Purpose
The Purpose of Nature for Kids is to encourage families with children to enrich their lives through wholesome outdoor recreation.
Shawna’s Bio
I grew up on a sheep ranch / farm in central Idaho. The fun and adventure was unlimited there but so was the work. I believe my parent’s decision to raise my siblings and I there was a wise one. It’s played a large part of who I am today. I loved athletics throughout my high school years and once I hit college my passion became the outdoors. I studied Recreation Education at a junior college and went on to get a degree in Recreation Management / Youth Leadership from Brigham Young University. I’ve written for a newspaper and done several freelance jobs for Idaho Magazine concerning outdoor recreation. I’ve also worked for city recreation centers, an outdoor retail/touring store and a high adventure ropes course. I now work with the cub scouts in my area. But most importantly I’ve been given the privilege of being a wife to a supportive and loving husband and mother of four fantastic children. My focus is to teach them life lessons by exploring the outdoors.
Damon’s Bio
I’m Shawna’s husband and contributing writer on Nature For Kids. I grew up in South-East Idaho building tree forts, floating canals, and riding bikes. My first job out of high school was working at Badger Creek, an outdoor youth ranch teaching leadership, communication, etc. through the great outdoors. I later received an associate’s degree in recreation education, bachelors in Elementary education, and finally masters in social work. I currently work as a clinical social worker focusing primarily on working with children and families. I often include the outdoors and experiential learning into my therapy groups and with individuals in counseling. Whether academics, or emotions, the great outdoors brings the added elements needed into helping children and families succeed, and us to be more successful teachers and parents.
How It Came About
My husband and I have always been the out-of-doors type. So when we had our first child we set out to expose him to the love we had for nature. He quickly became the one dragging us out the front door. 
After adding three more children to the mix we found that being in nature was a crucial part of their development and enjoyment.
It’s not easy taking all four kids on outdoor trips however. It takes a lot of preparation and internal motivation. But once we are immersed in the experience we realize once again that it is totally worth it.
One day I was talking with my husband, Damon, about how I wanted to compile all the information that we’ve learned, mostly through trial and error, so that we could share it with other families who have small children. I sincerely wanted other children to experience just a portion of what I personally saw my kids experience in nature.
He loved the idea and has since continually encouraged me to make something of it. I slowly have begun compiling information; putting things to memory after learning something from a trip or saving articles and books I come across while reading.
The result is Nature For Kids.
“Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” – The Family – A Proclamation To The World, September 1995
If you are a professional in human resources, counseling, social work, market research, advertising, sales or any job fields which need a lot of interaction with people and you need to enhance your psychology background in order to do a better job or enhance your job professionalism, a degree in psychology definitely can help you to achieve your goal.
Thank you guy’s so much. Its really awesome what you do. My daughter and I really enjoy your articles. Again, Thank you very much
Thanks Joshua! Let us know if there’s something specific you’d like us to cover!
Hey Shawna and Damon! I was wondering if you would be interested in posting an Eastern Mountain Sports infographic called “Bizzare Homes” to your blog? The infographic depicts a variety of extreme species living around the globe with unbelievable abilities for surviving in their respective environments. Some of these fascinating animals include the Dumbo Octopus; which lives at depths of 23000 ft in the ocean, or the Tardigrade; a microscopic “water bear” which can survive anywhere on the planet and go nearly 10 years without water.
Let me know what you think at sgraves@ems.com !
This can be a great website write-up and I defer to you what you’ve said below. I’ve previously subscribed for a RSS feed in Firefox and are going to be your regular reader. Many thanks for the time in writing the submit.
I found your blog site on google and check several of the early posts. Continue to keep up the good work. I just added up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking forward to reading through far more from you later on!
Yes, thank for the details a million! Have to discover anybody organizing Tea Party. I wants to participate in organizing.
Orienteering is a great family activity! We’d love it if you and your family came out to try it – we think you’d be hooked. We are constantly striving not only to get our kids outside and in the woods, but to get our friends and families kids outside and in the woods.
We’d also love it if you could add us to your website and facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Quantico-Orienteering-Club/ .
Hope to see you outside,
Kathleen Lennon
Quantico Orienteering
sounds fun! We’ll totally look into it!
I haven’t got kids but have lots of friends who do and I v. much approve of your philosophy, this will be a great resource to many. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much Djuke!
Hi,
Thanks for this article! Sites like yours are great to read, especially being a mom of young kids!
I wanted to pass along this great dental blog. It was wonderful ideas on keeping teeth healthy. Feel free to add it to your blog roll or link to it. I hope you enjoy it! http://www.1dental.com/blog/
Have a great week,
Cindi
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