New local book aims to get kids into nature
A new book authored by a pair of locals aims to get kids outside and into loving nature.
Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg are the authors of The Big Book of Nature Activities.
It’s designed to get kids, and adults, engaged in the natural world and away from glowing screens.
“Our concern is that kids and adults are getting outside far less than they ever did in the past,” said Monkman, who pens a weekly nature column for The Examiner.
With youth spending such little time outdoors nowadays, the duo got thinking–who will the conservationists of tomorrow be?
“The more that we can get kids outside having relationships with green spaces, getting to know their local neighbours, the more likely they’re going to be stewards,” said Rodenburg, executive director of Camp Kawartha.
So they came up with a book to get kids outdoors and connecting with nature in a fun way. The soft-cover read boasts more than 150 activities, with things to do in all four seasons. Activities range from games and crafts to sensory awareness and drama exercises.
With August just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for kids to learn about the insect choir that’s about to get underway, said Monkman.
The cricket orchestra activity uses a comb and a popsicle stick to create a cricket st rid ula ti on, just like a cricket would when it rubs one wing against the other. But there’s more than just one call to learn, and knowledge is put to the test in the end.
The book covers six eco zones, too, so kids can learn about what’s going on in other areas, like in the west coast mountains or the prairies.
It also highlights the wonder of evolution, with a reoccurring character in the book pointing out how well animals and plants have adapted to their environment.
And there’ s also a section on how to raise a naturalist. It offers practical ideas of what parents can door buy for their kids, as well as experiences they can offer, like going camping or hiking.
The co-authors launched the book at Camp Kawartha Sunday, sharing a bit about it and doing some of its activities, too.
The 354-page read is available at Happenstance Books and Yarns in Lakefield, at Chapters in Peterborough and online. It’s $39.95.
As nature enthusiasts themselves, Monkman and Rodenburg hope the book inspires youth to care about the natural world and become stewards of it.
They also hope parents recognize the value of taking kids outside regularly, because in their eyes, it’s a must.
“I’d argue that every child needs exposure to nature to have a healthy childhood – vitamin N,” said Rodenburg.