Discovering and Exploring the Northwoods

By: Mike Schretenthaler, Environmental Education Intern

There was a child went forth every day;
And the first object he looked upon, that object he became;
And that object became part of him for the day, or a certain part of
the day, or for many years, or stretching cycles of years…

~Walt Whitman

Mike Schretenhaler with Eco-Discoverers group 

            This poem by Walt Whitman is a great reminder to adults just how curious and excited children are about nature.  Working here at the North Lakeland Discovery Center as the Environmental Education Intern, I have been able to see the powerful curiosity that these children hold for nature and all things wild.  For the last few weeks the NLDC has been hosting children’s programs, the Eco-Series, to rev up kids access to nature and their abilities to learn about what surrounds them.  Every week I am lucky enough to meet new Discoverers, ages 4-7, and Explorers, ages 7-10.  Being the intern, it is my job to learn from my experiences here, and it goes without saying that these kids teach me every day.  The most rewarding part of the Eco-Series is seeing the kid’s eyes light up when they get to pet out resident snake Maize, or when they are able to catch a tadpole, or just even running through the field.  My own childhood was spent running through the woods, climbing trees, and swimming in lakes, and to be able to show kids that spending time outside can be much more rewarding than sitting in front of a T.V. brings me joy. The Eco-Series strives to create lasting impacts for children, so that they never lose their sense of wonder and adventure.  I highly encourage all parents to take their kids outside and explore with them, what you will find is more than just some really interesting nature and a much more beautiful view than the T.V. can offer, you will give your children an eternal love for exploring and the ambition to always keep learning. As the great Wisconsinite John Muir had said, “in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

            To learn more about our weekly programs for children, or to register, visit http://www.discoverycenter.net/ or pick up a 2014 summer program guide at the nearest distributor.