As I head out later today to the Climate Strike in downtown Vancouver, I am not only thinking about Climate Change and what our role is; I am also drawn to thinking about what this means to be an outdoor educator. Sometimes, like all of us, I feel guilty–that I am not doing enough, not nearly enough. And yet, when I look at the photographs of children playing outside for the majority of their time, it allows me to pause and reconsider.

The first step to change is caring–caring about what it is you want to change. Children who climb trees care about their branches; children who plant beans care about the soil and the growth of the plant; children who roll down hills care about the grass; children who watch snails as they move ever so slowly care about Snail and their needs; children who see coyote scat ponder what he has been eating; children who taste honey fresh from the hive care about bees and how they will collect nectar & pollen; children who cherish Eagle’s call as she perches above care about Eagle and how she spends her time. Children who are outside engage with the outdoor world and care about the environment, on their own and with others- perhaps this change is enough for today. Together we really can make a difference!

And some indoor work

In gratitude,

Emily