Outdoors

Spring favorites

Sara LockieMay 7, 2021OutdoorsLeave a Comment

Woodlands offer something new every season, but spring is my favorite. I feel like a kid doing a scavenger hunt as I try to spot the spring ephemeral wildflowers.

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!

Be a Soil Detective

Sara LockieApril 28, 2020Home Learning Resources, OutdoorsLeave a Comment

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

Kyla CoxApril 9, 2020Home Learning Resources, OutdoorsLeave a Comment

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

Sara LockieApril 7, 2020Family Adventures, Home Learning Resources, Outdoors1 Comment

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.

Covid-19 Challenge

Shelly JohnsonMarch 22, 2020Family Adventures, Home Learning Resources, Outdoors4 Comments

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

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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