Getting outside with medically complex kids comes with the normal challenges of taking kids outside, but also comes with a completely unique set of obstacles to overcome and logistics to coordinate. More and more research is coming out showing evidence of improved physical, emotional, and mental health in children that spend regular time outside. This … Read more
I first spent time on Lake Superior in my early 20s when I went on a fishing trip with friends in the Apostle Islands. A little over a year after that I moved to Minnesota and was able to continue to explore the shores of the lake and learn to love the many adventures it … Read more
One of the very first things I taught in my high school biology classroom was how to make observations about nature. I took my ninth and tenth grade students outside to three trees next to the parking lot and I asked them to make as many observations as they could in twenty minutes. It took … Read more
Earlier this year, I was out on a hike with my boys when we crossed paths with another family on the trail. The mother was trying, in vain, to get her family’s attention by pointing out a woodpecker busily searching for food in a nearby tree. Both her children AND her significant other had their … Read more
In the vast landscape of outdoor gear, the Cozy Cloak is an innovation that bridges protection and simplicity for families venturing into the great outdoors in less than ideal conditions. Crafted after a disastrous cross-country skiing trip, the inventors of the Cozy Cloak (and parents of two tiny humans) were determined to extend outdoor pursuits … Read more
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Western North Carolina, a world of wonder awaits families seeking outdoor adventures. With its lush forests, winding trails, and an abundance of cascading waterfalls, this region of the country provides the perfect playground for kids to connect with nature. Even though I’m relatively new to the area, I’ve spent … Read more