Nurturing Compassion and Critical Thinking
In the heart of outdoor education lies a realm of possibilities, promising robust physical exercise, healthy risk-taking, and a tightly-knit, inclusive community. For one parent with two children, ages 12 and 8, the experience with EverWild Forest School since its inception in 2020 has been nothing short of exceptional.
Having witnessed the transformative impact firsthand, this parent can attest that EverWild has delivered on its promises of providing an impactful, holistic education for their children. The benefits of outdoor schools are often touted, but the real question is whether they live up to the claims. Through the lens of this parent, the answer is a resounding yes.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of their time at EverWild is the deep understanding of the natural world instilled in their children. A recent visit to an outdoor mall became a testament to this as the children observed a mother duck and her ducklings in a water fountain. What initially seemed like a delightful scene soon prompted critical thoughts.
As the children giggled at the cuteness of the ducklings, questions arose. "Where do they get their food?" pondered the daughter. The son, scanning the concrete jungle surrounding them, responded, "The mom must have to fly and get it from somewhere else." Further investigation revealed that the water in the fountain was chlorinated, posing a potential threat to the ducklings. The realization of the less-than-ideal environment for the ducks prompted a visceral discomfort in the children.
In a moment that showcased the impact of their education at EverWild, the children expressed empathy and a desire to take action. They approached their parent, concerned for the well-being of the ducklings. This thoughtful and compassionate response, rooted in critical thinking, reflects the values instilled by the teachers and community at Everwild.
The parent takes pride in their children's ability to think critically about the animals' habitat and, more importantly, to empathize and take action when necessary. These values, deeply embedded in the fabric of EverWild's teachings, have resulted in children who are kind, thoughtful, and actively engaged in making a positive impact on the world around them.
It is in moments like these, where outdoor education transcends the theoretical benefits and manifests in real-world actions, that the true success of a school like EverWild is revealed. As this parent's journey with EverWild Forest School continues, the transformative power of outdoor education remains a beacon guiding their children towards becoming compassionate, critical thinkers and actively involved individuals in the broader community.
