How do we tell this story?
We talk a lot about this question at Rochester Ecology Partners. Every day, we see the impact of nature-based learning on children and their teachers. It is a challenge for us to accurately express what it means to see a ninth grader put their hands in the sand on the shores of Lake Ontario for the first time or a third grader gently cradle a roly-poly in their hands.
It would be one thing if it happened once or twice, but this experience – being with a child while they experience the awe and wonder of nature – is our everyday experience. We even had a conversation today about how we hope we never feel like this extraordinary experience is ordinary while we work to make what is an extraordinary opportunity for most children, ordinary.
The youth we go out with tell the story with what they share with us.
“I haven’t ever learned this much.”
“This is the best day of my life.”
“I feel free.”
The teachers tell the story with their assessments of the experience. We get gold stars for our nearby nature and field study experiences. Letters of recommendation for our stewardship projects. Survey results that are off the charts.
100% – positive impact on academics
100% – positive impact on wellness
100% – positive impact overall
Our efforts, and every effort, to connect children to nature are needed more than ever. Time outside leads to improvements in wellness, academics, and relationships. Name an indicator, and we can point to how it demonstrates an urgent need for adults to throw open the doors and let children feel the sun on their faces. Young people will take us up on the offer, they understand immediately that fresh air is something they need.
We are going to make every effort in the coming seasons to figure out how we tell the stories of radical growth, joy, and connection we experience. We need to. This work is not just fun, but essential to a hopeful future for us all.
