By Christine Lynch
“Let Nature be your teacher.”
– William Wordsworth
Photograph courtesy Get Outside Cape Cod
Did you know that June 11, the second Saturday in June, was National Get Outdoors Day? As the Wildlands Trust says on its website, “National Get Outdoors Day was launched on June 14, 2008. The inspiration was to build on the success of More Kids in the Woods and other important efforts to connect Americans, and especially children, with nature and active lifestyle.”
This is a fine idea, but shouldn’t people be enjoying the outdoors every day, especially children? Of course, each family has their own circumstances, so leisure time might be tighter for some. Still, it’s important to make more time to be out in nature.
It’s common knowledge that weight and other health problems would greatly be reduced by our going outside and getting more exercise. The benefits are many: healthier bodies, stronger muscles and lungs, sharper hearing and eyesight, less stress and healthier minds. Being out observing nature increases our curiosity and concentration. Parents realize being outdoors is important, but for some families it’s an adjustment. One solution starts by encouraging our children to enjoy the outdoors. Small steps in a positive direction still add up.
Countless studies show that the Earth needs some TLC. So we recycle, look into electric cars. These are some things that will help the planet. Another solid suggestion is to be awed by what Nature has to offer. The Cape is an ideal place for that, from an early morning swim in a pond, walking through Heritage Museum & Gardens and whale watching (occasionally in the canal!) to viewing a gorgeous sunset on a beach. Nature has much to inspire on Cape Cod.
Experiences such as these let you study the interconnectedness of Nature. The earlier this is instilled in a child, the more it enhances that person and, in turn, the planet. Those who appreciate Nature are more likely to care about the planet’s condition and climate.
“Nature is a tool to get children to experience not just the wider world, but themselves.”
– Stephen Moss
Photograph courtesy Get Outside Cape Cod
Yet, we all know that there has been a dramatic drop in outdoor playtime for children, both in cities and suburbs. What are some reasons? Families are squeezed for free time, with scheduled afterschool activities and parents working longer hours. Another obvious reason is increased screen time: TV, internet, and videogames are ubiquitous and a magnetic pull that draws children’s attention. Children aren’t encouraged to be outside as they were in past generations, partly due to fear of stranger danger in a more uncertain world. Trends are down from the days when baby boomers were scooted out of the house as kids. Many of us preferred that arrangement.
Toddlers are routinely taught how to be safe within their home. In the same vein, young ones need instruction in being safe outdoors. Yes, there are more ways to get hurt, such as hard surfaces, poison ivy, bee stings and traffic! But, with some guidance, kids will view the outside as fun rather than scary. Make it a priority to be out in the yard together. If there is no yard space, then head to one of the local playgrounds or parks or spend time at one of the many great conserved wildlands across the Cape. Take walks or bike rides on trails along the canal, where there is so much to see and miles to cover. Find outdoor events at the Cape museums and local libraries. The Falmouth Public Library, including the East and North Falmouth branches, and Mashpee Public Library regularly hold programs outside on their lawns.
“Encourage your child to have muddy, grassy or sandy feet by the end of each day, that’s the childhood they deserve.”
– Penny Whitehouse
Photograph courtesy Get Outside Cape Cod
Educators on the Cape can take advantage of local fields and shores to make their lessons more interesting. The Coalition for Children is an invaluable resource for parents on the Upper Cape. Christine Garrison, outreach specialist, and Mary Wilson, early learning specialist, shared their thoughts about encouraging children to get outdoors. Together they have decades of experience working to enrich the lives of Cape Cod’s children. The website www.thecoalitionforchildren.org has information on their programs, such as Ms. Wilson’s Nature Art Studio and Wellness Stroller Walks along the Shining Sea Bikeway.
One thought: “When you show enthusiasm for doing things outside, your child will, too.” Children should feel free to explore. First, check that the area is clear of any hazardous items, then let children explore around, make discoveries of their own and get a bit dirty.
Ideally, parents who work long hours can arrange backup cooperation so children can play outdoors more. Some neighborhoods form a network of adults who help keep tabs as children get old enough to get around on their own or with friends, and use Grandparent Power if it is at hand! People 60 and up, who might have more free time, are regularly kayaking, biking and walking a outside. They know the physical and mental health benefits of moving in the fresh air. So, tap into that resource and ask family elders to share some time during the week to take their grandchildren outdoors.
Outings don’t have to involve driving anywhere or cost anything. Simply walk the neighborhood or do some gardening. Observe a spider spinning a web, construct a simple fort, set up a play kitchen to make mud pies, or bring art supplies outside and create. In warm weather get a slip-and-slide for water fun, play catch or badminton, toss a Frisbee, or read some books. And should you hear, “I’m bored!” Ms. Garrison and Ms. Wilson agree that “Boredom allows for creativity.” These educators advise putting together a “boredom bucket” that has various items such as “paper, plastic cups, tape, safe scissors”; toss in some feathers, shells, et cetera. Be sure to change the contents in order to keep creativity fresh.
Once back inside, always do a tick check. Have the young ones wash their hands well, especially before eating or touching their face. Those with bad allergies shouldn’t avoid being outside, but take care to remove outdoor clothes when back inside and rinse off quickly in order to remove the pollen, et cetera. It’s best never to wear any outdoor clothing to bed.
As children get bigger, find a tennis court or rent a kayak. At Hatchville’s Coonamessett Farm, membership includes free canoe rentals. With ponds and open water near, it’s smart to find a youth water safety course.
Schoolkids also benefit when teachers do more nature projects. Teaticket Park, a large parcel of conservation land, abuts Falmouth’s Teaticket Elementary School. The meadowland includes a bog and vernal pools, with boardwalks for viewing access. Outdoor classroom seating was designed for onsite studies. Also, Falmouth public school students in grades 4 and 5 have springtime field trips to the Coonamessett River in East Falmouth. Doing hands-on experiments makes the trips memorable, while their observations offer valuable information about the herring run and river ecosystem. Volunteer leaders help students get scientific results that demonstrate the importance of protecting our environment. This just may lead a few of them into environmental studies.
Keep finding ways to enjoy the outdoors, and the Cape has plenty from which to choose. Whether on vacation or back home, Ms. Garrison suggests, “Make a list of family adventures you would all like to go on.” For more ideas, check the family website Getoutsidecapecod.com. Your excursions will be something to look forward to during the week. Once you come back from one adventure, be sure to plan your next one together.