Children and the Natural World

Debbie, at 4 or 5 years old, exploring a stream in the High Sierras

It is no surprise that I've become an Education Program Guide at the Morton Arboretum. I lead children on their school field trips, hoping to connect children to nature in a way that is meaningful and lasting in their lives.

So how did Nature become an important part of who I am?  Well I had parents, George and Eleanor, who told me to "go out and play", letting me explore my backyard without hovering.  They signed my up for "nature" classes at Descanso Gardens, lead by an inspiring woman, Dorothy Poole.  And most important George and Eleanor took us on camping trips in the desert, the beach, and the High Sierras, often with other families.  On those camping trips the adults let us kids play, pretend, explore without  an agenda of what we needed to learn or get out of the experience.

Here’s the gang, probably planning an intricate, imaginary game

I can look at this photo and sensory-recall tells me how those granite rocks feel; the cool, dry air smells; the sound of the stream and wind in the pines; the jagged mountains above that surround our camping spot.  And I'll bet each of the other kids in the photo, now in their 60's, can do the same.   These experiences made nature an intrinsic part of our lives.    

I acknowledge that it is a different world today and it may not be safe to let children explore far afield on their own.  Allowing children to have outside, unstructured play is vital for their well-being.  Children can be observed for their safety, but unobtrusively.  Whether its a backyard, a park, or a campground let kids be kids!