The Purpose of Nature for Kids is to enrich the lives of children through wholesome outdoor recreation and experiential learning.
How It Came About
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 back in 2008 we discussed how we should compile all the information that we’ve learned, mostly through trial and error, so that we could share it with other families. We sincerely wanted other children to experience just a portion of what we personally saw our own kids experience in nature.
We’ve been compiling the information here at Nature For Kids for more than 8 years now; putting things to memory after learning something from our experiences, sharing trip reports, local events, books, anything that helps encourage families to enrich their lives through wholesome outdoor recreation!
SHAWNA - 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 met my husband in college and he whisked me away with his deep love for adventure. Four kids and 16 years later our adventures haven’t taken a back seat. The mutual focus of our marriage is to nurture one another and to teach our kids life lessons by exploring the great outdoors.
DAMON - 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. “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
Meet our favorite four-legged friends Pippa & Kaiser
Kaiser :
He’s been with us for almost 7 years. Kaiser is a Schnauzer. Personality wise he considers himself a human and falls in-line with the kids wherever they go. His favorite activities are riding the SUP board, nosing through the neighborhood and tracking dirt through the house.
Here’s a picture of his snow boots…
Kaiser’s Best and Only Trick
Here are a couple posts about Kaiser that we’ve done in the past…
SUP Boarding For Islander Wannabes Too
Pippa:
Pippa has been with us for just over 2 years. Shes a wheaten terrier/schnauzer. She’s a fluffy lovable girl with a healthy appetite for anything, non edible items included. She loves to run, snuggle and also track dirt through the house.
Here’s a post we did about Pippa…
Pippa and Kaiser just had 7 puppies. It was such a fun learning experience for us all! The pups all have fabulous homes now including two in our neighborhood and one at Grandma’s house! She named her dog Buddy and now we get to visit him whenever we want! It made the sting of seeing them all go a little less painful. Read all about our 8-week experience.
We love the schnauzer breed. So much so that I made a pinterest board about them. You’re welcome to see what I’ve pinned!
psychology degree online says
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.
Joshua says
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 🙂
Shawna says
Thanks Joshua! Let us know if there’s something specific you’d like us to cover!
Sam says
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 [email protected] !
Kathleen Lennon says
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
[img]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150300657222549&set=a.10150300657147549.339150.336526377548&type=1&theater[/img]
Shawna says
sounds fun! We’ll totally look into it!
Djuke Veldhuis says
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!
Shawna says
Thanks so much Djuke!
Henricus Peters says
Hi Shawna and Damon
Really impressed by what you’ve done/do with and for getting kids, yours and others, into the outdoors! I am a teacher, environmental educator (Co-chair of NAEEUK), cub and scout leader - but do all these in Shanghai at the moment… I follow ‘Children and Nature Network’.
You might like to check these out…
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Learn-From-Nature/180449518659079
twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/LearnFromNature
blog - http://learnfromnature.net/
Keep up the great work!
Henricus Peters
bmw inpa says
Dieses Produkt hat aus China hergestellt.Der Preis ist unparteiisch.unsere Waren sind in ähnlicher Funktion wie Original-Ware.bitte aktualisieren nicht durch offizielle Website, falls ja, wird das Produkt gebrochen werden.Wenn Sie Upgrade-Funktion möchenten,wenden Sie sich bitte an uns,Wir schicken Ihnen die neueste Version Link.Windows-Betriebssystem Voraussetzung ist Windows XP-Systemÿ lyj
D.E. says
We are an outdoor loving family living near the Canadian Rockies. We just had our 4th child last month (we also have 1 daughter and 3 sons!). While I easily feel overwhelmed right now, it is reassuring to look at your blog, and see the pictures of your family enjoying the outdoors. It is encouraging to see that it is possible with 4 kids…and it even looks fun!!
Shawna says
OH D.E. thanks for your comment! Made my day! Don’t let the pictures fool ya. We get overwhelmed as well. But it is serious fun with all this kiddos too!
Coach Factory Outlet Online Sale says
I am hoping that you will continue writing this kind of blog. Thanks for sharing this information.Really enjoyed reading your content regularly! nice blog! I love it!
Jennifer Jacobucci says
I love your blog and all of the great information on your website. I have 3 children and am very passionate about getting kids outdoors and active. It’s so important to have the unity of family and the health aspects of being outside exploring! I have a company that designs children’s cycling jerseys and would love to share stories and insights on how we can help get each others word out to the world! Would love to hear from you. In the meantime, I’ll be reading your blog :).
Rituparna Biswas says
Hi Shawna & Damon,
Just came across your wonderful blog.
Today is Earth Day and here’s a very short film with an important message for children and adults alike to mark the day. Thought this might interest you.
http://youtu.be/6FIjnzf61d0
Please consider sharing it with your networks.
Cheers,
Rituparna
Brian Quintilone says
Just wanted to say I love the blog! I just wanted to introduce you to our website http://www.kidentrepreneur.biz, our mission is to provide free business kits for kids which I feel would be something your readers would be interested in. We create mini franchises like our Pet Care business “The Crate Escape” that kids can download for free on our website which includes everything they need to start a small business including business cards, flyers, service agreements and so on.
Clare Clancy says
Hello!
We’ve been following you on Instagram and were wondering if you’d be interested in doing a gear review for us? We make children’s outdoor wear. All our gear is waterproof and meant to be worn in the most extremes of weather. We are very popular among outdoor schools too. We are a small business looking to expand our reach and find that gear reviews are very helpful in that journey. If you are interested, please email or call me (360-573-5000) and let me know. We are flexible on what you review but would love for you to try out our newest line, our trail line. We have jackets, pants, gloves and one-piece suits.
Thank you for your time!
Shawna says
Hi Clare, Thanks for reaching out! We’re most definitely interested in your line of outdoor wear and sharing with our readers. Anything to help make the outdoor experience more enjoyable! I’ll contact you very soon!
Chris Jensen says
Hi Shawna, We are a Utah company that invented some awesome gloves to make it easier and more fun for kids (and parents) to #getoutsideandplay take a look at http://www.veyokids.com. I would love to send you a pair to check out.
Chris Jensen
VP of #getoutandplay
[email protected]
Cell: 208-313-7025
http://www.veyokids.com