Outdoors

Cool as a Cucumber

Ashley KirvinAugust 5, 2022Family Adventures, Nutrition & Health, OutdoorsLeave a Comment

And now you know that “cool as a cucumber” really IS cool–20 degrees cooler than the temperature outside the cucumber. This made cucumbers the perfect STEAM snack on a hot Iowa day!

Back to the Basics

Ashley KirvinJune 21, 2022Mindfulness & Movement, Outdoors, Philosophy & MusingsLeave a Comment

We can return home to the basics whenever we’re ready to revel in their joy–we can stand outside with our toes in the grass, we can watch the clouds pass by, we can balance in tree pose and remember.

Calling All Teachers

Sara LockieMay 13, 2022Home Learning Resources, Nutrition & Health, OutdoorsLeave a Comment

Teachers ask me how people have time to bring Farm to School initiatives into the classroom. We all know how busy teachers are. Lucky for us, Farm to School activities are highly motivating and can slide into a variety of subjects and topics to enhance what you are already teaching.

Connecting Kids and Healthy Food

Sara LockieApril 8, 2022Nutrition & Health, OutdoorsLeave a Comment

How much do you love healthy, local food? How hard do you have to work to find it and get it to your table? How important is it to you to have your kids eat healthy food that’s grown close to where you live?

Hold the Center

Martha McCormickApril 4, 2022Family Adventures, Mindfulness & Movement, OutdoorsLeave a Comment

Toward the end of the hike there were times I wasn’t sure I could make it. So I took another page from yoga and just breathed. And took one step and another. I passed groups, and groups passed me. Strangers cheered me on, and we told each other we were glad to be there.

Take the Learning Outdoors

Sara LockieSeptember 14, 2020Home Learning Resources, Outdoors1 Comment

When things feel turned around and upside down, turn to nature for solace and safety. Breathe the fresh air and find joy among the trees and rocks.

Get Kids Moving

Sara LockieJuly 1, 2020Family Adventures, Home Learning Resources, OutdoorsLeave a Comment

The outdoors is the best place to be as we fight Covid-19 and experience the beauty of fall. Don’t miss the opportunity on warm days for water play, bike rides, creek walking and neighborhood mapping. Go ahead and get lost!

19 Trails in 19 Days

Shelly JohnsonMay 14, 2020Family Adventures, Home Learning Resources, Outdoors2 Comments

Explore the parks around central Iowa with Shelly Johnson and her family. You’re sure to have an amazing adventure!

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Jerah Sheets, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Thanks for a great conversation. You started the meeting with an observation of my noticeable happiness I receive from my passion for my work. Last evening as I sat on my deck watching the sunset and reflecting from the day, your statement was at the top of my list for appreciating the day. A few tears of being overwhelmed with joy may have also transpired.

Jerah Sheets, Iowa DNR

Thank you thank you! I'm just beginning to find my tribe here and this was a boon.

Mary Beth Einhorn, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant

The Mindful Movement and Mingling was just so inspired! I've never been to a retreat that did that type of program. The usual sitting around, alone, and slowly meeting one or two people can be pretty isolating. You guys brought us to that place of connectedness in a fun way.

Lisa Evans, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat participant

Thank you again for coming on Friday. It was an incredible hands-on learning experience for the students. Once the simulation was finished students reflected on their experience and newly gained insights into life near the poverty line.

Kenny Baker, 11th grade - Gilbert High School

Next Step was an excellent addition to our Super Power Summit for middle school students. They incorporated hands-on learning activities that involved dirt, art, leadership, and the great outdoors!

Carrie Scheidel, Iowa Department of Education

Thank you so very much for your love, care, and support on this journey. You truly are a great teacher and healer.

Therese, Yoga student

The STEM Camp at Harding this summer was awesome! Our students were actively engaged in activities, learning, and lots of fun! It was a great experience for students to connect with their school, community, and science!

Joy Linquist, Principal

Next Step has been a solid addition to our student leadership workshops. Their connection with students is thoughtful, purposeful and brings great energy.

Chad Elsberry IHSAA Assistant Director

Poverty simulation was fantastic. Great job forcing us to deal with the everyday complications of living in poverty. It was impossible not to get frustrated. Participants came up with “creative” ways to solve problems or cut corners for a lasting impact on their family, job, or both. I was extremely impressed with the entire process.

Wil Wiemann, 8th Grade Social Studies, Edward Stone Middle School, Burlington, Iowa

I heard great things about the training and would like to find a time this fall for an early out training for our staff to visit the park as well as hear about the wonderful things offered.

Brian Crook, Principal, Studebaker Elementary School, Des Moines, Iowa

It only takes a minute or two and can totally change the classroom atmosphere. One minute they can be going a million miles a minute coming in from lunch and recess, and after a quick breathing technique, they settle down, giggle a little, and then get to work.

Mychele, Kindergarten Teacher

Oh man, I'm an actor at heart. So being in those scenarios was really cool. Playing a 17 yo former druggie who was trying his best to stay straight was a hoot. But more than anything, the reality of what life is like for many of my fellow citizens really opened my eyes.

West Des Moines Leadership Academy Poverty Simulation Participant