Articles

Encouraging a Love for Nature in the Digital Age

David Attenborough once wisely noted, “No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” 

As parents, we strive to ensure our children experience life to the fullest. However, in today’s digital age, it seems that more often than not, our kids spend considerable time indoors, engrossed in screen time. This has become a significant concern for many parents. 

Introducing the Junior Ranger Program
To address the screen time dilemma, The Wildlands Conservancy has developed a year-long program that not only encourages children to explore the outdoors but also provides an experiential learning environment for the whole family. The Junior Ranger program offers a unique blend of education and adventure that draws children away from screens and into the greater outdoors. The program provides families with two options, a year-long or a three-month summer intensive hands-on experience. Both aim to cultivate a deep appreciation for the environment, develop a sense of curiosity, and foster stewardship for plants and animals. It encourages children ages 6-12 years-old, to step out of their comfort zones, develop leadership skills, and learn the importance of reciprocity with nature. Most importantly, this program is free for all participants, ensuring inclusivity and financial accessibility for all families. 

A Summer Project with Nature
This summer, the Junior Rangers accepted a challenging, but rewarding project. Each participant received a seedling to care for, with the task of documenting its growth and development. The goal of this project is to educate junior rangers about the importance of cultivating and caring for plants. Through this experience, they learn about the plant cycle, patience, and the responsibility required to keep a delicate organism alive throughout the entire summer. This type of project encourages love for and commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Family Adventure in the Wild
The Junior Ranger Program not only develops science learning experiences for children but also offers a camping adventure for the entire family. This unique blend of activities ensures that participants and their families develop a closer connection to nature while enjoying quality time together. 

The Benefits of Outdoor Camping
In the article, “Fostering affinity for nature through overnight summer camp: The role of meaningful experiences and everyday access to nature” (Spielvogel, B., Geoghegan, K. E., Mader, S., & Yu Burwell, W.) a survey was conducted in which data suggested that having overnight camping offers the youth a sense of belonging and engagement that can nurture their emotional connection to nature. According to the authors, affinity for nature can attract and reconnect youth with the natural world during a period where there is an “extinction of experience.” This term refers to the diminished opportunities to interact with nature and a declining inclination to engage with it. The more opportunities children have to engage with nature at a young age, the more emotionally connected they will become. 

Memorable Wildlife Encounters
In previous years the Junior Rangers and their families have experienced incredible animal encounters, such as bears wandering near the campsite or a pack of coyotes resting nearby. These encounters are not everyday occurrences for many families, and for some, it may be their first experience seeing wild animals or camping out. Over the years, the campout has provided opportunities to connect with nature through night walks, scavenger hunts, STEAM projects like boat building and aquatic investigations, as well as therapeutic activities such as nature journaling, meditation, and basket weaving. 

Breaking Barriers to Outdoor Experiences
Raquel, one of our junior ranger parents, shared, “I want to express my gratitude to The Wildlands for making camping possible for us. Without you, it would not have been possible due to the high cost, but your provision of tents and other necessities made it possible.” By providing this program free of cost to families, we reduce the socio-economic barriers that promote disconnection from the natural world. 

Inspiring Love for Nature
With all the experiences and adventures offered by The Wildlands Conservancy, we hope to educate Junior Rangers on how to cherish the great outdoors and nurture a passion for nature. This way, they can grow up to safeguard the environment, fully recognizing its significance.