outdoors

Get Kids Excited About Exploring Outside with the New Ecokeepers Program from EnviroKidz

September 16, 2016 by Kathryn 126 Comments

I’ve always felt that one of the best learning opportunities we can give our children is simply stepping outside and exploring the world around us. Growing up in a small town, my boys had many chances to learn about nature, walk the streets without fear and enjoy the exercise and education the outdoors has to offer. Now, living in a city, the options for outdoor play are a little more limited. And that means it’s time for me to get creative!

EnviroKidz, maker of delicious organic cereal and snacks for kids, is passionate about encouraging learning through outdoor exploration. And recently the company launched a new initiative to help inspire kids to learn about the earth: the Ecokeepers Program. The program is free for camps and schools and helps kids develop a connection to nature by combining outdoor activities with the fun of geocaching (searching for treasure boxes using GPS coordinates)! The Ecokeepers kits include Explorer Guides, parent literature, geocaches for kids to hide and the now peanut-free EnviroKidz Granola Bars for energy! Interested? Make sure to visit the Ecokeepers website for full program details and to apply! [Read more…]

Join the Nature Valley #RediscoverNature Day on September 20 and You Could Win a Trip to Banff National Park-Giveaway

September 10, 2015 by Kathryn 139 Comments

Growing up in the lush Qu’Appelle Valley on the Saskatchewan prairies has meant that nature has always been very important to me. The unique flora and fauna of the area is fascinating to me, whether I’m throwing seeds from ash trees into the air and watching them spin like helicopters to the ground or picking tiny, tart buffalo berries for a snack while hiking.

I’ve tried to share as much of my love of nature with my boys as possible, but there’s no question that doing so is harder with today’s generation. Zackary and Benjamin are more interested in watching cartoons and video games than squirrels and birds. And between school, work and extra-curricular activities, none of us have as much free time to spend outdoors as I’d like either.

That’s why I’m so excited about the upcoming Rediscover Nature Day created by Nature Valley and the non-profit organization Take Me Outside, on September 20, 2015. Nature Valley is a company that understands the importance of exploring nature, and created an informative and emotional 3 Generations video showing just how much we’re losing touch with nature as the generations pass. Rediscover Nature Day is a chance to get outside with the family and see how many fabulous activities and learning opportunities the great outdoors has to offer! [Read more…]

Stay Warm and Comfortable on Your Next Camping Trip with Selk’bag-Giveaway

July 9, 2015 by Kathryn 163 Comments

My boys and I love camping, so having good sleeping bags is a must. And while a basic sleeping bag is great, crawling out of it on a cold morning isn’t nearly as much fun. That’s why Selk’bag decided it was time to revolutionize the sleeping bag with a new, wearable design!

I recently had the chance to review a Selk’bag for myself, so I decided on the Patagon bag in Black Forest. With the highest warmth rating and removable boots for added mobility, it looked cozy, comfy and especially versatile. I pulled it out of the bag as soon as it arrived to see what it was like.

Now I have to admit that I thought this sleeping bag system, while practical, looked a little silly. But as soon as I pulled it on, I was won over. Not only does the bag make sleeping incredibly comfortable, but it is incredibly warm too. For sitting outside by the fire on a chilly night, it was ideal for keeping warm without fumbling around with a blanket. In fact, I wore the Selk’bag all that night when outside instead of a coat! [Read more…]

Embrace Summer Adventure with the DROID Turbo Gray by Motorola

June 11, 2015 by Kathryn

With summer days quickly approaching, I’m already eagerly looking forward to all the fun outdoor activities in the future. From camping trips to days at the beach, there’s so much to love about summer!

Of course part of the fun of any outdoor adventure is capturing the moment so that my boys and I can relive the experience over and over again. And for any family that loves getting active in the great outdoors, the DROID Turbo by Motorola in Gray Ballistic Nylon is sure to add extra fun to your adventures!

This smartphone from Motorola has everything a family could want for making the most of summer. The DROID Turbo boasts a stylish new gray colour with a choice of either metallic orange, metallic violet or metallic blue accents. The nylon backing provides great durability while still keeping the smartphone nice and light, while the water-repellant nano coating protects the phone from spills and splashes, making it perfect for the outdoors!

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Teach Kids About Nature with Jessie Farrell’s Children’s CD Take Me Outside-Giveaway

May 13, 2015 by Kathryn 34 Comments

It’s been quite some time since I’ve discovered a great new children’s musician, but recently I was lucky enough to discover the upbeat music of award-winning Canadian singer Jessie Farrell. Her new children’s CD, Take Me Outside, is a collection of thirteen fun songs that are perfect for celebrating the beauty and magic of spring.

I have a love of folk music, so the mellow country/folk style of Jessie’s songs is one that immediately appealed. The songs were catchy and embraced both a love of nature and of spending time together as a family. With kid-friendly themes ranging from mud pies to the moon, these songs offer appeal to both adults and children, something that I always appreciate.

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