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

Share

Tweet