To tell the truth, I'm not much of a nature journaler. Back in the day, I had my kids journal about nature, thinking it would cement the things I taught them into their little noggins. I didn't feel like it really helped them learn anything more than just being out in nature did, so I'm not a huge fan of nature journaling. I'm not against it necessarily, and if you're someone who really likes it, then I say, "More power to you."

But if you dread the thought of journaling and it feels like another guilt-inducing device to you then I say, "Drop it like an old stinky sock and never think twice about it."

Now, I don't know much about geocaching . . . in fact, I've never even caught a geo, but I like the idea of it. I've talked to several parents who love it and describe the thrill of the hunt as they and their children go up and down the roads looking for some hidden treasure guided only by their GPS device.

The thing I like about it is not that it teaches kids about navigation or how to use maps, but that it is a fun thing to do as a family. I'm all about activities that bring families together. Actually, you could add to the list of geocaching. You could go to the beach together, bike together, picnic together, eat pizza together, and anything else you can think of doing . . . together.

That's what summer is all about. So go on out there and do something with your children . . . together.

Be real,

Todd

Dear Friends,

The chance to write about today's topic coincided with a visit to my daughter in Chicago. As we discussed nature journaling, Melody surprised me with her recollection of the nature journals my husband had worked with the kids on creating eighteen years ago.

Here are some of her thoughts:

"I liked that Dad had us bind the journals, because it was tactile, involving all of our senses. It was very evocative--even remembering the journal brings a rush of nostalgia. It was a simple time of childhood . . . I remember laying in the tall grass outside of our house in Belle Fourche, and the smell of the grass. I remember we had an assignment where we were looking for all the things we could find in a small patch--counting the worms, the ants, the different types of grass.

"I remember enjoying the opportunity to journal about nature because it made me feel like I could write expressively about it. It was not just a record, but a way of exploring nature artistically--not just scientifically.

"I remember Dad telling us the story of Professor Agassiz and the fish (here is a link to learn this story, if it is unfamiliar).

"Then he told us, 'Go back and look at your patch of grass again . . . go back and look at your patch of grass.' "

She ended with this insightful comment:

"Nature journaling is not just about observing bird migration patterns and learning grass varieties. Nature journaling is about engaging all five senses, being human, and developing skills applicable in all areas of your life . . . AND, it's a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon!"

I absolutely agree!

Remember, stay relational,

Diana