Kids Who Explore

When you live on an ultra-remote island, you can’t simply click “buy now” and have something arrive at your doorstep within 24 hours. The Kellys know this from their life on Uepi, in the Soloman Islands. Not only is their lifestyle very minimalist because of necessity, but also because of intention for a life with meaning in the outdoors, and a love for the planet. They have some amazing takeaways on how to live a life with less stuff and more nature! 

The Kellys run an ethical tourist resort and a grass-roots based charity centred around protecting the incredible natural environment and traditional islander way of life.  

The Kelly’s last episode: Episode 51, Exploring the Ocean - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-51-exploring-the-ocean-with-jase-kate-kelly/ 

They have to be intentional with what they bring to the island. If they don’t want something any longer, the disposal of that item is up to them too. How things are made, what they’re made of, and how long they last is important for every item. 

Let’s Talk Minimalism: 

Kid Toys: 

• Their kids get very creative, because they don’t have one-use items. Timber blocks make the best toys! 

Clothes: 

• They have handmedowns from Australia, and then they pass on those clothes if they are still wearable (move them on to the village) 

Adventure Gear: 

• Quality is key! It needs to last 

Home: 

• They don’t own a car – no cars allowed on the island 

Food: 

• Use what they have 

Parenting outside is smoother than parenting inside! Kids are never too young to appreciate the things that you’re interested in. Do something you enjoy doing, and bring them along! Focus on what you appreciate in that environment and show them. There is endless opportunity of interest, if you take the time to share it with your kids! 

Follow the Kellys: 

IG: @theislandlifeofus 

YouTube: The Island Life of Us - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheIslandLifeofUs 

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

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

Let them lead! Children often get told where to be, what to do (and not do), and sometimes even how to feel for a good chunk of their days. Watching, listening, and understanding your children or the children you care for, and allowing them to lead, will create wonderful memories and fun adventures. So, where should we start? 

In episode 37, you got to meet Brittany Williams, who is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She has worked in Early Childhood Education for nearly 12 years. She could talk risky play and bodily autonomy all day long! And on top of that, she’s a wonderful stepmama who is all about getting her daughter outside on adventures, to explore the world around her! 

Brittany’s Last Episode: Episode 37, Risky Play and Nature Education - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-37-risky-play-nature-education-with-brittany-williams/ 

Book Referenced: How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish 

How to Follow Their Lead: 

• Allow them to pick from choices 

How to Still Guide: 

• Teach navigation and mile markers 

Risky Play: 

• They will assess how their body moves and feels 

Bodily Autonomy: 

• Accept how they feel from giving hugs to getting wet on an adventure  

Follow Brittany:  

IG: @bbwilliams21 

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

“Keep on going.” “Come on.” “Pick up those feet.” “Look forward.” How many of these lines are repeated over and over again on the trail, or anywhere really? We don’t want every step to feel like drudgery; we want each step to be a “we can do hard things” moment! Today we discuss some things you can do with toddlers and all-aged kids to make hiking fun, while still getting them moving forward! 

Toddlers: 

• Choose a do-able adventure 

All Kids: 

• Give them trekking poles 

Mostly importantly, be creative and willing to switch it up. Bring the energy you want the kids to feel! And, never feel bad calling it and saying it’s not going to be a big adventure day! 

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

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

Is figuring out sleep arrangements for a whole family keeping you from diving into camping? Have you camped with kids, but sleeping was a disaster? Or, do you simply need to upgrade your sleep plan for tent time? Today, Tara Sliwkanich, who calls her family casual campers, gives so many helpful tips to let go of sleep expectations, but still be prepared for it all! 

Her last episode – Episode 47, How To Enjoy a Road Trip: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-47-how-to-enjoy-a-road-trip-with-tara-sliwkanich/ 

Disclaimer: Tara Sliwkanich is not a baby sleep expert. Please always do your own further research and talk to your care providers if you have any questions/concerns.  

Baby Sleep While Camping: 

• Refer to the Safe Sleep Seven: https://www.llli.org/the-safe-sleep-seven/ 

• NOT safe for babies to sleep on air mattress or air-filled sleeping pad (baby needs to be on a closed cell, hard pad only) 

Sleep Space Options for Baby: 

• KidCo Pea Pod – designed for baby’s 1-year-old and up (Sleeping pad is attached underneath, so no risk of baby rolling into sleeping pad or it covering their face) - https://www.kidco.com/product/peapod/ 

What Else You Need to Think About for Babies: 

Weather-Appropriate Clothing:  

• Merino wool or synthetic base layers, so it’s moisture-wicking 

Diaper Disposal: 

• Soiled diapers should not be left in tent, even in the middle of the night 

Breastfeeding: 

• Practise side-lying or cross-legged cradle hold breastfeeding positions 

Safe Space for Baby During Set-Up/Cooking: 

• Babywear 

First Aid Kit: 

• Check episode 41, Holistic First Aid Kits - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-41-holistic-first-aid-kits-with-katie-braswell/ 

Also mentioned: Gloo tent for daytime SPF coverage - https://joovy.com/gloo/ 

Expectations on Sleep: 

• Embrace later bed times 

Other Recommendations: 

• Native Shoes - https://www.nativeshoes.com/ca/ 

Follow Tara: 

IG: @tsliwk 

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

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

Everyone’s pregnancy looks different, and hiking while pregnant will too. Make sure to listen to your own body and your care providers’ recommendations. In today’s episodes we share a little bit about what our hiking has looked like while pregnant, especially now, while hiking pregnant with toddlers in tow! 

Hiking While Pregnant Tips: 

• Set the expectation that adventures may slow down for a period of time (or be shorter) 

So, in summary:

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

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

Rukmini Halliwell is a lover of mushrooms…the kind you would try to spot in nature. And that’s what we are going to discuss today…mushrooms!! You may just be picking up a new hobby after this episode. 

You recently met Rukmini Halliwell on our podcast about Choosing a Life Jacket {PFD}. If you don’t remember, she is Kids Who Explore’s Inclusion Lead, she is a voice for breaking cultural barriers that prevent BIPOC from entering outdoor spaces, she is a wife and a mama who enjoys hiking with her family, and she’s a mushroom-lover. 

Previous Episode: https://laurenrodycheberle.podbean.com/e/ep-67-choosing-a-life-jacket-with-rukmini-halliwell/

Ruk’s first ever hiking trip was in the Himalayas. After that, she set a goal for 30 hikes that year. Her husband broke his foot when she was already at 27, so she had to finish it on her own. She found a new hiking friend, and because they didn’t have anything in common, they started looking for mushrooms together. Then she started taking photos, put them up on a Reddit Mushroom Forum, then joined her local mycology society, and audited classes at York University.  

Mushroom Identification: 

• Location 

Where to Start with this Hobby: 

• Get books! 

Mushroom “Hunting” is a great activity to do with toddlers!! It allows you to get on their level, get low, see how alive the forest is, and gets you to slow down and be present. 

Eating pinecones mention: IG - @blackforager  

Follow Ruk on IG: @rukminihalliwell 

Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.  

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

Adventuring with twins (or multiple kids very close in age) is a whole different ball game! Why not learn from a mama who has been doing it for 6 years? Jenny Carter has a ton of fun tips that not only makes adventuring with multiples seem more than do-able, but fun too! Hint: Find an adventure buddy, so you have another set of hands! 

Jenny and her husband, John, love adventuring with their daughters, Salley and Lily. They moved to Wisconsin in the fall of 2021 from Arizona. On top of that, she is homeschooling her kids who are currently in kindergarten. The Carter’s got to try new winter activities this year, including snow shoeing and ice fishing. They also adore kayaking, hiking, camping, and road tripping. Plus, they can’t wait to one day introduce the girls to backpacking.  

The biggest challenge for adventuring with twins was when they were learning to walk. Going out by herself wasn’t really a good idea, because everything in Arizona was sharp, pointy, or poisonous. She needed another set of adult hands. 

Tips for Adventuring with Twins: 

• Always have another adult helper! 

Suggestions: 

Wisconsin State Park Sticker - https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission 

Follow Jenny on IG: @salleylily 

Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.  

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

A life jacket is a life saving device! We will say it again…a life jacket is a life saving device! But, do you know what to look for when purchasing a life jacket? Do you know how to check if it fits your child correctly? Rukmini Halliwell is here to teach you everything you need to know! 

You’ll find Rukmini Halliwell on any given weekend hiking along the Bruce Trail with her toddler, dog and husband in tow, hunting for mushrooms and sharing her biodiversity knowledge on the ‘gram. With a deep connection to her heritage and a passion to be on trail, she is also advocating for diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. After having her first child, Ruk began focusing on how to break cultural barriers that prevent BIPOC from entering outdoor spaces. Ruk is our Inclusion Manager at Kids Who Explore and we love having her on our team.  

Ruk was a competitive swimmer for the majority of her life. She trained as a lifeguard, and practiced as a lifeguard, which got her passionate about the topic of water safety!! 

Difference Between Life Jacket and Personal Floatation Device: 

• A life jacket is a piece of safety equipment. A safety regulation life jacket has very specific check boxes to be “coast-guard approved” 

Please refer back to Episode 57 for Water Safety Tips too! 

https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-57-water-safety-with-kaylee-kennedy/ 

Water Safety Tips: 

• Life jackets are meant to be life saving devices, but they are not meant to be a replacement of parental supervision, or to teach people to swim 

What to Look for in a Life Jacket: 

• Colour: Red or orange (needs to show up bright in the water) *Tip to correct ones that are bad colours/not visible in the water…use fluorescent duct tape* 

Think of a life jacket as a yearly investment! Buy the red one that fits at that exact time!! 

Recommendations:

Follow Ruk on IG: @rukminihalliwell 

Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.  

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

We’ve said it a million and one times. And we’ve heard it even more than that. Snacks! The number one thing you never want to forget on any adventure, near or far…the snacks!  

We aren’t dieticians, although you can refer back to episode 21 with Dr. Ashley to learn about which snacks are good for your teeth.  

Episode 21: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-21-snacks-on-the-trail-with-dr-ashley-toporowski/ 

What You Can Find in our Snack Packs: 

• Dates 

Resources Mentioned:

Pro Tip (haha):

Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.  

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

Back on Episode 20, we had the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer and LJ, the founds and owners of 3 Moms Organics, which carries a natural, organic, DEET-free tick and insect repellent, that is EPA compliant, and is registered in all 50 States. We had so many more questions following that episode that we just had to have them back!! 

Episode 20, Tick Safety: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-20-tick-safety-with-3-moms-organics/id1548759798?i=1000525534832 

Jenn’s daughter was recently bit by a tick. She came home and felt an itch, Jenn looked and saw the tick. She stayed calm. Got the needle-nose tweezers. Removed the tick straight out (do not twist). Washed the area. Put the tick in a plastic bag, wrote the date on it, and taped it to the cabinet. Then they waited for symptoms/signs, because you don’t want to test every tick. She found her daughter had symptoms 2 weeks later, so they sent the tick in for testing, and got an antibiotic from the doctor in the meantime.  

If you have a concern and are showing symptoms, ask for tick-borne panel testing, as it tests for more than just Lyme disease.  

Where Ticks Can Be Found: 

• Long and short grass 

They have 8 legs, so they hang out and “quest” and then cling onto you. Spring brings a higher chance of tick encounters. 

Steps Before/During Adventuring: 

• Spray TickWise on you and your equipment (lasts for 90 minutes) 

Steps After Adventuring: 

• Use a lint roller on clothing to catch any ticks 

If You Find a Tick: 

• Use needle nose tweezers to pull it straight out, slowly 

TickWise Spray: 

• Organic and natural, so no harm having directly on you regularly 

Signs of a Tick-Borne Illness: 

• Fever 

Lyme disease symptoms will show up instantly, but many other tick-borne diseases don’t show up as quickly. 

Follow 3 Moms Organics: 

@3momsorganics 

Youtube, Facebook, IG 

3momsorganics.com 

Recommendations: 

Book: Glow Kids by Nicholas Kardaras, Ph.D. 

Podcast – Imagined Life  

Use Code: KWE2022 for 15% off TickWise now until May 14, 2022 

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

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