Holding out for a hero

We are very fortunate to have a local nature education center in Sioux Falls called the Outdoor Campus (http://gfp.sd.gov/outdoor%2Dlearning/outdoor%2Dcampus/) I first got to know it as a great place to walk our puppy dog, since there are miles of groomed trails that take you through the woods onto the plains and back again.
It was always a pleasant walk, a moving meditation and a chance to clear my head.
When we became parents, we started to utilize their classes. They have a wonderful array of ways to get children involved with nature. My son loved their Sprouts program when he was in preschool. Back then, the lessons were on the water cycle-to this day it's part of his knowledge base.
I loved going to sprouts as much as he did!
There would be a story, face painting or stickers, activity outside and a craft. For a preschooler it was awesome! As a mom, it was great fun.
As he got older, we graduated to Young Naturalists. It was a new way to learn about nature, through the alphabet. He loved the hands on lessons and most of all, the games.
Families also get into the act with classes and activities. Little Man has learned to fish both in the water and the ice. We learned to paddle, camp and cook around the campfire. There are even events for the puppy dog called bark rangers!
However, hands down, my most favorite thing offered by the Outdoor Campus is their annual Halloween Hike.
This year's theme was Harry Potter. During our hike, we learned about the animals of South Dakota, poisonous plants, not to litter and leave baby critters alone (no matter how cute they are!). We made s'mores, an owl craft and witches hat cookies. There was popcorn & cider.
An awesome night out for the two of us!