We enjoyed our final day of nature camp last Thursday, and what a wonderful day it was. Mother Nature shared the most beautiful day with us, yet again. It was amazing to be gifted five Thursday's of beautiful, sunshiny days for nature camp. Our morning in the woods started out as a wander, no real plan, just walking, talking, noticing. It is good to just wander sometimes, to let nature guide you, and just be. The last of the wild raspberries were collected and promptly eaten, flowers were picked, and little ones ran and laughed along the trails.
When we reached the heavily forested part of the trail, I started to gather large branches, leaning them up around a large tree. The kids joined in, and before we knew it we had a beautiful shelter in the woods. They had some great ideas as we built it and I let them go with it, each adding their own personal touch. There were a couple of logs rolled inside to serve as chairs, there was a stump outside where the littlest one created a meal, fern leaves were used here and there to decorate, and the floor was cleared of leaves to create a tidy space. They had a lot of fun with this project, and seeing the three of them work together on a common goal was pretty cool. Together they carried big branches, one child on each end, helped each other stand them up, pointed out the perfect branch to add next, and they chatted about just what the next step should be in this shelter we were creating. I honestly don't think there was a better way to spend our last morning in the woods together. It was perfect.
Back at home they drew one last picture in their nature journals, we enjoyed lunch, and then spent some time making clay pinch pots under the shade of our birch trees. The afternoon finished with free play, apple tree climbing, homemade ice cream, popcorn, and a little more chalk drawing on our walkway.
Summer nature camp was a huge success, the kids had a great time, and I had a blast with the planning, and execution of the camp. I am already thinking about next summer with excitement, but first, I will sink into what remains of summer, and then I will start planning.
Oh what a lovely time you've had over the weeks and I love the looks of your shelter in the woods!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carie, it has been so much fun! Building the shelter was a big hit with them, and they totally took ownership of it, together. It was amazing to watch.
DeleteSo much fun! I love how they worked together and built the shelter. You definitely made this a memorable summer for the kiddos.
ReplyDeleteIt was a ton of fun. And yes, it was amazing to watch them and see it all come together. Aw, thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can't wait to do it again next year with a few more kiddos.
DeleteSuch a fun time!
ReplyDeleteIt was, thanks!
DeleteI especially love this little shelter you all built. That would be my son's perfect idea of nature camp to be sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alexa, I think that was the highlight of the day. The girls had no idea how we would build one, and seeing how excited they got as it came together was amazing!
DeleteWhat an amazing little shelter! I love that. The kids must have enjoyed it so much. My two love to make a tent, or shelter, or lean-to, out of almost anything whenever they get the chance.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer! They had a great time, and Reece keeps asking when we can do it again :)
DeleteFantastic! Looks like a great time was had by all. I love the idea of just starting to lean branches and let the kids join in at will...I've been thinking I want my kids to get in the woods and do more fort building, but wasn't sure how to do that without going, "Hey kids, let's go build a fort."
ReplyDeleteWe did have a wonderful time, thanks Andrea! Yeah, it works well. They are intrigued about what you are doing, and then get right into it. As we built I told them we might have to spend the night in it, and that got them really excited :)
DeleteHave fun!
I have enjoyed these posts so much Kim and although Emerson is now gone in a few years Porter will be big enough to enjoy some of the activities you've shared. Thank you so much for everything, Emerson and I had a lot of fun following along down here.
ReplyDeleteThat makes me so happy Tracey, thank you. Hope you are well. xo
DeleteI've been so enjoying these camp posts, that I find myself sad it's over! Glad it went so well, and was such fun! Enjoy the rest of summer and I will be following the other adventures...
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Jen!
DeleteI love how they all look so little against the back drop of the forest and yet they grow so quickly (the children not the trees). I know they all had a grand time and will look forward to next year's program :)
ReplyDeleteYes, they certainly do. Thanks Karen, I look forward to sharing again next summer :)
DeleteI'm so happy your Nature Camp was such a huge success, what a wonderful experience for you and them. They are lucky to have you. :-) Enjoy August dear friend... see you soon! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Yanic. It really was a wonderful experience, and has given me a lot of ideas and inspiration on where to take the camp next summer. So exciting!
DeleteThanks, you too. Can't wait til you guys get here. xo
I really love finding forts in the woods. I know it's against leave no trace ethics but sometimes they are just so much fun to crawl in! I'm so happy your nature camp was such a great success!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun, isn't it? We often find them in conservation areas too.
DeleteAs this forest is private property the leave no trace in the form of a shelter is not a problem. We are very blessed to have this forest right across the road and it is owned by our neighbours who live up the road. They have allowed us free access to their property for foraging, hiking, and enjoying nature.
Thanks, it was a ton of fun, and I can't wait for next year!
I think shelter building is probably my favourite activity in the woods, you're never too old to build a shelter!
ReplyDeleteSo true, my friend :)
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