Warm, humid summer nights are quickly fading around Northwest Iowa; late night laughter and games that once filled the neighborhoods is being replaced with brisk, early mornings at packed bus stops. As the seasons change it is fun to reflect on all the fun, sweaty activities that filled the warm summer days.
One of the Promise Community Health Center favorite summertime activities is being able to spend a day with kids at the Sioux Center Public Library. This summer Stephanie Van Ruler, the Promise Population Health Manager, joined the Summer Splash kids at the SC public library as they explored camping themed learning. They had so much fun making delicious and nutritious snacks, banana and apple s’mores over the “fire.” Don’t worry, they didn’t make a real fire. 😉
Once they had their bodies fueled and ready they packed a protein and carb filled trail mix, reviewed all the supplies they might need for a nature walk and headed outside to explore! As they explored nature on their scavenger hunt list they took time to use all of their senses, listening to the birds singing, smelling the flowers, touching the rocks and sticks, they even took time to draw in nature sketch books! It was a fun filled day with about 40 kids, ages Kindergarten – 5th grade joining in.
Movement, fuel, exploring, and drawing are amazing ways to maintain health and expand our world, both as kids and adults. Our communities are filled with so many trails to walk and explore. The Puddle Jumper trail, Sandy Hollow recreation area, the Dordt Prairie, Newton Hills, Inspiration Hills, Oak Grove State Park, Palisade State Park and Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center are only a few of the places you can get out and explore with your families and friends as the fresh fall temps fill the air!
Pack some trail mix, grab a water bottle, lace up those tennis shoes and get outside and get moving. And don’t forget a drawing pad and some colored pencils to draw the wonders you find in the world around you!
