Backpack Explorer series encourages outdoor adventure
If you have children or spend any time with children, you know they need things to do.
Summer is such a great time to get outside and embrace outdoor activities. Water play, games, sandbox fun; these are all good activities. The Backpack Explorer book series takes children on outdoor adventures and encourages them to look, listen and participate in themed adventures. My grandchildren are just coming to the right ages for scavenger hunts, exploring (with an adult close by) and learning while they have fun.
The first book in the series is On the Nature Trail. It has a magnifying glass in a pocket on the inside cover and starts with: “Are you ready for a backpack adventure?” and then lists the items to bring in your backpack for the nature trail. The list includes things like a pen or pencil, sunscreen, snacks, bug spray and a first aid kit, and then a camera and a map. The list can be adjusted to suit the age of the child or children going on the adventure. The book is like a guided scavenger hunt, looking for trees, bugs, listening to the sounds of the woods, touching the textures of bark, moss, stones and so on.
The next book is Beach Walk and this is a popular one for this time of year. It also encourages the use of the senses in exploring the sand and water. There are games to play on the sand, information on tides, sea critters and birds, as well as badges to earn as the walk goes on. The beach is so much more than sandcastles and splashing.
Other books in the series include Bird Watch, Bug Hunt and Discovering Trees. All the books are geared to school-age children, but younger ones will have fun with the activities too. Each one has a magnifying glass, games, searches, stickers, badges, craft ideas and lots of information on each theme. At the front of each book is a list of suggested items to pack for the exploration. It’s such a lovely way to learn science by actually experiencing it. The books are well illustrated, easy to understand and follow, and are excellent resources for nursery and elementary school teachers.
Kids are curious. I think we need to encourage the love of learning. Curiosity and lifelong learning go hand-in-hand for children and adults. The Backpack Explorer series make great gifts or keep them at home for when grandchildren visit.