For many kids who live in the city, nature can be a scary and bewildering place. Why are there so many slimy bugs? Which plants can I eat and which will make my skin itch? A world of unknown animals and plants can feel very different from a concrete and manicured grass environment.
When we bring kids here to the Wissahickon Environmental Center, our goal is to immerse them in a version of our world that will feed their soul, ignite their curiosity, and stretch their imaginations. And there is never a doubt that once they open up to the woods their imagination and curiosity flourish.
But first, we have to help them break out of their city shells.
So you may ask - is there a secret trick? Is there a tactic we can often rely on to get kids squealing with delight and rummaging around in the soil? The answer is yes. And while there are may wonderful introductions into the limitless play space of the woods, for kids under 14 yrs, we have an answer: worms.
Worms are often a great introduction to the slimy yet satisfying curiosities of nature - the bugs, animals, and foliage that provide so many hidden surprises and fun facts. Worms have a lot of things going for them.
They are easily found, they wriggle about in a funny way, and they're friendly with their powers to help accelerate the decomposition process of top layer soil. On the other hand, fun fact: here in the Northeast, our earth worms are invasive and reproduce rapidly, creating over-population that ends up leading to top-soil runoff due to over-aeration of.
All the better to play with, my dear! They're seemingly limitless, and if we end up decreasing the population, oh well.
All of this to say, it often takes just one magical and joyous experience in nature to get kids riled up about the wonders of our precious planet.
We humans have an intrinsic connection to nature, with a very primal and spiritual part of ourselves tied inextricably to the natural wonders of our world. Because of this, incredible physical and mental benefits have been scientifically proven to come from spending time outdoors.
Ever hear of Nature Deficit Disorder?
So come on over and take a hike, play on the rocks, provide space for your kids to create imaginary games with the bountiful resources of the woods. It's never too late to face your fears and jump into a foreign world of bugs and plants.
Maris Harmon was the Summer 2017 Recreation Specialty Instructor at the Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House) for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
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