Kids Who Explore

Kids Who Explore

By Kids Who ExploreKids & Family
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Kids Who Explore episodes

  • Ep.114 Childhood is Created Outside with Linda Åkeson McGurk

    What’s the Scandinavian perspective on outdoor play? That you can’t have too much of it, and there’s no such thing as bad weather! Linda Åkeson McGurk, from Sweden, teaches us the essential nature of the outdoors in childhood. 


    Linda Åkeson McGurk is a Swedish American writer and author of the parenting memoir There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather and The Open-Air Life. McGurk is a passionate advocate for raising kids in the outdoors and thinks that the best childhood memories are created outside, while jumping in puddles, digging in dirt, catching bugs and climbing trees. She is the founder of the blog Rain or Shine Mamma, a resource where parents and other caregivers find tips and inspiration for outdoor play every day, regardless of the weather.  

     

    Some Key Takeaways: 

    • Kids need unstructured play for their emotional, social and cognitive skills. Play is different than activities outside. Play is chosen by the child and directed by the child and is intrinsically motivated 
  • Outdoor life can be as simple as daily walks, green spaces, and utilizing what you have (even in a city) 
  • Getting outside gets you in the rhythm of getting outside 
  • We don’t know all the consequences of indoor time and screen time yet, but we do know all the benefits of outdoor time!! 
  • Experiencing nature = gentle with it, versus  consuming nature = using motor vehicles in nature  

    •  

    Other Episode Referenced: 

    https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-112-open-air-classrooms-with-amy-cornet/ 

     

    Linda’s Books: 

    There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather 

    Open Air Life 

    https://rainorshinemamma.com/shop-2/ 

     

    Other Book Suggestion: 

    Book: Slow Birding by Joan E. Strassmann 

     

    Follow Linda: 

    Blog: rainorshinemamma.com – sign up for newsletter 

    IG and Facebook: @rainorshinemamma 

     

     

    Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:

    https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/ 

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.  

     

    Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

    50 min
  • Ep. 113 A Baby Shower Gift Registry List for a Hiking Mom

    Give the Gift of Adventure to an Adventurous Parent to be: Everything they'll need to hike with their baby is shared on today’s episode! 

     

    Wish List: 

    1. Soft-Structured Carrier(for newborn to 3 years old, with rain and winter cover) 
  • AChild Carrier(for 6+ months with rain cover and hydraulics pack) 
  • SOS Device/Satellite Phone with Subscription
  • Family First-Aid Kit
  • Merino Wool Base Layers and Socks
  • Bear Belt(to hold bear spray) 
  • Summit Seat
  • Fleeceand Down Bunting 
  • Hiking Poles
  • Ice Cleats
  • Adventure Blankie
  • 4x4 Stroller(if not able to carry) 

    • Bonus Item: Baby Explorer Toque from KWE! 

     

    Refer to this blog post for all links: 

    https://www.adriannaadventures.ca/post/babyshowergiftregistrylistforahikingmom 

     

    Lauren’s Soft-Structured Carrier Suggestion: 

    Tula Free to Grow (and Toddler Carrier) 

    Discount Code: LAURENEB5 gets you 5% off 

     

    Babywearing Episode: 

    https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-10-babywearing-101-with-vanessa-shynkaruk/ 

     

     

    Hiking with your baby creates a strong bond. You'll look back and love the memories you created on the trail together.  

     

     

    Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for sponsoring today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com 

    Use code FREECANADA within Canada from March 1-March 31, 2023 for free shipping on orders over $50! 

     

    Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures from @kidswhoexplore

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

    24 min
  • Ep. 112 Open Air Classrooms with Amy Cornet

    When we asked Amy, who teaches at an outdoor school if there were any cons to learning in the outdoors, she couldn’t think of even one! However, she could name endless pros. Tune in to hear all of them! 

     

    Amy started her teaching career in Japan for a year and then came back home to Canada and has been working for Sturgeon Public Schools since. She has been teaching kindergarten for the past 14 years. A few years back, she read "There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather" by Linda Åkeson McGurkand together with another kindergarten teacher and principal, they made a proposal to their school board to run an outdoor kindergarten program. This is now officially their second year of the program. She has two daughters and three stepdaughters, and you can find them skating, sledding, going for walks, exploring new places, playing games in the backyard, and having fires. On top of that, her family is trying to get 1000 hours outside this year.  

     

    Benefits of Outdoor Learning: 

    • Allows for play-based learning  
  • Children can direct play 
  • Allows for greater regulation and more joy! 
  • Getting outside [especially before noon] helps regulate the circadian rhythm and helps sleep patterns  
  • Suits many diverse learning needs and is inclusive to everyone  
  • Lends well to boosting moods 
  • Lessens the time needed for classroom management – kids don’t need to sit still or “stop running” 
  • Kids learn to problem-solve together  
  • Offers opportunities for risk-taking and adds to resilience  

    •  

    Sturgeon Heights School: 

    • Their school is not a forest school [forest schools have very specific regulations and go through a certification process] 
  • Their school follows the Alberta curriculum, and does it all while including lots of outdoor time (minimum 2 hours per day) 
  • They are now adding outdoor schooling for up to Grade 3!  
  • Provincial regulations allow them to take the kids outside until -25 degrees Celsius (with wind chill) 
  • They have people come to them for “field trip” experiences 
  • They have not found a negative to being outside more! 

    •  

    Kids are naturally curious learners. We don’t need to be worried about if they are learning outside…they are! 

     

    If we as adults lead, they will follow [us outside]! 

     

    Item Recommendations: 

    Heated Vest & Travel Hammock 

     

    Book Recommendation: 

    There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk 

     

    Follow Sturgeon Public Schools at: 

    IG: @openairkindergarten or @sturgeonheightsschool 

     

     

    Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for sponsoring today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com 

    Use code FREECANADA within Canada from March 1-March 31, 2023 for free shipping on orders over $50! 

     

    Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

    44 min
  • Ep. 111 Basecamp Resorts with Sky McLean

    Looking for a home away from home with hotel features, where nature and family are priority? So was Sky McLean, so she created it!! Basecamp Resorts will have you itching for adventure! 

     

    Sky McLean is the founder and CEO of Basecamp Resorts, properties that are renowned for offering guests epic mountain views, with modern amenities and top notch service. The company prides itself on providing a home away from home for guests. There are currently 10 properties under the Basecamp Resorts brand. Sky grew the brand from 1 to 10 properties in just 5 years. Sky is based in Canmore, Alberta – she is a huge outdoor enthusiast, and is an avid downhill skier, nordic skier, snowmobiler and mountain biker and has two young kids.  

      

    Basecamp Resorts: 

    • Inspired by AirBnB or VRBO, but with more regulations, so people could know what they were going to get 
  • Stack townhomes with different amounts of rooms 
  • Home away from home, but with hotel-like features, such as hot tubs, and more 
  • Nature is priority there – easy access. Locations prime for this!! Trails, skiing, biking, and more 
  • Perfect spot for all types of vacations!! Priority is the experience.   

    •   Locations of currently open Basecamp Resorts properties include: 
    • 5 properties in Canmore, AB – Basecamp Resorts Canmore, Basecamp Suites Canmore, Basecamp Lodge Canmore, Northwinds by Basecamp,  Lamphouse by Basecamp 
  • 1 property in Banff, AB – Basecamp Suites Banff 
  • 1 property in Lake Louise, AB – Baker Creek by Basecamp 
  • 1 property in Golden, BC – Basecamp Lodge Golden  
  • 1 property Revelstoke, BC – Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke 
  • 1 premium campground in Kananaskis, AB - Sundance by Basecamp  

    •  

    It’s not about pushing kids. It’s about exposing them to it and allowing them to call the shots! Share your passions with your kids, and bring snacks! 

     

    Follow: 

    Website: www.basecampresorts.com 

    Instagram: @skymclean  @basecampresorts   

    Facebook: @basecamp.properties 

      

     

    Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for sponsoring today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com 

    Use code FREECANADA within Canada from March 1-March 31, 2023 for free shipping on orders over $50! 

     

    Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

    15 min
  • Ep. 110 KWE Explorer Families with Michelle Klatt

    Our Explorer Families have grown to over 400 families across the globe. Tune in to learn the beautiful connections, relationships, and inspiration that have come out of them, and how you can join in the magic!! 

     

    Michelle was born and raised in the heart of Alberta, and was never the “outdoors type”, but as she got older she found herself gravitating towards the mountains. After quitting her 9-5 carpentry job in 2022 to pursue social media and content creation, she now spends her days hiking, snowboarding, and encouraging people of all skill levels to embrace nature, while doing so safely and consciously. Although she doesn’t have kids of her own, the Kids Who Explore community is where she calls ‘home’. 

     

    Explorer families embrace nature and want to encourage others. They provide tips and content for inspiration. They host events and meet-ups all over the place. Late spring and fall we will open up onboarding to more explorer families. 

     

    Join the Wait List for Onboarding - https://kidswhoexplore.com/about-us/explorer-families/ 

     

    #patch4apurpose – https://kidswhoexplore.com/patch4apurpose/ 

     

    Have a podcast request or want to be on it? Reach out to @laurenrodycheberle on IG or email [email protected] 

     

    Mentioned: 

    Thermarest Z Seat: https://www.thermarest.com/products/seats/z-seat/z-seat.html 

    Podcast – Ologies with Alie Ward: https://www.alieward.com/ologies 

     

    Follow Michelle: 

    IG: @michelle.outdoors 

    Website: https://michelleoutdoors.com 

     

     

    Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for sponsoring today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com 

    Use code FREECANADA within Canada from March 1-March 31, 2023 for free shipping on orders over $50! 

     

    Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

    21 min
  • Ep. 109 Safety While Adventuring in Bear Country

    Would you know what to do if you encountered a bear in the outdoors? Would you know the difference between a defensive or predatory encounter? We are here to help keep you educated, so you can explore safely! 

     

    Disclaimer that the information we’re provided you today, as well as the information from Bear Safety & More Inc and RecSafe with Wildlife (as we partnered with Kim Titchener), cannot guarantee that animal encounters can be prevented. This information is intended as a guide to help reduce the likelihood of an encounter and provide education in the occurrence of an encounter.  

    What to Know: 

    • Animals are around us 
  • Best way to reduce encounters is to be prepared 
  • Attacks are extremely rare 
  • Don’t let your kids explore farther than an arm’s length from you  
  • Keep your dog on a leash at all times 
  • Be loud! 
  • Travel in groups of 4 or more 
  • Pay attention to your surroundings (droppings, tracks, dens, torn up tress and logs, digging, berry bushes) 
  • If you spot an animal, leave the area 
  • Carry bear spray in a holster on your body and be ready to use it (Scat Belt brand mentioned) – read the instructions and practice pulling it out 
  • Take a bear safety course 
  • Practice with your kids ahead of time (in a non-scary way) 

    •  

    If Camping: 
    • Know where to store your food – bear-safe garbage bins, bear locker, or in your vehicle (front country camping) and know if your site has it available 
  • Pay attention to your surroundings – garbage, trees/berry bushes/salmon in water, animals that have been feeding, birds of prey 

    •  

    If You Experience an Encounter: 

    *There are two types of bear encounters: Defensive and Non-Defensive (Predatory) encounters.* 

    Defensive Bear Encounters - caused by surprising a bear at close range, if cubs are present, or if the bear is feeding 

    • Bears are clearly stressed, aggressive, huffing/jaw popping, salivating/foaming, hunched up, showing signs of discomfort 
  • They can bluff charge or run in a zig-zag pattern  
  • It may be your instinct to yell, act big, and become aggressive too. Please don’t! React by telling the bear you are NOT a threat. De-escalate the situation, back away slowly, talk softly, and prepare your bear spray. If in a group, group up and stay calm. Make your intention to leave the area and not to fight 
    • If the bear attacks, the number one reaction from you is to deploy bear spray. If that’s not possible, lie face down and protect your neck, spread your legs (to brace yourself into the ground), and play dead. Wait until the bear is gone before getting up! Make sure once you begin to move again you know which direction the bear has travelled to avoid another encounter 
  • Most defensive attacks are short. If it continues to attack and the bear has become predatory, you need to change tactics and begin to fight for your life 

    •  

    Non-Defensive (Predatory) Bear Encounters 

    • This encounter is rare and more common with black bears and solo hikers (95% of grizzly bear encounters are defensive and not predatory!) 
  • Bear follows a person, and has a slow, hesitant approach. They can approach confidently, or try to sneak up on you before running towards you and attacking. They appear curious, but this is the situation where they are dangerous! 
  • If you’re in a predatory encounter, show aggression right away! Stand your ground and make sure you let the bear know that you are not vulnerable 
  • Prepare bear spray and deploy if the bear gets close enough 
    • Please Keep Exploring! All of us at Kids Who Explore have had bear encounters, and thankfully they have all ended well. Talking about it definitely adds to nerves about exploring in bear country, but we know being informed is the best way to be! Remember these encounters are rare, equip yourself with the knowledge and gear you need to stay safe! 

     

    Thank you to Mounts Store for supporting today’s podcast! www.mountsstore.com to check them out. 

     

    Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

    17 min
  • Ep. 108 Nature is Your Child’s Best Teacher with @schoollessinseattle

    We are our children’s first teachers, but we believe nature is one of their greatest teachers. When groups of kids get out in nature together, magic happens. That’s why Madison runs weekly meetups in her area for homeschool families. 

     

    Madison is a homeschooling mom and wild + free group leader living in the Seattle area. Her passion for wildschooling and child-led learning comes from her background in elementary education and love for the outdoors. She loves exploring the forests, beaches and mountains of the PNW with her family and leads and hosts weekly outdoor meetups for her wild + free homeschooling group.  

     

    Unschooling is a step away from super-structured school curriculum; it is more child-led for each child’s interests. 

     

    Books Mentioned: 

    The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment  

    The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart 

     

    Kid Books Mentioned: 

    Elephant and Piggie Series  

    The Little House on the Prairie Series 

     

    Homeschooling Learning: 

    • They are learning in everything they are doing 
  • Not everything we need to learn is just the academic part we learn in school 
  • You see daily progress 
  • They are learning beyond the textbooks 

    •  

    Homeschool Socialization: 

    • School is not the only place to socialize 
  • There are weekly meetup groups  
  • Play dates with other homeschool kids (and non-homeschool kids alike) 
  • Chat with people and become friends at the park, at the grocery store, etc.  

    •  

    A “Typical” Day: 

    • Every morning starts with independent reading 
  • Then focused reading and math 
  • Then hiking, park, beach, or zoo 
  • More reading in the evening 

    •  

    Weekly Meetups: 

    • Newborn to 12-years-old usually 
  • Older ones naturally teach younger ones 
  • Consistent relationships  
  • Outdoors – park, hike, beach, or field trips and book club 
  • Community of parents to share with 

    •  

    Homeschool Challenges: 

    • Can be hard to be consistent 
  • Requires a lot of work and energy 
  • Less alone time for the adult  

    •  

    Homeschool Benefits: 

    • So much of teachers’ time is spent on classroom management, so homeschool requires less hours at a desk 
  • Can be outside more 
  • Can follow child’s lead 
  • Strengthens the family relationship 
  • Flexibility to travel and adventure 
  • Individualized education  
  • Learning in everything you do! 

    •  

    Follow Madison on IG: @schoollessinseattle 

     

    Thank you to Mounts Store for supporting today’s podcast! www.mountsstore.com to check them out. 

     

    Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

    20 min
  • Ep. 107 What Even Is Work-Life Balance?

    “Be where your feet are.” That’s our ultimate goal in ‘balancing’ time with our kids and time at work. What does that look like? Well, we are a work in progress figuring it out! 

     

    What We Do Know: 

    • Listen to yourself – notice stress and exhaustion  
  • Be open to the help
  • Notice when to say no  
  • Connect with child(ren) before work 
  • Live your tech life out loud, so your kids know what you’re doing  
  • Block schedule – then it’s not scattered and you can get more done (still room for spontaneity) 

    •  

    Episodes Mentioned: 

    Ep. 42 Why to Avoid Kid-Centered Activities with Michaeleen Doucleff: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-42-why-to-avoid-kid-centered-activities-with-michaeleen-doucleff/  
    Ep. 78 Outdoor Time Over Screen Time with Andrea Davis: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-78-outdoor-time-over-screen-time-with-andrea-davis/ 

     

    The things you want to do: Can you change your expectations of them and do them on a smaller scale with kids around? Maybe it’s not a hot yoga class, but maybe you can do a 15-minute yoga video at home, for example! 

     

     

    Thank you to Mounts Store for supporting today’s podcast! www.mountsstore.com to check them out. 


    Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

    20 min
  • Ep. 106 Embracing Winter with a Baby

    We’ve sure talked about embracing winter a lot over here, but how is it possible while adding a new baby into the mix, and keeping them warm? Today’s episode is full of tips!! 

     

    Ep. 36 Thre Three Layer Winter Rule: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-36-the-three-layer-winter-rule/ 

     

    Three Layer Rule:  

    • Base Layer: merino wool (or wool). If the merino wool price point is not accessible, synthetic layers work too! 
  • Mid Layer: fleece 
  • Top Layer:  water-resistant when they are younger, but waterproof once they are older and playing in the snow or rain 
  • Extra: Mitts, Toques/Beanies, Socks, Boots, Neck Warmer (fleece or merino wool – size differs between the two; merino wool is more snug) 

    • Merino wool base layers are good for all seasons, because they keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer [also acts as an SPF].  

    Below 0 degrees Celsius, 3 layers. Above 0 degrees Celsius, 2 layers.  

     

    Other Things to Keep In Mind: 

    • Keep it as short as you need to – it all counts, and it’s all worth it  
  • Nursing in winter – in the car before and after adventure, or in carrier in nursing-friendly layers are ideal 
  • Milk/Water for bottles – keep warm in a Yeti 
  • Diaper Changes – in car before and after adventure ideally, keep wipes warm by wrapping clothing around them and keeping them in centre of pack or close to body. If you need to do outside, use Therma Rest Z Seat, and make it quick!! [2 way zippers for littles helps too!] 
  • Check baby’s temperature by feeling the temperature on the back of their neck  
  • We limit adventures to when it feels like -15 degrees Celsius and above 

    • Baby-Wearing Clothes & Base Layers Mentioned [Discount Codes]:  

    • B&Me; Booker&Me Vest (https://bookerandme.com) – Discount Code LAUREN20 
  • Wanderling Jacket (https://wanderling.us) 
  • Iksplor Base Layers (https://iksplor.com) 

    •  

    Thank you to Mounts Store for supporting today’s podcast! www.mountsstore.com to check them out.  

    Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

    24 min
  • Ep. 105 Combatting the Negativity on Social Media

    Kids Who Explore really enjoys social media. It’s a place where we’ve formed a beautiful community, share stories, help others, and become inspired. Unfortunately, it’s not always that way… 

     

    Reminders When You’re Viewing Social Media: 

    • You aren’t seeing the whole picture, or always getting the whole context  
  • Triggers are INSIDE people – look inside if you’re triggered 
  • It’s never okay to be rude; you can “move along” without commenting  
  • They aren’t just accounts - they are humans  
  • Ask questions if you don’t understand  
  • Follow those who make you happy  

    •  

    Reminders If You’ve Received Hurtful Comments: 

    • Give empathy to those who are triggered, even though it’s never okay to be rude 
  • You can block those if needed 

    •  

    We appreciate your positivity at KWE! 

     

    Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:

    https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/ 

    Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

    Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

    11 min

About Kids Who Explore

From the publisher's feed

Adrianna Skori, founder and CEO of Kids Who Explore, shares weekly episodes covering all things exploring with kids, from simple walks outside to camping in the backcountry. Expect interviews with…