I recently sent out a survey to all our families asking a few key questions about Balanced Family Academy’s Nature Program. Let’s jump right in to what you had to say and what awesome places we’ll go from here:

How does your family connect with nature?

I was really curious to know how you all are already connecting with our great outdoors. Here’s what you said:

• Enjoy hikes/walks as a family

• Exploring our many beautiful Metroparks

• Gardening

• Exploring your own backyards

• Picnics

• Camping

• Outside recreation such as biking, sports, scavenger hunts

• Playing pretend in the backyard/woods (love this!)

• Watching animals

What really brought me joy is the amount of you who said thanks to nature class, your kiddos know so much more… but more importantly, are curious and excited about so much more outdoors! A key part of the nature program is NOT dry facts and figures… but instead feelings. Yup, kiddos are only going to want to know facts if they first care about the topic. Our job (Johnny, James and I) is to get kiddos to associate nature with fun, mystery, excitement and wonder…. then kiddos will be self-motivated to learn more!

What would you like to see more of in Nature Class?

This question was the main purpose for making the survey. I have a solid idea of what kids enjoy and what games work etc. BUT I want to be sure our program is providing what families want and need to truly connect with nature and each other! Here’s what you said:

• Over half of all respondents want to see more content about cool places to explore nature in Central Ohio

  (Good news: here are several past blog posts about exactly that!)

• The next most frequent response was Projects to do at Home (Habitat creation etc)

  (Here’s some: like this, and this, and this one, oh and this. And this!)

• You also said you’d love some specifics on Nature Games to Play at Home

  (Try these out, and this game I just made!)

• Lastly you said you’d love regular updates on what we are doing in class and important info about local nature, including safety!

Noted!

And the winner is…

One lucky respondent has won a full set of my nature connection children’s books (check your email)! Each book is illustrated with bits of nature from my land and includes loads of resources and activities in the back for more connection. Also, they’re pretty silly. If you’d like to get these for your family, you can find them all at this marvelous bookstore!

Well there you have it! Thank you for your thoughtful responses and kind words! This job is an absolute dream come true and we are all excited to make BFA’s Nature Program better and better with your help! Let’s get growing!

(Be sure to stay in the loop by following me @jaredthenatureguy on instagram and reading our monthly nature newsletter!)