While using nature-based resources for education at home and in the classroom is beneficial, connecting with Nature goes beyond simply learning about it – it's about getting into Nature and forming a deep bond with it. Spending time outside daily, taking a walk in the woods every week, eating whole foods, and gardening are wonderful ways to connect with Nature. However, sometimes we need to go a little bit deeper.

Deeper experiences leave lasting impressions of feelings and states of mind that remind us, as we grow, about the magical and connected times we have spent in Nature. These memories keep us returning to Nature for nourishment. Steiner schools adopt the idea of camps early on in their education because they recognize the need for deep discovery, adventure, and experience. Even from year one at school, there are overnight stays and campouts under the stars that include stories, fire, stars, and exposure to the elements. From year three onwards, the camps become more advanced and last longer.

These camps extend the comfort zone of the child, helping them gain perspective and contextualise their “normal life” with contrasting experiences of the other world – Nature. We are usually so embedded in our daily habits and routines (big people and little people alike) that we need to fully step outside of our normal life to rejuvenate and amplify our system. Deep immersion in Nature, where we leave digital devices at home and spend three days or more in Nature, is vital to the development of children and adults.

The Digital Detox

Our modern lives are often dependent on and constantly influenced by technology. If we have never spent time away from our devices, and neither have our children, this is a crucial experience to have. Some people call this a digital detox, which is useful to rewire the reward centers of our brain, so that we find slower-paced, Nature-based, activity-centric things more rewarding and enjoyable. Our physiology prefers this slower way of living, so our bodies in this environment will resonate with health and vitality. This experience of vitality and memories of awe and connection will provide a great anchor for children (and adults) to avoid becoming lost in digital realities because they remember what it felt like to be immersed in Nature.

In Australia, there are amazing Nature educators and experiences being held in the realm of traditional bushcraft, nature immersion, bush camps, ancestral skills, and initiation for young people. Life Rocks recommends finding groups near you that are interested in Nature time, deep immersion, and education around Nature connection. In NSW, Nature Philosophy with Kate Rydge and Sam Robertson run amazing experiences for families called bush camp. They also run vision quests for adults. Both experiences will improve the connections of your family, self, and our connection to Nature and community.

Check out their work over at Nature Philosophy.

Top 5 Tips for Deep Nature Connection

1. Establish a regular sit spot for you and your kids to visit at least a few times a week. A regular place in Nature that you can build familiarity with.
2. Plan for a big trip, hike, or camp out. Go for three days or longer. Leave devices in the car or at home. Only use the phone for emergencies. Allow some space for you and your children to move through the frustration of not being stimulated by devices and media.
3. Reach out to community, friends, and family who also want to create these experiences for you and your family. See what activities or adventures you can add into the trip to make it enticing and fun, such as canoeing, rock climbing, a field trip with local bushmen and women, bird watching, snorkeling, etc.
4. Prepare stories to tell by the fire. See what stories your children want to tell, if they are feeling brave enough or feel inspired to.
5. Cook on the fire. Activate those ancient senses.

For more ideas on connecting children to Nature, buy the book! By Asher Cloran.