in an outdoor environment is an entirely different experience—it may encourage them to “play” in a new way. Make outdoor time into family time. Sometimes kids just want to spend time with their parents and other loved ones. Taking walks, having picnics, and making park visits together are all great ways to incorporate Mother Nature into your family routine. A little variety can spice up outdoor time. We have the best backyard here on the Western Slope of Colorado, so consider exploring a bit farther–farms, forests, mountains, and lakes. This gives kids different ways to experience and think about the outdoors. The same place can be completely transformed during different parts of the year or even different times of the day. The more the merrier! Kids inspire other kids. Adding a friend to the mix might be just the nudge needed to inspire their inner adventurer to come out. This strategy is especially effective with older kids. Playing outdoors makes for more capable, knowledgeable, and self-sufficient youth. And, an independent youth is a safer one. Start your kids’ outdoor independence by taking small steps, like playing in the backyard while you observe them. Before you know it, they will be running all over the neighborhood, just like you used to do. If we all spend a little more time outdoors in our neighborhoods, we’ll make more friends, know more about one another, and create communities that parents and kids feel comfortable in. It’s a simple idea that will benefit everyone. For older kids and you, time outdoors is invaluable in helping to reset thoughts and priorities and dispel frustrations or anxieties from work or school and recharge yourself. A run or bike ride along a river or a walk with a friend can be revitalizing and a brief escape from troublesome issues. Encourage your teen to engage in an outdoor game like Frisbee golf, Ultimate Frisbee, or try a new outdoor sport like climbing or paddling with a SUP. You don’t have to have all the ideas. That’s where Generation Wild comes in. Follow Generation Wild on Instagram and Facebook, and you will get all kinds of ideas and inspiration to get your kids outdoors. Check out “The List” of 100 things every kid absolutely has to do before they are 12 (generationwild.com/the-list). The list has some great ideas for time outside, like digging up worms, dancing in the rain, skipping rocks, tubing down a creek, catching a crawdad, and more. If you are a kid at heart, you may be surprised at how many things you can already check off! Through Generation Wild, you can also connect with more than 250 incredible partners around the state that host outdoor activities and youth programming. Friends of Youth and Nature’s Provider Page also has a list of providers who engage kids in outdoor programs and environmental education activities by county (Delta, Mesa, and Montrose). There’s a lot to discover out there. While you are having so much fun playing outside with your kids, think of all the benefits they are getting from hanging out with you in nature.  Summer is a great time to play outside. Some games are timeless like hopscotch, jump rope, tag, hide-and-seek, Simon Says and Red Light-Green Light. While playing these games not only do kids disperse energy but they are enhancing their muscle strength, endurance, stability, balance, coordination, cardiovascular fitness and physical agility. In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, children are often immersed in screens and disconnected from the natural world. However, the allure of outdoor games remains as strong as ever! Suggesting a simple game of tag or hide and seek with your child is sure to pump up their excitement and get them off the couch! Outdoor play contributes a wealth of benefits to your child’s holistic development including physical health, social skills, and various cognitive skills like reasoning, remembering, imagining, and using language. The power of outdoor games cannot be overstated. Let’s explore how outdoor games benefit our children.
Engaging in outdoor games means movement and physical activity! Running, jumping, climbing, and throwing are the primary building of children's physical fitness. Outdoor games promote these gross motor skills, along with eye-hand-foot coordination, balance, and strength. The unpredictability of outdoor play requires quick thinking, concentration and decision-making. Children learn to adapt to changing circumstances, analyze risks, and develop strategies on the fly Outdoor games provide a dynamic and stimulating environment for children. Not only do they received a good dose of fresh air, and sunlight, opportunities abound for them to exercise their five senses through observing the sounds, smells, textures and colors found in nature. Outdoor games fuel their curiosities about their surroundings and may encourage them to explore more and foster a love for nature One of the greatest benefits of outdoor games lies in their ability to foster social interaction and communication skills. When children play outdoors, they engage with peers, siblings, or neighbors, leading to improved social competence. Outdoor games encourage teamwork, cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution as children work together towards common goals. They learn to share, take turns, and respect each other's boundaries. These interactions lay the foundation for building positive relationships and developing essential life skills that extend beyond the realm of play. Outdoor play has a profound impact on children's emotional well-being. Physical activity releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The freedom to run, jump, and explore in the natural environment provides an outlet for pent-up energy and fosters a sense of joy and happiness. Outdoor games also encourage children to take calculated risks and face challenges, promoting resilience and building self-confidence. The connection with nature during outdoor play promotes a sense of calmness, mindfulness, and overall emotional balance. The vast outdoor environment serves as a canvas for children's imagination and creativity to flourish. In this unstructured space, they can transform a simple patch of grass into a magical kingdom or turn fallen leaves into treasure. Outdoor games encourage imaginative play, storytelling, and the creation of imaginary worlds. Children develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to think outside the box. Unleashing their creativity in outdoor games nurtures their ability to envision, innovate, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Outdoor games are the first step in promoting a livelong enjoyment of an active lifestyle. In an era dominated by screens and structured activities, recognize the value of free-form outdoor play is essential. By encouraging children to embrace the joy of outdoor games, we not only support their overall well-being but also cultivate a generation that appreciates nature, values physical activity, and possesses the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Some examples of outdoor games that are beneficial to children's health include: Tag, the classic outdoor game promotes cardiovascular fitness and agility. Children engage in running, chasing, and evading, which helps improve endurance and motor skills. It also enhances reflexes, coordination, and spatial awareness. Evening flashlight tag is also a fun escape from the heat of the day. Hide-and-seek encourages children to be physically active while developing problem-solving skills. Running, hiding, and seeking help children build strength, balance, and coordination. It also enhances cognitive abilities as they strategize and make decisions during the game. Try playing it at night for added excitement. Capture the Flag is an exciting team-based game that promotes teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking. Players must work together to capture the opposing team's flag while defending their own. The game involves running, dodging, and coordination, improving cardiovascular fitness and physical agility. Red Light, Green Light is a game that helps children develop listening skills, self-control, and physical coordination. Players move forward on the "green light" command but must freeze when the leader says "red light." This game encourages bursts of physical activity followed by periods of stillness, promoting a balance between energy expenditure and self-regulation. Simon Says is a game that combines listening skills, physical activity, and following instructions. The leader gives commands prefaced with "Simon says," and players must follow them. This game enhances children's listening abilities, motor skills, and body awareness. Hopscotch is a game that improves balance, coordination, and motor skills. Children jump, hop, and skip through a series of numbered squares, enhancing lower body strength and stability. It also promotes spatial awareness and counting skills. Jump rope is a classic outdoor activity that boosts cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and coordination. Children can engage in various jump rope games, such as single jump, double Dutch, or skip counting, which provide an enjoyable way to improve overall physical health. Tug of War is a team-based game that develops strength, teamwork, and coordination. Children divide into teams and compete by pulling a rope in opposite directions. This game enhances upper body strength, grip strength, and cooperative skills. Soccer or football is a popular team sport that enhances cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and teamwork. It involves running, kicking, passing, and strategizing. Every child loves obstacle courses. Crawling under obstacles, climbing over structures, balancing on beams, and jumping through hoops improves coordination, strength, endurance, and promotes problem-solving skills. Several outdoor games help improve eye- hand coordination and can engage many people of all ages at summer family gatherings: ladder ball, cornhole, croquet, bocce ball, badminton, and Frisbee. Embrace the wonders of outdoor play and unlock the immense potential of unbridled joy, active bodies, imaginative minds, and social skills in your children. Let them run, laugh, explore, and make lasting memories in the great outdoors with their friends and families and watch your children bloom into confident, well-rounded individuals. They will feel ready to conquer the world!  Several teachers practiced outdoor survival skills- making a fire and building a shelter at a CPW sponsored teacher workshop on the Grand Mesa National Forest. One of the best aspects of being in Colorado, especially on the Western Slope of Colorado, is being outdoors. Public lands are just a short drive for most of us providing fantastic outdoor access. As you head out this Spring to hike, bike, hunt, fish, bird watch, camp, and participate in many other activities, a few proactive things can help you avoid trouble and have a great time. Undoubtedly, you have heard this advice many times before but a little forethought and planning will make your outings safer, and often more fun. Some important planning considerations are:
After planning, the next proactive thing to do outdoors is use good judgment. I survived a few serious incidents early in life and learned from them, but they could have had much worse outcomes. These included a poor choice of time of day to start up a fourteener! I made the decision to abandon my high-elevation goal for the day and luckily avoided having an emergency. Know your limits based on knowledge or physical condition, and acclimatization to the altitude. If you are new to being outdoors, having an experienced mentor is one great way to have a successful and fun start. They have already learned a lot about preparation and decision making in the outdoors and they likely want to share their experiences. When venturing outdoors, ALWAYS tell someone where you are going. If you should get lost, stay put in an area with shelter nearby and call or signal in a way to be seen/heard at a distance. By staying in the same safe area, you will use less energy and be closer to your last known location. Be aware of how alcohol or other substances can affect your judgment. Finally, watch the weather and if it changes dramatically, pay attention! It is always the best choice to play it safe, enjoy the experience you’ve had and save the rest for another day. Remember: the mountains, streams, trails, and lakes will still be there when you return in better conditions!  Students use a nature guide to help identify the bird in hand. The Black Canyon Audubon Society volunteers host a learning station featuring taxidermy bird specimens to help students learn about bird adaptations to their environment and food sources, and how to identify birds likely observed in their neighborhoods during the North Fork Conservation Days (Paonia). It’s a bit like speed dating for adults only this event involves quick learning interactions for kids. Springtime environmental education events are ways for elementary students to engage with natural resource experts to learn as much as possible in a short period. Each dedicated specialist has 20-25 minutes to engage elementary students about their area of expertise with hands-on activities and tips about their jobs. Students rotate through 8 to 9 stations in a day to learn about many topics, such as how forests contribute to healthy watersheds, how various aquatic insects indicate water quality, what kinds of items can be recycled, and much more. Montrose, Grand Junction, and the North Fork Valley all have festivals organized and sponsored by many organizations, partners, and volunteers who work together to provide this opportunity for the youth of these communities.
Presenters, mostly natural resources experts from various agencies, explain aspects of their field that most kids, and even some adults, never think about. As an added bonus, students get insights into various natural resource careers. “These can be defining moments for young minds that may influence their choices for a lifelong passion or a future career path,” says Anita Evans of Friends of Youth and Nature, one of the funding contributors to the event. For the last 30 years, fourth graders from the Uncompahgre Valley have attended the Montrose event organized by the Shavano Conservation District. The Natural Resource Festival (previously known as the Water Festival) draws approximately 450 -500 students each year. This May students headed to Baldridge Park for a full day of fun learning activities. “Classes rotate through 9 learning stations, out of 29 featured at the festival, and engage in activities that demonstrate the connections between their lives and the resources they depend on. Activities are focused on all of our natural resources, with an emphasis on water connections in their lives,” explains Mendy Stewart, Education Specialist for the Shavano Conservation District, and festival organizer. “The activities are meant to be ‘hands-on’, where kids really get in the mix of things,” Stewart added. A wide array of resource topics and activities are featured such as: demonstrating how river water is treated before being sent to our faucets, making play-dough watersheds and determining where the rivers and lakes form after a simulated rainstorm, making your own recycled paper, panning for silver while learning about Colorado’s Mining history with the Colorado Department of Reclamation and Mine Safety, practicing moving water through irrigation pipes with the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users, measuring the flow of a nearby stream with a Colorado Water Commissioner and putting their math minds to work figuring the rate of flow in cubic feet per second (cfs). Other activities help kids to learn things like “Leave No Trace” and how to minimize impacts when exploring nature. The Colorado State Forestry Department sets up an experiment where students predict the amount and quality of rainwater runoff between two watersheds (actually dirt-filled culverts), one with plants and one with bare soil. After predicting the outcome of a rainstorm, the students learn how plant cover works to slow runoff, so it can be absorbed within the watershed. “This is a huge benefit to water quality, catching soil and pollutants before they reach rivers,” explains Tanya Banulis, Colorado State forester. Dave Dearstyne, retired Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soil scientist, focuses students’ attention on detecting some of the millions of microorganisms living in our soil. Who would think to look that closely at dirt? This event involves a lot of planning and behind-the scenes work such as pre-festival classroom presentations and festival logistics. The festival's successes are attributed to the dedication of Stewart and the supporting host agency, the Shavano Valley Conservation District. Festival supplies, student transportation, and festival planning are made possible through matching funds to the Shavano Conservation District received from the Colorado State Conservation Board. The goal of this program is to help Conservation Districts in Colorado implement conservation projects and educational activities. In addition to the festival, the funds have also made conservation education available to San Miguel, Ouray, and Montrose County students. The activities also include source pollution presentations, 9th grade Mancos Shale Soil Salinity Experiments, and 5th and 6th grade conservation poster contests. Stewart says these events, “...inspire learning opportunities for Western Slope students who will be part of an outdoor savvy generation. We hope they will be empowered to use what they learn to influence future decisions about land and water uses that benefit our planet now and in the future.” Some kids take time to reflect about what they learned during the festivals; others are super excited and cannot stop talking about the day. Parents or relatives can encourage more discussion or help reinforce significant concepts kids learned. Ask your child what learning station impressed them the most? Here are a few questions that will help you start a discussion with your student: What can you tell me about the Gunnison or Colorado River’s journey to the ocean? What type of water bugs will you find in your favorite fishing spot? How fast is the river near you flowing this spring? What are the components of a beehive? How can you harness solar power? Can you use it to make a fruit smoothie or baked good? What should you put into your community’s recycle bins? What foods are produced locally and where can you find them? Friends of Youth and Nature is a non-profit promoting opportunities for youth and families to get outside, experience outdoor activities, and explore nature. Your donations as well as grants received by FOYAN from the Gunnison Basin Roundtable (DNR- Colorado Water Conservation Board) and Forever Our Rivers (Connecting Rivers and Communities) have enabled FOYAN to contribute funding for these festivals. |
Blogs for Fall! Favorite Fall Hikes with Children Accessible outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities Hiking with Children 101 Kids, Dogs and Hikes a Winning Combination Getting Outdoors is Easier than You Think Categories
All
Archive
Archives
November 2024
|
RSS Feed
