Some of my favorite childhood memories come from summer camp. Singing around the campfire. Canoeing. Lanyards. Crushing on cute boys…

Why not help a child make it to camp this year. Open up a world of wonder — nature, friendship and adventure — to a child who might not have an opportunity otherwise.

Watch this video to see how you can help!

Need a little more inspiration? Watch these famous former-campers…

In fact, because of camp I found my career path. Go figure.

Do you have fond memories of summer camp? I would love to hear about them!

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: ChrisDag

And Spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast

rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

~Percy Bysshe Shelley, “The Sensitive Plant”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Shake off the winter blues and embrace the unparalleled color and light of spring. Let it warm you inside and out, and free you to be the you that perhaps winter has let you forget.

Unplug and PLAY. Jump for joy, and pass it on. Welcome spring with all your might.

Sometimes, you just have to kick off your shoes and go look for it, even if there is still a nip in the air. Ask spring to dance.

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

PS: Yes, I know it’s still officially a few days away, but let me have this one!

photo credit: biggertree

Howdy, nature detectives! The Mystery Critter has been hiding out, but it wanted me to tell @OCPlayParks‘ kiddos hello and good luck guessing!

OK, time to play Mystery Critter.  Put on your thinking caps and let’s get to it! And remember — no cheating.

CRITTER CLUES:

• I am the largest of my species
• I look a bit prehistoric
• The male of the species never leaves the water
• I have a very unique tongue that acts like a lure
• I have a long lifespan

So, what am I?

Make your guess then go to eNature for the answer and more interesting facts.

Did you get it right?

If not, no worries. You will have another chance soon!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: downing.amanda

It should come as no surprise that kids love dirt. And given the chance — WORMS! Wiggly, squiggly wonderful worms. So, I was thrilled when author Chris McLaughlin wanted to stop by TGSG on her #gotcompost book tour.

You can do this Composting in a Bucket activity with a class, an after-school group or your own family! No rules — just worms!

To keep the fun and learning going, read the charming book,  Diary of a Worm with your kids.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Depending on the age of the child, composting has many lessons to teach.

Older children can learn about such things as the life cycle, death and decomposition, resource management, and the state of our garbage and landfills. They also learn about biodegradable and non-biodegradable items and how this affects recycling and renewal for the earth.

Younger children can work on fine motor skills, observation skills and making the connection between the earth and food, versus food and the grocery store! They can also work on turn-taking, sequencing, and counting and color recognition.

Not to mention the dirt. The dirt, of course, is the best part of composting. The kids get to put their hands in dirt, make compost piles, play with worms, and analyze what they eat and throw away.

While this activity is written for a class or group of children, you can easily do this as a family activity. From one child to 40 — composting rocks!

Bucket Compost in the Classroom

If you don’t have the opportunity to build a compost pile outside with your students, bring the compost pile into the classroom in a bucket.

Materials needed:

• Compostable materials — a mix of both browns and greens
• 5-gallon bucket with a lid
• 1 gallon of finished compost
• Water
• Garden trowel for mixing
• Small tarp for under bucket

Info:

Browns =  carbons like dried leaves, straw, newspaper, sawdust, toilet paper rolls, shredded documents.

Greens = Nitrogen like grass clippings, vegetable trimmings, animal manure (herbivores), coffee grounds, alfalfa meal, green leaves.

If you’re worried that the food will get smelly in a small classroom, just start from scratch and begin with non-food ingredients such as yard clippings, paper, and the like.

Directions:

1.  To begin this project, have students write down a random list of greens or browns they can bring from home.

To keep odors down, it’ll work in your favor if you add more browns than greens. It’ll compost slower, but because you’ll be composting indoors, it’s better to err on the side of carbon than too much nitrogen.

2.  Have the students add browns and greens (remember: more browns than greens) until the bucket is about half full.

3.  Now add a gallon of finished compost to act as an activator. If you don’t have access to finished compost, add sawdust or potting soil.

4.  Keep the materials inside moist, but not truly wet. Have the students write down some predictions such as how long it will take to decompose, what they think it’ll smell like while it’s decomposing, and if they think they’ll find things growing in it.

5.  Every few days, open up the bucket and mix the ingredients. Don’t do it more often than this because the microbial decomposers need to settle a bit to break things down.

6.  Every two weeks have the students look and observe what’s happening inside the compost bucket. Have them record their observations.

7. As a class, take the compost to a planter box or landscape area on the school grounds and place it underneath the plants.

Author Bio: Chris McLaughlin is a life-long lover of nature and avid gardener. She received her Master Gardener certification in 2000, and writes for a variety of publications and websites. In addition to The Complete Idiots Guide to Composting, she recently completed The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Heirloom Vegetables (Penguin/December 2010). You can follow this fabulous green thumb on Twitter @Suburban_Farmer.

I’ve been involved in the children and nature and play movements for a long time. Each day, I meet more people who are passionate about these issues and come across organizations who are tackling these issues in exciting ways.

I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. At some point we will hit that “Tipping Point” and the tide will turn. This indoor generation and the adults that foster it will stop business as usual and get back to a life full of wonder and awe that only happens when we step outside.

What will that look like?

Well, here are a few things to be on the lookout for:

• Going outside to play will once again be the norm
• Grass stains will be sought after and celebrated by the masses
• Video game systems will gather dust in favor of magnifying glasses and sticks for fort building
• Sneakers will be worn thin in record time
• Parents will enforce screen time limits
• Families will play together and connect with nature
• Educators will embrace outdoor classrooms and school gardens

It’s coming — the #playoutdoors Tipping Point.

Join us…let’s make it happen SOONER rather than later.

For a bit more inspiration, check out this fantastic video from the great folks at the Sajai Foundation.

So, what are you waiting for?

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

TGSG Note: The world is full of people who are really good at talking the talk, but Nathan Winters is a man that walks the walk. Or in his case, pedals the pedal.

In this interview, you’ll find out more about a person that not only loves nature, the environment, and people. but who is a great appreciator of life. For me, I think there is no greater lesson to share with children than to be bold — to really live life and love it. Thanks for the reminder, Nathan.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

1.    What kind of kid were you? Can you share a favorite play memory from childhood?

I was undoubtedly the rambunctious type and always full of energy. I would roam via foot and bicycle with little regard for rules or consequences. I guess you could say that I haven’t changed much.

I spent so much time outside as a child and created so many memories I don’t believe that I can specify one favorite. What I can tell you is that I absolutely loved a 20 minute game of two hand touch football at the bus stop early in the morning. The kids in my neighborhood and I played every day in the rain, wind or snow. Unfortunately for my mother every pair of jeans she bought me had grass stains on the knees within a few days until I was old enough to drive to school.

2.    How did you develop such a strong conservation ethic and connection with nature? Did you have a mentor in your life that helped you develop those interests?
That is a great question and I didn’t have a mentor per se. My connection with nature came through travels and hands on experience. In 2003 I took a long and adventurous road trip covering the United States from Maine down to New Orleans and up to Seattle zig zagging along the way. Most of this time was spent in National Parks which created a catalyst form my relationship with the land and its immeasurable value to the human species. You could say the rest is history.

3.    Biking across country is an amazing feat. What personal characteristics did you rely upon most during your journey, and how do you think the way you were raised helped you develop those traits?

I would have to say that my strong sense of freedom played the biggest role in the success of my journey. As a child I was given an abundance of play time and freedom which has instilled the strength and understating of the importance of things in the natural world.

4.    In today’s culture, many of us spend very little time alone, and children in particular. On your journey, you had a lot of time alone with you and your thoughts. I personally believe it’s an important skill or characteristic to have: being comfortable with being on your own. Do you have any advice for parents to help foster this in today’s kids?
Talk to strangers. My recent journey and encounters in the past have taught me that too many children are raised on the old “don’t talk to strangers” mentality.  Sure we need to apply common sense to this practice however in my honest opinion I feel we need to encourage children to engage and conversate without fear. It bothers me to see communities where people rarely speak to their neighbors. Those people will be regretful in a time of need.

5.    What are a few of your favorite outdoor or nature-based activities to do?

What benefits does participating in these activities bring to your life?
Hiking in the wilderness alone with my dog Chaya is hands down the most gratifying activity for both her and I and the benefits are endless. We both get exercise and build a partnership in a natural landscape we enjoy, share and explore together.

6.    If you could visit any natural area, where would it be and why?

I have been blessed with the flexibility and desire to travel a good portion of the world thus far. If I were to pack my bags and go anywhere tomorrow I would head to Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. The ancient landscape and the diverse ecosystem look to be amazing.

I would like to add one note to that subject… I know a lot of people and many of which I grew up with who have traveled the world but have never seen the Grand Canyon or the Smoky Mountains. I strongly encourage people to explore America and get to know their fellow Americans. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people.

Guest Blogger Bio: Nathan has recently completed his 5 month and 4,300 mile journey across America on a bicycle where he conducted an extensive research project taking a close look at agriculture, food chains and environmental issues. He currently lives in rural Vermont where he enjoys quality time with his beautiful dog Chaya.  He works diligently on writing and marketing his novel which he hopes to be completed in the next few months. He remains passionate and is a strong advocate for protecting our land and the people on it.

For more information about his latest adventures please visit http://www.follownathan.org You can also follow Nathan on Twitter, @follownathan.

TGSG Note: Sometimes you meet a person and you hit it off right away. That was Adam and I. Not sure if it was the kindred writer souls or the pint of Guinness, but I suspect a bit of both. Anyway, I am tickled to have my friend Adam Shake, the dynamo behind Twilight Earth (and SO much more!) stop by The Guru today. A great interview from a great guy. Enjoy!

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

1.    What kind of kid were you, and how do you think that influenced your career now as an environmental blogger and advocate?

I was a bow legged, buck toothed, triple bi-focals wearing kid with a bowl haircut. –laugh- My Grandparents lived on 50 acres of Michigan Woods about a quarter mile down a dirt driveway off a country road.

Sundays were spend “On the farm” were my favorite day of the week. Being the oldest of three, I was kind of a loner. No, that’s not quite right. I was a loner. I loved being by myself because I had a really active imagination and could keep myself occupied for hours and hours while wandering around in the woods, imagining I was a big game hunter or an explorer.

In the summer, I would find a lonely spot between the trees and I would sit with my back against a tree and force myself to be still and quite, so that after a while, nature would open herself back up to me. I was in my element when the squirrels, rabbit and birds forgot I was there, and moved all around me.

I forgot that feeling on connectedness until I got out of the military. It was then, while trying to re-define myself, that I turned back to nature, to find that it wasn’t the same nature that I grew up in.

2.    I know you are a big outdoor recreation enthusiast – camping, hiking, canoeing, etc. What benefits do these activities bring to your life?

Being outdoors, whether camping, hiking, canoeing, rock scrambling or back packing, reconnects me to what is real.

I hiked the “Hundred Mile Wilderness” in Maine a few years ago and it was amazing to me how long it took to get mans world out of my head. For days, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I was going to do to reward myself for finishing the hike. Dinner, movies, a new gadget, a soft bed, whatever it was, I craved those things. I missed them. I needed them. I also couldn’t stop thinking about things I needed to get done when I got back. I wasn’t enjoying the experience for what it was. I wasn’t in the now, and it made me mad. I finally got there though, and the last 60 miles of hiking were the best I’ve ever had.

Over the years, I’ve realized that it still takes me a couple days to completely relax and unwind when I’m in nature. The wilderness to me is something that is real, something that defines me and brings me back to who I really am. Nature is something that I can measure myself against in a very raw way.  Being outdoors and a part of nature help me remember who Adam is. It humbles me, and it makes me feel as if I am a part of something bigger than me, instead of a part of something that I have created or that I am competing in.
3.    Obviously as a blogger and a mover and shaker in social media, you spend a lot of time online. How do you find balance in your life, and what are the signs that make you say to yourself, “Whoa, I need to unplug…”?

That’s an excellent question, and one that I struggle with.  As environmentalists, writers, advocates and activists, we must have integrity. Without it, our message means nothing.  There is a balance, like you said, between advocating protection of the environment through spending time in nature, and spending too much time with technology while trying to get that message out.

I think that just like anything else in life, it comes down to priorities and division of time. As an example, we have a popular feature on Twilight Earth called Photo Sunday. That means I’m usually up by 6:00 a.m. on putting it together. I spend some time getting it out there on Social Media and then by 8:00 a.m., I wake up Hippie Chick and we go out for coffee and start our day. I’m a very early riser, usually up by 5:00 a.m. during the week, and I get most of my writing done by 8:00.

That doesn’t mean that I’m not on throughout the day, but when I am, it’s usually in 5 or 10 minute bursts.  I also spend time working between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. when most people are sitting in front of their TV sets.

The rest of my time is spent planning, researching, networking, and recently, forming Simple Earth Media. Now that we have six websites and Green Talk Radio, the time division has become a lot more important. I also attend conferences, forums, fundraisers and networking events. It can be a lot to handle, but it’s what I’m passionate about.

But to really answer your question, when my fingertips start to go numb, I know it’s time to get off the computer and get outside.

4.    Name five (5) can’t miss nature moments for today’s kids:

Five or ten years ago, I would have said that every child should explore a local creek or stream. Get right in it and feel the mud between your toes, catch Pollywogs and collect shiny stones from the bottom. But most streams and creeks aren’t safe to be in anymore. Most of them have diverted sewer runoff flowing through them.

But streams and creeks can still be just as educational, except that it is parents who need to take their kids to explore them. Its parents who should be explaining to their children exactly why 100% of all fish tested in the United States have Mercury in their systems from coal burning power plants.  This is a can’t miss moment for all kids. Unfortunately, it’s not about the discovery of something wonderful, but about the recognition of something wrong, and what we must all do to make it right.
Kids today also know more about what’s going on in the Amazon Rainforest than they know about what’s going on in the woods at the park just down the street. Again, parents need to take their kids outside so that they can see what the inside of a forest looks, smells and sounds like.

Kids should also have the opportunity to be on the water. Most areas in the United States either have a lake or river within driving distance, and taking the kids kayaking or canoeing is something that they will never forget.

National Parks not only have great views and campgrounds, but great programs for teaching kids and families about the hidden side that particular park. Park rangers give guided tours, pointing out local wildlife, talk about food cycles, hold fireside chats and are a huge source of information. National Parks also have visitor centers with small museums and interactive displays.

But the most important cant miss nature moments for today’s kids, are literally, their own back yards. There is a wealth of knowledge that can be gleaned from spending 15 minutes lying on your stomach in the sun, while investigating between blades of grass, exactly what is going on beneath our feet.  Turning over rocks to discover whole other worlds, dissecting a milk weed pod to see exactly why it’s called “milk weed.”

5.    I love your Photo Sunday posts on Twilight Earth. Can you share a few “dream destinations” you would like to go photograph?

My wife and I are planning on going Iceland next year. We want to spend a full week in the wilderness of the Fjords, hiking and hanging out in the natural springs. Other dream destinations are hiking Hadrian’s Wall, Tongariro National Park  in New Zealand (Where a lot of Lord of the Rings was filmed) and renting a couple off road motorcycles and doing a dirt road trip through Vietnam.

6.    You have a free afternoon all to yourself, what do you do?

I go to where no one else is, where there is nothing separating me from the universe except for the clouds.

Bio: Adam Shake is Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Simple Earth Media. He also founded Twilight Earth and EcoTech Daily. He is an environmental writer, advocate, entrepreneur, speaker and Washington DC-based activist. Of his accomplishments, he is most proud of having risked arrest at dirty coal powered power plants and the work he has done to raise money for homeless kitchens and environmental non-profits. He spent over a decade in the U.S. Army and has worked with Homeland Security and the Defense Industry. When not working on Pennsylvania Avenue, he can be found in the woods with his wife and Rhodesian Ridgeback, kayaking, sailing or on the Appalachian Trail. Adam is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists, and an active participant in a number of environmental and social media clubs and organizations.

TGSG Note: I’m excited to have parent, writer, and environmental advocate, Derek Markham stop by The Guru today. Derek is one of the busiest writers on the web, and also one of the first people I connected with when I joined Twitter. You can read Derek’s work in a variety of places, including The Natural Papa and Twilight Earth.  Enjoy the interview — I know I did. See ya outside! ~ The Grass Satin Guru

1.    What type of kid were you? And how do you think that impacted your path to become a writer and environmental advocate?

I was a very curious kid, interested in science and finding out how things worked, and I read a lot. I was never satisfied with a single source of information, so I learned to research what I was interested in. I think this made me a little more skeptical of the things I was taught in school – I wanted to learn from ‘first sources’, not some regurgitated revisionist history (like Columbus ‘discovering’ America, or the romantic version of cowboys ‘winning’ the west).

As I got older, I started finding out that some of what we’re taught in school was not accurate, but rather reflected the ‘shiny happy’ version of the modern consumer. This made me hungry to find out what the dissenters thought, and in turn, to try to express myself through writing.

As a child, I was first a Cub Scout and then a Boy Scout, so I got plenty of time in the outdoors, learning to be comfortable in nature and in wilderness. These experiences planted the seed of my love for the forests and mountains and streams, and in consequently, my desire to preserve them through my actions and my writing.

2.    You and your family lead an amazingly sustainable lifestyle and really walk the walk. Can you tell TGSG readers a bit about that – how it all started and why it is so important to you?

One small step that ended up sparking a lot of thought about my life was becoming a vegetarian – my wife was one, and I resisted it until I started learning about the sketchy nature of our modern industrial food system, especially the meat industry. I thought to myself, “What else in my life is not compatible with my belief systems and my personal standards?” and started questioning my habits and the things I supported with my spending.

By then, I had reached a point in my life where I was working my butt off for a corporation that didn’t care one bit for me, with lots of long hours and minimal pay, and I got so fed up that I was willing to walk out and find a job that was aligned with my beliefs. We were members of our local natural foods co-op, so I started working there, and took a huge pay cut to do so, but it ended up being the catalyst for changing my life.

That job exposed me to people with a wide range of reasons for protecting our environment, people who were activists in one form or another – from the way they spent their money to the way they ate to how they spent their time. We found ourselves wanting to try to live simpler, so we bought a small camper and started our Tiny House Experiment. We learned that we could live without most of the trappings of modern life, and focus on the things that made us happy – family, good food, and a deep connection with nature.

Having children also brought the importance of living sustainably into focus for us. We wanted to teach our children that they could live in a way that was less wasteful and more mindful, and that it wasn’t necessary to go along with the status quo. I know it’s a cliche, but we really do need to think about seven generations out – not just today and tomorrow, but for our grandchildren and their grandchildren.

My hope is that this becomes our legacy – the modern lifestyle will be there for our kids if they wish to experience it, but they will know an alternative and not have to learn the hard way, as I did.

3.    What are some of your favorite outdoor activities? How are you getting your kids involved?

I love climbing – mostly I go bouldering, as it’s harder to schedule climbing trips with a partner when you are juggling work and family. My kids aren’t so keen on that yet (but I have hopes that they will). I am also an avid rockhound, and always end up with a pocket of really cool rocks when out in nature. Whittling and woodcarving are also favorite activities for me, especially during the hot part of the day here in the southwest – I love sitting in the shade with a sharp knife and a couple of good sticks.

We really enjoy camping and hiking together, and several years ago we did a 5 week camping trip with the kids. They are comfortable in the outdoors, and things like using the bathroom in the backcountry are no problem for them. We use the outdoors as our classroom – our oldest two can identify most of the plants that grow around us, and they know which ones are edible and medicinal. The kids also really enjoy exploring and rockhounding and finding treasures in nature – making ‘fairy houses’ is a favorite pastime for them.

4.    Many of today’s kids are indoor kids – spending on average of 6.5 hours a day engaged in screen time. What advice do you have for parents’ to help them reverse this trend?

I think the biggest thing to remember is that as parents, we are responsible for the way they spend their time, and we are in control (in a good way, not a control-freak way). This means that we have the power to set boundaries around both TV and computer time so they aren’t sucked into endless hours in front of the screen.

We got rid of our TV about 10 years ago, and I feel that has had a huge positive effect on our kids – it’s simply not available. Some things we had a problem with was the amount of ads that kids are exposed to on TV, and the subject matter of a lot of kids shows was not in line with our lifestyle – especially the violence and sexual innuendos. If our kids want to watch a movie once in a while, they can do so on the laptop, but we closely regulate the types of movies they can watch.

Even if you aren’t willing to get rid of the TV, make it so that it’s not easily accessible – cover it up, set limits for watching, and don’t set an example of watching hours of TV everyday.

5.    There is a Free Range Kids movement catching on in America – a call for parents to move away from fear-based parenting and foster more of a sense of freedom and independence for their children. What are your thoughts on this?

I have to confess, I had never heard of this, but I just did a little research on it, so I know a little now. I guess I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I think raising kids with a little more independence is good. On the other hand, we try to make sure our kids are eating clean, healthy food, are avoiding heinous chemicals, and we limit their exposure to mass media, so I’m leery of taking a more hands-off approach. I think parents need to make the call based on where they live, and the capabilities of their children – and also to be OK with the consequences of it.

I was raised with a bit more freedom in certain areas, and I know plenty of people who say “I watched lots of TV, ate junk food, went to public school, and I’m just fine.”, but when I really look at their life, I would have to disagree. We’ve got massive problems in our society with obesity, mental health, and self-worth issues, especially in kids, so are people “just fine”? I think the jury’s still out on that.

6.    I’m sure it rarely happens, but you have a free afternoon to yourself – what do you do?

Yes, it rarely happens, but when it does, I’m on my bicycle, headed for a long cruise, or down at the local bouldering wall. If the weather is not cooperating for those activities, I’m a sucker for a double Americano at the local coffee shop.

Derek Markham Bio: I am a husband, a father, and a carrier of things, I think peanut butter on anything is great, and I love big mountains and little kids, ’cause they make me smile. I’m a nature boy, a tree-hugging dirt-worshiper, and I try to live with reverence for our web of life. Find me at NaturalPapa, DerekMarkham, and SimpleEarthMedia, or hit me up on Twitter.

We spend a lot of time talking about kids here at The Grass Stain Guru, but it’s time to give the teens their due. As the above video highlights so nicely, there are amazing programs going on across the country helping to connect teens with nature in a variety of ways. In the case of urban teens, these programs are often the first exposure they have to nature beyond the birds and squirrels that they may never think to notice in the cityscape.

Time in nature is important to all of us, regardless of age, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. It is one of the most basic of all human needs — a connection to the land where we live and things so much bigger than us. There are treasures to be found there for each off us, and a vital sense of wonder and personal perspective that can only be found in nature.

Words to live by: You never get too old to engage your sense of wonder.

Below you will find 10 tips for helping the teens in your world get outside. It might take a little effort to get older kids and teens unplugged, but it is well worth it.

I would love to hear about other programs that are doing great work — so feel free to add them to the comments section or send me an email.

10 Tips to Get ‘em Outside:

1.    Start when they are young. An obvious tip, but extremely important, is to make sure that the outdoors is part of your family life and your child’s life right from the start. As with anything –  from discipline to healthy eating habits –  if you wait until the teen years to introduce something, it is going to be an uphill battle.

2.    Appeal to the natural interests, whether it’s art, science, sports, or writing. There is an outdoor activity that matches  just about any interest, so that’s a great place to start.

3.    Get their friends involved. It’s natural for teens to travel in groups and to thrive on social interaction with their peers. It’s all part of proper development.  Don’t fight it – harness it. Ask if any of their friends are into outdoor activities and encourage them to join in.

4.    Offer to host an outdoor event, like a hiking trip, a camp-out, or a fishing trip for a small group of their friends. Take along a friend or two of your own, so you can be seen enjoying the activity versus acting as a chaperon.

5.    Tap into service learning requirements at school. Encourage your teen to look into service opportunities at parks, natural refuges, trail systems, and other outdoor venues that offer service hours and unique opportunities to learn new skills and shadow professionals.

6.    Take advantage of outdoor recreation clubs and park and recreation events in your area. You’ll find hikes, kayaking trips, mountain biking clubs, and more. It’s a great way to get older teens involved in a social setting, with a built in safety net of staff from local organizations. Check your local paper or parks and recreation department for opportunities near you.

7.    Put that love a technology to good use! Have your teen find podcasts on outdoor topics to help  guide their exploration or get them to help you learn how to Geocache. Of course, let the technology help guide the experience, but not replace it. Make sure to tuck whatever devices you are using away to fully immerse yourselves in the natural setting.

8.    When school projects come up, help them brainstorm ideas that have an outdoor element, such as stream monitoring, alternative energy solutions, or campus greening projects.

9.    Have your teens plan a special family day trip or weekend get-away. Your only input is distance traveled and a cost limit. Let them take the lead and surprise you.

10.    Set the example. If you are constantly online for work or pleasure, tied to a PDA, or on the phone, you cannot fault your teen for doing the same. Model balance, and let them see you enjoying doing things outside. Fun is contagious!

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

I am thrilled to have author, mom, and friend Caro Webster as a guest blogger here at TGSG. The drive to reconnect with nature, live simpler lifestyles, and engage children in true unstructured play is taking hold down under. Caro is a strong voice in the movement, and I am grateful she made the time to talk to us about the trends emerging in gardens and backyards in Australia. Enjoy the read! See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

Photo by Elise Lockwood

There’s a quiet revolution going on in the suburban backyards of Australia. Rather than sitting back and admiring our perfectly manicured “outside rooms”, gazing lovingly at our mondo grass or liriope, perfectly coiffed hedges of murraya, buxus or newly acquired rows of trendy agaves, we are choosing to head outside armed with buckets of kitchen scraps, water collected from baths & showers while we attempt to figure out where we should build a chicken coop, locate the veggie patch, compost heap and herb garden.

Suffering a slow death (and not for lack of water) is the passive, over-structured garden. Instead we are rediscovering how much fun it is to actually interact with Mother Nature and the vital lessons she has to impart to us and our children about nourishing ourselves and our environment. Despite our hectic lives, we are taking the time to get down and dirty, and, somewhat surprisingly, we are finding that we love it.

So what’s behind this shift in the suburban landscape? I’d suggest a few things.

Everyday we are bombarded with messages on climate change and the potential impact it will have on our lives. No longer an obscure issue, we now have a nascent understanding of some of the associated issues and their ability to directly affect what we do and how we do it. It unsettles us. Gone are the days when we could drop a coin into a bucket held by a man dressed in a koala suit and feel that we were doing our bit for the environment. “Think global, act local” is once again foremost in our minds, so it comforts us on many levels to get out into our backyards, plant trees, attempt to grow our own veggies and provide a safe, happy and productive environment for our family.

The economy is doing nothing to provide peace of mind. Food, fuel, water, medicines and shelter are all more expensive. And with the global economy continuing to trend downward, the ability to provide the basics for ourselves at reduced cost is very appealing and for many of us, more necessary.

Subconsciously, global terrorism may also be impacting on our lifestyle choices. Terrorism is no longer a remote event, occurring in a far-off country. There is an unspoken fear in many communities that some day soon, something (God forbid) may happen closer to home. So our home becomes haven again; we are bunkering down, cocooning and trying to figure out what we should do to protect ourselves and maintain the peaceful lifestyle Australia affords us. This unease reminds us of the staples of life — we hanker for a return to the “good life” of our childhoods, which was, on the whole, a time spent outside whiling away the day with lots of unstructured play (and not a Nintendo in sight) and very little to worry about except what mum was preparing for dinner. We long to provide this for our own children.

Photo by Katrina Crook

Or maybe it’s none of these. Perhaps we are simply sick to death of gardens which offer nothing but a vacant green room, with little to engage or educate our children and no place for their beautiful imaginations to take hold. Whatever the reason, I’m thrilled with our new-found involvement, and am now longing to hear, once again, the 3:00 a.m. call of the lovelorn rooster and hoping that I will soon find a Choko vine spilling over the back fence.

Guest Blogger Bio: Caro Webster is the mother of two young children, a freelance writer and author of the recently released Small Fry Outdoors – inspiration for being outside with children (ABC Books). She is also President of the Friends of the Botanic Gardens in Sydney. Check out Caro and colleague Susie Cameron on Twitter and at the Small Fry website.