Author: Forest Leader
A Call to Trust in Childhood Play
Barefoot Benefits
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. Hand-in-hand with heading outdoors, is often the consideration of what gear to bring along for the ride. I have a backpack full of what comes with us almost every time. Weather checks help inform if we should bring rain gear, sunscreen, woolen layers, and so forth.…
Benefits to Risky Play
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints Being out in nature is beautiful. It is also filled with potential risks. How we approach those risks, though, determine what children get out of the experience. There’s been much talk lately about some of these risks as not just elements to be managed, but…
5 Ways to Approach Nature Like a Child
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. There is something beautiful and powerful about watching a child explore a natural setting. Forget about expectation, about having a plan. Kids rarely go outdoors seeking to discover or create or even come away with any feelings those actions impart. But sure enough, those things happen.…
A Vision for Endless Communities of Outdoor Play
Photograph Courtesy of family+footprints. No big secret. We love outdoor play groups – in the woods, free-play, exploration kind of play groups. The one we joined this year has been a most enriching, ongoing experience for our young family. It’s a fun, adventurous, creative and empowering time, filled with…
Father’s Day in the Forest
A Letter to Parents Who Want to Love the Outdoors…But Don’t
Forest Friday Pictures
Forest Friday is here! We would love if you would share a picture of this week’s forest adventures with the whole community on our facebook page. Show off your adventure and inspire others to get out into the woods and play.




