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

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 

• 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 

*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 

• 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 

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!) 

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

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

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 

Homeschool Socialization: 

• School is not the only place to socialize 

A “Typical” Day: 

• Every morning starts with independent reading 

Weekly Meetups: 

• Newborn to 12-years-old usually 

Homeschool Challenges: 

• Can be hard to be consistent 

Homeschool Benefits: 

• So much of teachers’ time is spent on classroom management, so homeschool requires less hours at a desk 

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

“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  

Episodes Mentioned: 

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. 

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! 

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  

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

• B&Me; Booker&Me Vest (https://bookerandme.com) – Discount Code LAUREN20 

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

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

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  

Reminders If You’ve Received Hurtful Comments: 

• Give empathy to those who are triggered, even though it’s never okay to be rude 

We appreciate your positivity at KWE! 

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

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

Have you wondered if you should attempt snowshoeing with a toddler? We will let you know on today’s episode (plus, lots of other outdoor winter sport tips!). 

Check back on other winter sport podcasts: 

Learning to Enjoy Winter: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-92-learning-to-enjoy-winter-with-erin-gallimore/ 

Teaching Toddlers to Snowboard: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-94-teaching-toddlers-to-snowboard-with-dr-ashley-top/ 

Learning to Ski: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-95-learning-to-ski-with-coach-nelly/ 

Choosing the Best Ski Gear: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-97-choosing-the-best-ski-gear-on-a-budget-with-coach-nelly/ 

Taking Your Kids Skating for the First Time: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-91-taking-your-kids-skating-for-the-first-time/ 

Snowshoeing Tips (for toddlers, and beyond): 

• Rent snowshoes for toddlers – go in and make sure they fit with winter boots  

Other Winter Tips: 

• Practice wearing gloves ahead of time [hand warmers are a great backup to hold (even without gloves)] 

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

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

Plane travel with kids can carry a lot of mental weight, and when you’re doing it solo, a lot of physical weight too! Here are some tips to make it a little more manageable, even with car seats involved! 

Getting to the Airport 

• Practice getting car seats in a car ahead of time 

At the Airport  

• Choose if you are going to check or carry-on 

On Airplane 

• Start with less and pull out one thing at a time (books, colouring, post-it notes, puzzles, stick-on window toys, music with headphones (Puro brand) or shows) 

Travel Car Seats & Luggage Mentioned 

*Check if they follow your country’s regulations* Suitable in USA 

• Doona Car Seat/Stroller for infant 

Keep your expectations realistic! Stay calm, so the kids feel that energy. Take help where it’s offered! 

Episode 81: Travelling with Kids - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-81-travelling-with-kids-with-margaret-bradford/ 

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

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

How long do you think it would take to see all 63 US National Parks? Well, for Journey Castillo, only the first 3 years of her life! Learn why her family made this their goal and how beautiful the journey with Journey has been! 

Eric and Valerie Castillo, are the founders of a mission called Journey Go Explore and parents of Journey, a 2-year-old who has already had many adventures. At the time of recording this in October of 2022, she has visited 45/63 US National Parks and is inspiring people all over the country to get outdoors, bond with family and visit parks. The Castillos are passionate about traveling, being outdoors, mental health, wellness, spirituality, healing, training, conditioning, education and more by harnessing the power of nature. Their recent travels have brought on a wisdom that they want to share, especially regarding mental health.  

Some Great Messages: 

• Let kids get dirty 

• Check weather before you go. Be aware that nature is not accommodating to you. Be prepared with all the weather gear 

Our adventure crew has grown over the last few months – Adrianna and Lauren both welcomed new little boys into the world, and are now each adventuring with 2 kids, 2-years-old and under. They wanted to share what they’ve learned! 

Going in the backyard is great! Stepping out your door is an adventure in itself. That’s our definition of “success.” 

Loading Up the Car: 

• Give yourself WAY more time (get ready the night before even) – allowing time for your kids to also go at their own pace keeps the peace! 

At the Adventure: 

• Pick realistic adventures, so it’s more fun for everyone! 

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