A Snail's Pace

Papa and Dean spending time together in the hammock!

The Acorns & Oaks program began on Monday at both Stoneridge Farm and Harrington Conservation Area. This seasonal program offers children and their parents/caregivers an immersive experience in the outdoors.

Exploring using our senses is the best way to learn about the world around us. Spring is here so it is a good time to start regular trips outside to practice listening and looking and touching nature. Of course, packing a few other things in your backpack will help to make the outdoor experience more enjoyable. What did you pack this week?  What do you want to make sure you pack next week?  A scavenger hunt for examples of what to pack was a fun way to start off our program.  What did your child find? What impressed you about your child during this activity?

We spent some time looking around for things that are a fun shape or feel squishy or are crawling around. What did you notice about yourself and/or about your child when you were looking and collecting nature items? Can your child recall something about what they saw or collected?

Every week we will have a story and snack outside together. In our story this week “Hurry Up”, we were reminded to slow down, breathe in nature, talk a walk and make new friends. A challenge for you this week is to read a story outside in your favourite outdoor space. Nothing beats getting outside together and spending time in nature!  Thanks for joining us on the trails this week!

The pictures from the morning at Stoneridge Farm.

The pictures from the afternoon at Harrington Conservation Area.