NATURE & ART “Getting Kids Outside”

Listening to Robert Bateman speak at the unconference this week was inspiring.

Robert Bateman is regarded as one of the world’s greatest wildlife artists. A Canadian icon, an artist of unparalleled talent, yet always a man of the people, Bateman has dedicated his life to encouraging people to discover, value, and conserve the natural world.

Bateman touched on the impact of technology in a child’s life and about physical inactivity,one of the causes of childhood obesity.

Do we really need to let kids loose with tech gadgets to enjoy nature?

Well, they certainly didn’t need any gadgets to enjoy themselves in nature at the “Get To Know” festival.

I had to take Sam out of school because sadly his school wasn’t attending the festival.

Like all the kids at the event, Sam had a blast getting close up to nature and helping to paint a mural with renowned marine life artist Wyland.

Wyland has earned the distinction as one of America’s most unique creative influences, and a leading advocate for marine resource conservation.

Wyland had a wonderful way with the kids. Like Bateman said, we need enthusiastic teachers. Teachers and individuals who are passionate about art, nature, and our planet.

Underwater Mural in celebration of Wold Oceans Day.

Kids loved adding their very own painted creature to the mural.

Land Mural painted by all the kids.

Nature and Art are my passion and I believe bringing them together is a great way to getting kids outdoors and excited about nature. A belief Robert Bateman and Wyland have been championing for years.

Sam got the opportunity to build a bird house (using reclaimed Pine Beetle infested wood).

Rows upon rows of beautifully painted bird boxes sat drying in the sun while Robert Bateman talked to the kids.

So what did Bateman say: “Go home and tell your parents you want to get to know your neighbors. The neighbors being the trees, the birds, the butterflies”.

He wanted to emphasize the importance of spending time in your own environment, your own backyard, listening to the birds, smelling the flowers, visiting your local park to climb a tree.

So how do we get the kids outside? We have to let them know how magical nature is. I personally believe we need to start encouraging children to head outdoors at an early age, before the onset of the technological world that will undoubtedly become part of their future world.

I am passionate about getting kids outdoors and connecting with nature. I believe if we inspire a love of nature in a child, it will lead to a desire to protect it. First we have to give children the opportunity and freedom to go outside and explore, discover the magic Mother Nature has to offer, only then can they understand how precious it is. From my own experiences as a children’s author and illustrator, when you let children have “hands on experiences” they are more likely to take away so much more than sitting in a classroom with a text book.

My way ……with the help from my book characters- “The Little Humbugs“.

It was my love of art and nature and my passion to help reconnect children with nature that led me to making the “Let’s Go Outside” video series.

I am thrilled knowing that the Little Humbugs “Let’s Go Outside“ series is having an impact on getting kids outdoors. It’s an exiting start and like so many of my friends like Kari @activekidsclub an advocate for outdoor playgroups,  Caro @salisburydowns and Bethe @The Grass Stain Guru, Greenhour advocates for outdoor play, Mel @YourWildChild, Michele @OCPlayparks who has just recently started up a nature club, Deb @goexplorenature, Suz@slowfamily, Anja @littleeyeso nature and so many more, too many to mention. I think we have all been inspired by Richard Louv and his brilliant book “Last Child in the Woods” and who co founded the fantastic organization Children and Nature network, collectively are creating a brighter future for our children. If we all can work together, we have a chance of really making a BIG change.

With so many incredible people involved in bringing Nature into children’s lives the future is looking very bright.

Children around the world have the right to have nature in their lives.

ART & NATURE REALLY WORKS!!!

Hard to believe Robert Bateman has just turned 80 years old-proof that nature and art are a recipe for a health long life!