When young people have regular opportunities to experience nature they grow a better understanding and appreciation of how to healthily interact and live within the natural environment. Time spent outdoors allows them to develop their coordination, motor skills, and better assess their own abilities when taking risks - which leads to greater self confidence and self awareness. 

Observing and interacting with nature in gentle ways also teaches empathy and self control, and fosters a sense of wonder.

In this one time class, students learn how to set aside time each week to explore in their own backyard, a local park, or other natural setting. We'll talk about how everyone can learn to to experience nature - in both rural and urban settings, steps for becoming more observant and mindful, how to create and use a nature journal and exploration kit, and other useful resources for nature exploration and observation.

We'll talk about safety while exploring, collecting specimens with care and respect (no living creatures, please - let's leave them outdoors, where they will be happiest!), wondering, imagining, and how to experience time outdoors as a whole person - body, mind, and spirit. I'll guide the class through an exercise in observation and journaling, and students will be encouraged to allow their nature journals to be a place where they can relax and find their own personal style of creativity for the practice.