This past weekend we did our first camping trip as a family. The kids loved it!!! I enjoyed seeing them playing out in nature in the open, exploring and smiling. It made me so happy and more determined to share moments like those more often. I also began to understand why Charlotte Mason was so committed in promoting outdoor and nature education in children. The amount of sources that the natural environment has to offer, in terms of exploration and wonder to a child’s eyes, is unlimited and amazingly priceless. They observed everything and were so curious. We didn’t bring any toys from home and I’m glad we didn’t, because they didn’t need them. They played with anything they found in the environment.
I found this free printable Nature Hunt Book from “My Merry Messy Life” on the web. I printed, folded and stapled it to form the mini book. My kids enjoyed “hunting” for the pictures in nature, and even the older kids from church had a nice time helping them out.
The booklets were very easy to make. I just had to print, fold and staple, no scissors needed.
The objects were simple items they could find in nature:
We also did a nature walk as a group with our church friends. We began with a prayer, walked for some time and stopped to read a meditation and bible verses a couple of times and then headed back.
On our walk back, we were able to talk with our kids, about how every thing that we could point out in nature has been created by God, and how important it is to take care of it, and to be thankful for it.
God gave me this opportunity to meditate more on Him and his wonderful gifts to mankind. We have the duty to take care of His creation, and to teach our children through it His amazing love to us.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.” Psalms 19:1-3
Congratulations , it was a great experience to make contact with the natures God creation.
Yes it was Brian! Thank you!
Beautiful experience Maritza. Loved the pictures, amazing views and most important you found a way to fuse educational, spiritual and natural resources. This experience will stick with your kids forever. Wonderful!
Thank you Graciellie!! It was indeed a beautiful experience. God willing, looking forward to more adventures. : )
Beautiful, looks like they really enjoy it!! great experience for them… love ya!
Love ya too Cinthi! : )
What a wonderful write up. Great job, and the pictures are incredible. God’s creation is simply spectacular. Blessings
Blessings to you too Hazel! Thank you!