Overview
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” – Rachel Carson, American marine biologist, author and conservationist
Ad·ven·ture. adˈven(t)SHər. noun. an exciting or remarkable experience or activity.
What’s your relationship with adventure? Do you seek it out? Do you have access? Do you wait for it to find you?
Adventure looks different for everyone. For some, it’s summiting mountains or surfing big waves. For others, it’s a leisurely walk on a new path in your neighborhood. Opportunities for outdoor adventure are endless and all around us.
A great way to develop a deeper love for and connection to our environment is to get outside and savor its beauty. Respect and appreciation for the natural world are the basis for a sustainable society where people and planet live in harmony.
The pandemic has kept people inside, while at the same time driving us to the safety of the outdoors. National parks have seen an increase in visitors, as people explore what is open and available, whether near to home or on road trips. This has brought on a new set of issues, with parks struggling to control crowds and enforce Covid restrictions. For any adventure, it is important to be aware and respectful of surroundings; do your research and plan ahead.
We also need to use appreciation for the natural world as motivation to protect our environment, large swathes of which are under threat on multiple fronts. The immediate past federal administration in the US removed protection from 13.5 million acres of land, opening it to mining and development. We must fight to protect all lands under any government of any political party at any level. Intense forest fires burn season after season and hurricanes winds and water devastate, threatening human, animal and plant life, as well as economies. Natural spaces are disappearing and half of all habitable land on the planet is used for industrial agriculture.
How can you fight back? Live your values by respecting your environment and encouraging others to do the same.
We are not alone in this fight! Mission-driven companies can and must use platforms to effect change and advocate for environmental protection. A pioneer in business as a force for good, Patagonia, released this short film showcasing the beautiful Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. It features amazing scenery, while arguing against proposed copper mining, a serious risk to the ecosystem and pristine wilderness. Another company, Klean Kanteen, acts on climate by continually identifying, measuring and changing practices to reduce and offset impact across all aspects of the company, from raw materials to employee practices, production to distribution — and staying true to the Paris Climate Agreement, which the current US administration recently rejoined.
Today’s activities will teach you about accessibility of the outdoors and responsible adventuring, so you have the tools to support healthy, inclusive natural spaces we all love and deserve — now and for future generations to enjoy.
THINK
Imagine living 10 miles from the ocean and never visiting the beach, because you don’t have the means to get there. Imagine lacking access to any kind of nature, because your community doesn’t have funding to preserve or create green spaces. Imagine feeling unwelcome in outdoor recreation areas, because no one there looks like you.
Such are the realities for too many. Outdoor adventure should be available to all, but that is not always the case. People of color, specifically Black people, have been excluded from many outdoor spaces, further demonstrating how systemic racism is deeply embedded in every aspect of society. We celebrate, champion and advocate for a diversity of outdoor experiences, reinforcing how and why adventure must be accessible to and benefit everyone.
One inspiring organization bringing that idea to life is Outdoor Afro, a cutting edge national network that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. With nearly 90 leaders in 30 states, thousands of people are connected to outdoor experiences, changing the face of conservation and leading the way for inclusion in outdoor recreation, nature and land preservation for all!
Diversify Outdoors is another organization that promotes diversity in outdoor spaces where people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community and others have been historically underrepresented. These are just two of the amazing movements working to ensure the outdoors are accessible and inclusive places of healing.
ACTIVITY
Explore blog posts on Diversify Outdoors and Outdoor Afro to hear voices of those who have been historically excluded or underrepresented in the outdoor space.
Share your favorite story with a class, family or friends. Why did it resonate with you? (150 words)
What can you do to make outdoor adventure more accessible to and equitable for all? Post your answer as a powerful statement on social media, tagging @TurningGreenOrg.
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
You may have heard the quote, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” Your destination is important, but so is how you get there and what you take with you. Whether you love hiking, biking, climbing, surfing or other outdoor activities, there are many ways to make it truly sustainable! When adventuring, Leave No Trace in the places you visit, so all of us can enjoy the natural world for generations to come.
It’s time to get outside… we’re going on an adventure!
ACTIVITY
Let’s plan a local adventure and how to reduce your ecological footprint in the process.
Pick your place. Make it local, somewhere you can get safely and easily. Read up on and incorporate the seven principles of Leave No Trace into your plan. Please consider:
- COVID-19: Follow all health and safety protocols, respect national and community guidelines, wear masks, use hand sanitizer and practice social distancing.
- Travel arrangements: Are you walking, biking, driving, carpooling?
- Snacks: Can you make your own? Can you use organic ingredients?
- Waste: How will you lessen waste? Think about reusables to stay hydrated and nourished without plastic!
- Attire and gear: What is it made of? Sustainable materials?
- Accessibility: Is the destination open, safe for visitors, requiring any extra precautions?
Create a plan and share with family or friends. Post it on social media with a brief caption, so others can learn from your ideas and tag @TurningGreenOrg in the caption.
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
Now that you’ve thought about where to go, how to get there and what to bring, all that’s left is to go on your adventure. Take a moment to enjoy the splendor of the outdoors!
ACTIVITY
Start by setting intentions for your adventure. Read 12 Essential Lessons Nature Can Teach Us for inspiration. Write down one intention and tuck it in your pocket.
An adventure is all about exploration! Even if you don’t go far, looking at familiar places with a new perspective is powerful.
Option A:
Let the adventure begin! Take three pictures of your surroundings and caption with observations. What are you seeing? What animals, plants and other humans do you notice?
Reflect on your experience.
- Share the intention you expressed pre-adventure. How did it inform your experience?
- Were you able to stick to the plan you made in the Greener activity? How did it change?
- How did the experience make you feel? Has it strengthened your relationship to Earth and our individual and collective responsibility towards the environment?
Share a reflection with classmates, family and friends — and post your intention and a picture on social media, tagging @TurningGreenOrg.
Option B:
Going outside is not an option for everyone right now. Fortunately, you can adventure from your home! Google’s Art & Culture website features thousands of virtual experiences from museums and iconic outdoor spaces all over the world. Explore national parks in the US or search experiences by country. Be sure to choose an outdoor adventure!
Share a reflection with classmates, family and friends.
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.