Adventure in the Bag
Pack Exploration Into Child's Schedule
Last updated Monday, September 29, 2008 5:03 PM CDT in Your Family
By Michele Beschen
DY NETWORK
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"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." -- Frank Lloyd Wright
"Go outside! Have an adventure! Explore!"
These are the things I find myself saying over and over again to my 6-year-old daughter. I think it's so important for kids to spend as much time outdoors as possible, to develop an appreciation for nature and to discover all it has to offer.
The benefits of being in touch with nature are vast, so I'm always coming up with creative ways to help encourage her in those efforts. My latest endeavor has been putting together an "adventure backpack" for her.
I have to admit that I think I was more excited about the whole idea of having an adventure backpack than she was. It just sounds exciting, doesn't it? A backpack loaded up with all the cool things that make exploring the best possible experience ever!
And if you think adventure backpacks are just for kids, think again. I also created one for myself, because I knew these adventures would be something that she and I could enjoy together.
They are as much fun to make as they are to use, so whether you're young or old, with children or without, get packing and get outdoors. Here is a list of ideas to get you started:
• A lightweight backpack that has lots of pockets and compartments and is comfortable to wear.
• Notebook or sketchbook to document or draw things you see.
• Your favorite writing utensils.
• Small pair of scissors to trim grass, leaves or flowers.
• A ruler to measure insects and things.
• A drawstring bag or trinket box to store found treasures.
• Something to let you have a closer look, like a magnifying glass or small binoculars.
• Small garden shovel to dig with.
• Compact popup screen house for bug and butterfly observation
• Gloves
• Flashlight
• Butterfly net
• Picnic-size blanket
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Hand wipes
• Visor and sunglasses
• Healthy snacks and water bottle
• All-in-one compact pruning tool or Swiss army knife (depending on the age of the child) for cutting or whittling sticks
• Build a compact flower press so you can preserve interesting flowers and leaves: Two pieces of thin wood cut to the same measurements (the lids off similar-sized cigar boxes work great, too). Cut a few pieces of corrugated cardboard to sandwich in between the wood along with several sheets of newsprint paper or phone-book pages. Secure closed with a small bungee cord.
• Small spray bottle filled with water
• Digital or disposable camera
• Build a portable screen sifter by taking a small, empty wooden picture frame and stapling aluminum window screen across the front of the opening. Fun to have if by a pond or creek.
• Identification books to look up birds, plants and insects. (The first plants to familiarize yourself with are the itchy ones like poison ivy and poison oak.)
You can add or subtract things from the list according to what supplies suit you and your exploring style. I like to be ready for anything, and I find nature very inspiring, creatively speaking, so I have a few more art supplies in mine.
Once you tap into all the amazing textures, patterns and colors that are out there, you, too, will start documenting, collecting and creating.
So turn off that cell phone. Shut down the computer. Unplug the video games. Immerse yourself in everything the great outdoors has to offer, because an invigorating creative world awaits you and your family.
Everyone will return refreshed, re-energized, relaxed and focused. It's the kind of fun most of us forget to have on a regular basis, so be sure to hang your adventure backpack out where you can see it to serve as your friendly reminder.
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