The Next Step Blog

Follow along with the adventures of Next Step!

Jump directly to the topics that match your interests. Next Step covers a lot of areas that make a positive difference in this world!

If you’re ready to take your Next Step with us, give us a shout!

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Pandemic Journaling

Journaling works best with prompts and structure. Use the five activities in this post to reflect on how times are changing, feelings about those changes, and what you’re doing differently.

Be a Soil Detective

Discover the amazing critters in your own backyard! And the ways they create healthy soils to grow vegetables, flowers and people!

Thank You, Turkey Vultures

Turkey vultures are nature’s cleanup crew; we have cleanup crews that pick up our garbage, recycling and yard waste. Here are a couple lessons to take on your next trip to the woods!

Sprouts

Stretch your parenting skills for your stay-at-home kiddos with the Next Step kids’ Garden Curriculum! Easy-to-use activities, experiments, and gardening tips for first-time AND experienced gardeners as well.

Breathe

Next Step’s resources to move past fight, flight, freeze, or freak out. When you need just a five-minute pause, our Mindfulness & Movement Activity Cards provide a guide to find Calm, Focus, Breath, and Movement.

Covid-19 Challenge

Even days you don’t feel like going out…do it anyway! We have some resources for planning outings–Iowa’s #99Parks Funpack and The Family Adventure Bundle

Forest Bathing

No matter where you are today, walk outside. Breathe the fresh air. Touch the earth. Pick up a handful of soil. See how you feel.

A Modern Ark

A photographer that inspires people to save endangered animals and their habitat. Watching him is fascinating. Look up species near you! Learn what you can do to help the earth!