Discover the Forest with Cheecker
As official spokes-squirrel for the USDA Forest Service and the Ad Council’s Re-Connecting Kids with Nature campaign, Cheecker is looking to get more families to discover their nearest forest. He shares his tips and tricks on where to go and what to do in the forest daily on Twitter. Aside from acting as forest steward, Cheecker enjoys climbing trees, running fast and hoarding acorns for winter. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is up to.
Greetings! Cheecker here, writing you from the forest—my favorite place in the world. If you don’t know me, I’m the official spokes-squirrel for the “Discover the Forest” campaign. It’s my mission to encourage families all across America to unplug from their everyday electronics and get reconnected with nature.
Kids who spend a lot of time discovering the forest are generally happier, healthier and less stressed. Playing in nature gives them the chance to use their creativity and to gain a greater appreciation for the environment as an adult.
It’s not always easy to get kids outside into nature, what with soccer practice and band practice and homework and video games and, well you get my drift. But have no fear; I’m here with some great tips on how to get you and your family back into nature this fall.
- Getting your kids out into nature early can help instill lifelong enjoyment of the outdoors. If your kids are young, take it slow; start out in a nearby forest or park, or even your own yard. Use this handy map to find forests in your area!
- Knowledge is power! Check out a basic field guide from your library. Field guides offer information about the types of plants and animals in a specific area. The more kids know about the environment, the more they’ll want to take care of it.
- Encourage free play out in the forest. Positive experiences in nature will encourage children to want to spend more time outdoors and protect the environment. Stuck for ideas? Don’t forget to take your Book of Stuff to Do!
- Forests are a place to strengthen family bonds. Check out Project Learning Tree’s family activities, modified from PLT’s PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide.
- Give kids the chance to experience the forest themselves. It’s important for children to discover nature and let their imaginations be the guide.
