How Nature Restores our Wellbeing

"Nature is not a place to visit, it is home." Gary Snyder

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How do our experiences in nature restore our sense of wellbeing? Are there ways we can explore the natural world to increase our creativity?  How can we feel more at home in nature? These (and more!) are some of the big  questions that inspire our encounters with nature at Camp Wildcraft. In this blog, we’ll  share some of our experiences at camp, a little bit of the research that motivates us, and some ways you can create more awareness and connection while exploring nature with your kids. ​

At Camp Wildcraft we see how our campers are happier and their best selves after wading the creek, searching for crystals, pushing themselves up a hill with 25 other kids, or pondering a giant oak while drawing in their sketchbooks. By pointing out surprises on the trail we invite kids to see the functional design of seedpods or  hear the patterns of bird song. We share nature’s intelligence and gifts: such as the recent discovery that yellow and purple wildflowers grow near each other as their complementary colors draw pollinators. Or that the round oak galls that fall from certain oak trees, can be used to make the blackest ink– and have been used for this since ancient times. (We make and use this ink at camp :)  ​

Research shows that exploring and observing nature alleviates negative thoughts, lifts our mood and improves our focus. Being in nature fosters a process of restoration and what psychologists call “soft fascination", a kind of “passive attention" which is effortless and diffuse. This primes our brain to have unexpected connections and insights. Observing patterns, forms and colors in nature have a soothing effect on the human nervous system. It frees us from rumination and worry, allowing us much needed time to find calm and renewal. ​

At Camp Wildcraft we draw kids attention to the small wonders and interconnections they may not have noticed. Storytelling, scavenger hunts, drawing in our sketchbooks creatively  activate kids on the trail and invite them to notice plants and animals within the landscape. Working collaboratively to build big forts from branches or creating small worlds under the trees with sticks, rocks and leaves allow kids to engage with all our senses and feel, through our body, heart and mind, the interconnectedness of all living things. 

​So how can families recharge together by finding wonder and wellbeing in nature ?
​Here are some ideas from our Camp Wildcraft experience: 

• ​Be present.  Give each other the gift of attention. Allow yourself

          a phone break.

• Bring along sketchbooks for both kids AND adults. Take pencils or colored pencils or watercolors….Stop along the way to look closely at details or the broader landscape. Take a breath and draw and paint. Find ochre (yellow colored rocks) to draw with. 
• Tell stories. Stop in a shady spot and tell a story about a favorite childhood memory of being in nature–the ocean, a trip, an adventure. Think about obstacles you encountered and overcame, surprises and mystery, conflicts and collaboration, wonder and awe. 
• Play “I spy” on the trail. As you’re walking, take turns noticing unexpected details which others need to find, “ I spy with my little eye….”
• Make rock cairns. impromptu sculptures of stacks and balanced rocks.
• Find a walking stick. Take it home and sand part of it. Add some paint if desired or wrap some yarn or string around the handle. 
• Print out one of our Camp Wildcraft Nature Journals (below) to encourage a closer look at the natural world.  

Share with us below some of your ways of recharging and connecting with nature!

Additional resources to enliven your family nature encounters.  

• Apps: Some apps can help us focus on, rather than distract, from nature. Some free apps we love:
  • MerlinbirdID  lets you record bird songs and identify them. 
  • inaturalist–which invites you to observe and identify plants and wildlife by uploading photos on their app. 
• Nature Journaling: John Muir Laws is the Guru of Nature Journaling. Explore his Facebook page and website for a wealth of lessons and inspiration for kids and adults. 
• Hikes We Love List and Camp Wildcraft Printable Sketchbooks 
• Click here for Benny and Shari's local "Hikes We Love" list 
• Click here for Camp Wildcraft Nature Journal  #1 
• Click here for Camp Wildcraft Nature Journal #2 

Some of the research mentioned here is from Thinking with Natural Space, The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Hall