How can you connect with nature while staying close to home?
Exploring your back yard, going for a walk in your neighbourhood or taking part in some indoor nature-themed activities are all fun possibilities.
There are many fun ways to engage with the natural world from home—this week’s activities are some great examples. Give them a try!
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During this time of physical distancing, I have taken the opportunity to get to know my neighbourhood and local green spaces. Every other day, I try to get out and go for a walk to a new area I have never been to. During these walks I realise how lucky I am to live near green spaces where I can enjoy nature while staying mentally and physically healthy.
We recognize that a change to online and at home activities does create a vulnerability for some children especially those in difficult or at-risk living conditions. In line with our safety culture and values, Scouts Canada continues to prioritize safety and offers support by providing access to various experts and resources. We encourage kids to reach out to Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) for 24/7 counselling. You can also visit Cybertip.ca for best practices on internet safety or review Scouts Canada’s Safety Tips on cyber safety and social media.
As always, be sure to keep the Two-Scouter Rule in mind, whether engaging in online conversations through email, virtual conversations with other Scouts or on social media, and by phone.
Tag @scoutscanada in your #ScoutsDoStuff pics—let Scouting youth across Canada and around the world know how they can continue Scouting at home!
What a great example of learning outside of the classroom with friends. This father and son are enjoying a virtual novel study with their Section, and are looking forward to a virtual Scouting music night next week!
Geocaching is a great way to explore nature around you, while connecting with others virtually to enjoy a game of discovery.
Kim and Shane, Scouting parents who work with some of Victoria’s most vulnerable people, saw a great hands-free handwashing station that the 1st Arbutus and 1st Douglas Scout Groups used at the Pacific Jamboree. They reached to 1st Arbutus for advice on how to build their own hand washing stations. The two Groups donated their stations as models and Scouter Steve of 1st Arubutus quickly developed some DIY instructions that were posted online. That advice was quickly implemented: five more stations were constructed and are being used by the homeless in downtown Victoria until better facilities are available. Read More →
Scouting activities may be on hold, but the spirit of Scouting continues at home! Shout out to everyone who is camping in their own backyard and putting their skills into play.
It can sometimes be hard to think about how you can see nature while sticking close to home, but nature is always around you! Try out some of these activities to discover the creatures that live nearby and how you can help them to thrive in your neighbourhood.
With Tiny Habitat Survey learn more about the different animals that are native to your area and meet some species you may have never known before. Many animals use camouflage in order to stay hidden from view. Learn about camouflage and other ways animals protect themselves with Adaptations in Nature.
You can also help the living things around you — become a Citizen Scientist and help to log the organisms in your community. Find out what lives around you and how you can protect these plants and animals.
It’s not too early to start preparing for planting season. Try planting beans and building a Bean Greenhouse. Scout Seeds is a great way to get the seeds you need for your project! You'll also find seeds for many other vegetables, as well as for flowers.
Explore the seven principles of Leave No Trace and create your own drawing, video or podcast to share their importance with others. How can you still put the seven principles of Leave No Trace into practice at home?
We can also still spend time outside while maintaining physical distance from others. On your next neighbourhood walk, try your own tree scavenger hunt. Can you identify four or more trees just by looking at their trunks, leaves and branches?
Personal Achievement badges allow kids to take their hobbies to the next level through self-set badge requirements. There’s a Personal Achievement badge that can be connected to any interest! This week’s Personal Achievement badge is Earth. Challenge youth to think about the importance of our environment, nature and research, and do some hands-on activities to learn more about our environment and how we can help from home or the backyard.
Take a look at the full selection of Personal Achievement badges for activities your child can do alone or together as a family.
There are lots of great ways to explore STEM without going beyond your backyard. Learn more about the creatures that live around you and how they’ve adapted to their habitat. Try a Mapping Challenge and learn what makes a habitat great. Once you’ve done your survey, try your hand at being a Habitat Builder and create your own habitat inside your house!
Media inquiries, please contact Naina Trivedi: naina.trivedi@scouts.ca
Scouts Canada Charity Number: 107761694RR0028
