The Big Book of Nature Activities: A Year-Round Guide to Outdoor Learning

The average North American child can identify over 300 corporate logos, but only 10 native plants or animals - a telling indictment of our modern disconnection from nature. Soaring levels of obesity, high rates of ADHD, feelings of stress and social awkwardness and "Nature Deficit Disorder" are further unintended consequences of a childhood spent primarily indoors.

The Big Book of Nature Activities is a comprehensive guide for parents, grandparents, caregivers and teachers to help youth of all ages explore, appreciate and connect with the natural world. This rich, fully illustrated compendium features:

• Nature-based skills and activities such as species identification, photography, journaling and the judicious use of digital technology
• Ideas, games and activities grounded in what's happening in nature each season
• Core concepts that promote environmental literacy, such as climate change and the mechanisms and wonder of evolution, explained using a child-friendly, engaging approach
• Lists of key species and happenings to observe throughout the year across most of North America.

Perfect for families, educators, and youth leaders, The Big Book of Nature Activities is packed with crafts, stories, information and inspiration to make outdoor learning fun!

Paperback, 384 pages, 8"x10"

About the Authors

Drew Monkman is an award-winning environmental advocate, naturalist, and former board member of the Camp Kawartha summer camp and outdoor education centre. A retired elementary school teacher, Drew's interest in integrating nature activities and environmental education into all areas of the curriculum led him to oversee the development of an outdoor classroom which went on to become a model for many similar projects throughout Ontario. In addition to writing a weekly nature column, Drew is the author of several seasons based nature guides including Nature's Year and Nature's Year in the Kawarthas. Drew has also received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Trent University, for his work in promoting nature education. (www.drewmonkman.com)

Jacob Rodenburg is the Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, an award winning summer camp and outdoor education centre which uses music, drama, hands-on exploration, games and activities to inspire awe and wonder for the local environment. He teaches part time at Trent University, where he spearheaded the development of an "Eco Mentor" certificate program for teacher candidates which was subsequently adopted by several other universities. As well as publishing numerous articles on children, nature and the environment, Jacob has worked in the field of outdoor education for 25 years and recently received the Ontario Society of Environmental Educators Award for "Leadership in Environmental Education". (www.campkawartha.ca)