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5 Ways To Encourage Your Kids To Find Time For Nature This Summer

Summer break is right around the corner and, while kids are getting excited, parents might be growing worried about keeping their kids happy, healthy and engaged in the summer months. Increasingly, people of all ages are spending more time in front of screens, which has led to some concerns and a goal of reducing the amount of screen time a child has and monitoring the quality of that screen time. With less structured schedules, summer break can be a time when young people get caught up in excessive amounts of passive entertainment, instead of exploring, observing and enjoying nature. 

Spending time in nature often takes a backseat to an interest in new technologies and screen time, but the two needn’t be mutually exclusive. In the spirit of supporting the development of nature-loving young people and families, we have devised a list of things to do with your kids this summer, that can still utilize cool technology, but will definitely inspire the mind with a sense of place and wonder about the natural world. 

1. Complete a Passport To Nature with Nature Kids BC:

Earn a certificate and a surprise gift by downloading the Passport To Nature and attending an Explorer Days event, a shoreline clean-up, or an organized outdoor trip or tour. Passports can be signed by, either an Explorer Day leader, or a parent/guardian.
Explorer Days are nature-related outings, organized by Nature Kids volunteers, province-wide.

Find out what events are happening near you.

2. Become a citizen scientist with the NatureHoods App!

With this app you can identify and record the animals and plants you find in your neighbourhood, a local park or beach.  Your findings will help scientists to understand the density of wildlife in your area and that will contribute to research about those species. The app also features a database of findings in your area, so you can seek out specific wildlife and it offers information about the species you might find.

Download the app and test it out!
 

3. Take the 30×3 Challenge

Notice, Engage and Wonder about nature with your kids this summer. When people spend time in nature, the health effects are known to extend to both physical and mental health. Still, spending time in nature isn’t often prioritized. In this challenge, family teams are tasked with getting outside together to simply notice what the sky looks like, how the plants look, what animals you hear. Engage by touching things, climbing around and getting a little dirty. And don’t worry if you don’t know everything about the biodiversity in your area, just asking the questions is all it takes to inspire wonder.

The 30×3 Nature Challenge means you’ll get your kids outside for 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week.
 

4. Join a Nature Club

Across the province, BC Nature: Federation of BC Naturalists can connect you with a nature club in your region. Meet nature-lovers, learn about a specific region and get involved in nature preservation.

Find a club in your area.
 

5. Enter a Nature photo contest.

Put those phone cameras (or regular cameras) to good use by observing and documenting the amazing nature of BC.
Nature Canada is hosting a photo contest in a variety of themes. Find out more about this contest.
Canadian Geographic is hosting “The Great Trail Photo Competition” which is a Great Trail-themed contest (formerly known as Trans Canada Trail).

The Great trail might be closer than you think. Did you know that most Canadians live within 30 minutes of The Great Trail? Check out the Map.

Are you interested in getting your kids more engaged with nature, but are unsure of where to start? Join us June 21 for an exclusive speaking engagement with Dr. Scott Sampson, author of How To Raise A Wild Child. Gain insight on the new nature movement, get tips and ideas for engaging kids in nature. 

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Survivors

Artist: Jeff Kulak

Jeff is a senior graphic designer at Science World. His illustration work has been published in the Walrus, The National Post, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee Magazine. He loves to make music, ride bikes, and spend time in the forest.

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Egg BB

Artist: Jeff Kulak

Jeff is a senior graphic designer at Science World. His illustration work has been published in the Walrus, The National Post, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee Magazine. He loves to make music, ride bikes, and spend time in the forest.

About the sticker

Comet Crisp

Artist: Jeff Kulak

Jeff is a senior graphic designer at Science World. His illustration work has been published in the Walrus, The National Post, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee Magazine. He loves to make music, ride bikes, and spend time in the forest.

About the sticker

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Artist: Michelle Yong

Michelle is a designer with a focus on creating joyful digital experiences! She enjoys exploring the potential forms that an idea can express itself in and helping then take shape.

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Buddy the T-Rex

Artist: Michelle Yong

Michelle is a designer with a focus on creating joyful digital experiences! She enjoys exploring the potential forms that an idea can express itself in and helping then take shape.

About the sticker

Geodessy

Artist: Michelle Yong

Michelle is a designer with a focus on creating joyful digital experiences! She enjoys exploring the potential forms that an idea can express itself in and helping then take shape.

About the sticker

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Artist: Ty Dale

From Canada, Ty was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1993. From his chaotic workspace he draws in several different illustrative styles with thick outlines, bold colours and quirky-child like drawings. Ty distils the world around him into its basic geometry, prompting us to look at the mundane in a different way.

About the sticker

Western Dinosaur

Artist: Ty Dale

From Canada, Ty was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1993. From his chaotic workspace he draws in several different illustrative styles with thick outlines, bold colours and quirky-child like drawings. Ty distils the world around him into its basic geometry, prompting us to look at the mundane in a different way.

About the sticker

Time-Travel T-Rex

Artist: Ty Dale

From Canada, Ty was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1993. From his chaotic workspace he draws in several different illustrative styles with thick outlines, bold colours and quirky-child like drawings. Ty distils the world around him into its basic geometry, prompting us to look at the mundane in a different way.