I’ll admit to feeling a lot of despair over the past year – from deadly conflicts in various parts of the world, to the continued political divisiveness closer to home, to what could be the hottest year on record for the planet in the past 125,000 years. It’s sometimes difficult to find a sense of hope in this barrage of daily news.
Years ago, when I was just starting this work with Take Me Outside, I came across this Calvin and Hobbes cartoon. Perhaps it’s overly simplistic at some level, yet it contains a message that has consistently resonated with me and the work we’re trying to do. My interpretation of Calvin’s words is that if we spent a little more time outside, the world would be a better place. I understand the shortcomings of this sentiment; and while it’s not a singular answer to the issues we face, it does have an ounce of truth to it based on the research. It’s this growing evidence that gives me hope as we work to strengthen students’ and teachers’ relationships with the outdoors.
On behalf of our small team and our board of directors, we wish you a hopeful holiday season, and one that can include time outside with family and friends!
— Colin and the TMO team
“If a child never sees the stars, never has meaningful encounters with other species, never experiences the richness of nature, what happens to that child? Every child needs nature. Not just the ones with parents who appreciate nature. Not only those of a certain economic class or culture or gender or sexual identity or set of abilities. Every child.” — Richard Louv, author of ‘Last Child in the Woods’
June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, knowledge systems, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island. For countless generations, Indigenous Peoples have learned with and from the land. Indigenous knowledge systems recognize the land as a teacher and emphasize relationships, reciprocity, observation, responsibility, and […]
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity, strength, joy, and stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. When we bring stories outdoors, something special happens. Reading beneath a tree, sharing reflections around a circle, wandering through a forest while imagining a character’s journey, or connecting identity to place through art and observation can help learning […]
Every February we honour the legacies, contributions, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities. We’re recognizing both Black History Month and Black Futures Month, acknowledging the past and present while also looking forward to an equitable future that celebrates Black leadership, resilience, and innovation. To help us celebrate Black voices in the outdoors and support anti-racism […]