Welcome campers to the first week back at nature camp. This week we focused on gymnosperms. Gymnosperms are plants that produce naked seeds (unlike flowering plants, whose seeds are in flowers). Gymnosperms include conifers, pines, spruces, firs, junipers and larches. We also learned about the terms deciduous and evergreen. Deciduous plants and trees loose their leaves for a portion of the year, while evergreens loose their leaves differently. We went on a hunt, guessing at which trees might be deciduous. The campers made their guesses and then we talked about why. We learned that evergreen trees are not actually green year round, but rather loose leaves periodically. After the campers then guessed at what signals might prompt the trees to loose their leaves.
The campers took their newly decorated nature journals and recorded some observations about the trees on our walk. We recorded details with some help with labeling. Campers went and sat under a tree, sketched it out and then labeled their tree as evergreen or deciduous. We also talked a bit about temperate deciduous forests (where we live) and tropical deciduous forests. Temperate forests change with the pattern of the temperature, while tropical forests loose their leaves depending on rainfall.
How can you continue this conversation at home?
- Learning about how trees navigate the environment, helps children to gain an understanding of how plants adapt to environmental stimuli. It gives them a better understanding of their local environment, leading to a curiosity of the world around them.
- Just like trees, we too respond to different signals in our environment. When I am hungry, my stomach starts to rumble, and I might have a hard time focusing. At camp we talked about how temperate deciduous forests (respond to sunlight) and tropical forests (respond to water). We then, drew the parallel with how we respond to different stimuli and what some of those stimuli are.
- We took this time to do a short guided meditation and notice how we also respond to environmental stimuli. Use this as an opportunity to talk about how we can navigate difficult feelings.
- Continue this conversation discussing rainfall patterns and our current drought.
Walking Into Wellness Education Camps 