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This week's blog feature is written by our ambassador, @together_wewillwonder . Kellie created this piece for Australian magazine, MamaMag, which was published in the Aug/Sept 2021 issue. Kellie and her family live in Australia, and aimed to promote Kids Who Explore through this piece, encouraging other families to go beyond their front door while still staying close to home. Here is Kellie's piece, which she has allowed us to share! Raising Kids Who Explore: Spending time outdoors offers our children countless opportunities for discovery, experimenting, problem-solving, and creativity! With my children, I have also found outdoor play to have an immense calming power. For that reason, I believe spending time outside is great for a child’s physical and mental health and cognitive development. The added bonus for kids and adults alike is that outdoor play can be HEAPS OF FUN! At times, the perceived lack of access to large green spaces may be seen as a barrier to raising kids who explore. I’ll admit I love nothing more than jumping in the car and driving to a National Park or our local beach. But if the COVID-19 pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that we can replicate outdoor play we’d previously done further afield, very close to home or even in our backyard! Here are ten ways we encourage our kids to explore the outdoors closer to home 1. Sweep fallen autumn leaves into a big pile and let the kids jump till their hearts are content (we put our pile at the bottom of our backyard slide!) What kid doesn’t like jumping in big piles of leaves? 2. Grab your picnic rug, pack some food and have lunch or dinner in your backyard or local park. 3. Get creative with chalk. Remember all the hours you spent drawing on the footpath as a kid? Go one step further and encourage your kids to add things they find in nature to their chalk drawing, e.g. acorn eyes or a pinecone nose. 4. Find and follow an ant trail. Place a small piece of food, or some crumbs close by and watch what happens. 5. Look at various flowers around your local area and carefully sketch them. Can the kids draw the veins and add the textures? 6. Run a scavenger hunt with a twist, e.g., find a rough leaf, a soft leaf and one that releases an aroma. 7. Let the kids have a spot in the yard to dig (we have a dedicated area in our backyard that the kids have lovingly named ‘the construction site’. Here, they are allowed to dig as deep as they want, make ponds, and build small dams. 8. Camp in your backyard! There is no need to pack the car with this one, so it’s a win win for everyone! 9. Go searching for a street library – can you walk/ride to a local street library to swap a free book and explore parts of your local area you may not have previously (on the Street Library website, you can search by postcode for libraries close by). 10. Bring old sheets from inside, bits of timber from the garage and other treasures to draw the kids into a magical world of imagination. What games will they come up with? If you feel like you need a little more encouragement or direction, there are many local groups you can get involved with to get outdoors. One of these is Kids Who Explore, a social enterprise established by mothers with young children whose goal is to inspire other families worldwide to connect with nature, and with each other! Their website is full of great tips and tricks to help get your kids exploring nature. Kids Who Explore also plan worldwide virtual events that families can participate in regardless of where you live. Initiatives such as rubbish clean-ups and hike challenges are a great way to connect with like-minded families. If we can encourage our kids to spend time outdoors, we can develop life-long habits, supporting physical and mental health well into the future! Whether it’s in our backyard, local park or somewhere further afield, nature stirs on kiddie creativity. Outdoor play can mean more with less, and less can often lead to more fun! I’ll end this blog post on Raising Kids Who Explore with a ‘let’s get real’ tip. Of course, you will experience meltdowns while exploring outdoors (we all do), but a lolly snake can do wonders as a kiddie motivator for those little ones who may be a little reluctant at first! Written by Kellie Floyd, a self-proclaimed outdoorsy mama who works in marketing and communications and as a freelance writer. If you’d like further inspiration, you can follow Kellie’s family outdoor exploration at @together_wewillwander and connect with Kids Who Explore at kidswhoexplore.com or @kidswhoexplore. We are so honored to have our name featured in this Australian magazine, expressing the topic we all feel so strongly about -- the importance of the outdoors. Kellie's voice is an influential part in spreading our message across Australia and we couldn't thank her enough! You can click here to check out the blog post through MamaMag . Follow Kellie at @together_wewillwander on Instagram to continue to be inspired to explore the great outdoors. You can click here if you'd like to read the whole magazine Kellie's piece was featured in ! Thank-you for reading this week's feature blog post.

This week's blog post is written by our Ambassador and Diversity Committee member @runawaymusbus. Kaitlin writes about the importance of the outdoors allowing children to grow and find themselves while experiencing nature daily. Travelling with her family in their 18-foot school bus, they are able to experience our beautiful earth at their fingertips. Kaitlin is a foster and adoption advocate, who has fostered 34 children and shared with us her story of how outdoor therapy helped her foster child. "I am sure you have read somewhere on some blog post, some inspirational quote, or some feel-good news article that outdoor time is good for your mental well-being. And I am sure fellow outdoor lovers will agree with the feeling of fresh air bringing fresh healing to whatever rottenness you may have been experiencing before treading among the forest giants. Even a self proclaimed mountain woman myself I still would chuckle that maybe it is not as great as everyone likes to say it is. That was the truth, at least until I met little Miss May. The first time I laid eyes on this brazenly beautiful creature was on a rainy dark evening at a run-down McDonald's right off the Blue Line in downtown Long Beach, California. I lowered myself to my knees to softly say hello to this three-year-old creature in front of me. Her eyes sparked light against hazel crispness as she grabbed my hand in her tiny ones to declare- ‘ok you can be my mom now.’ I took a breath as I found myself pushed off-kilter, yet not truly surprised by her response. After my many years working with at-risk families whose children need a home to land in for various reasons, all normal expectations are quickly dashed. Miss May, in one breath of a second, quickly nestled herself deeply into my shattered heart. Miss May rubbed her eyes in confusion as I tried various-sized boots on her feet the next morning. ‘What’s hiking?’ – she asked softly. ‘Well, it’s just walking. Or maybe even skipping. And sometimes even dancing up mountains and in forests.’ She chuckled as her gaze left mine to stare into a world I was not privy to. ‘I don’t really go outside.’; was all she sighed as we found a suitable shoe to dawn on her Cinderella foot. A drive later, a mountain climb later, a few snacks later, a few wild animal spottings later – Miss May crumbled into the hillside trail. I prepared myself for the unavoidable meltdown. We had hiked five miles, and usually, the first outing with our new babes results in protests within the first thirty minutes. Poor diets fueled by EBT cards mixed with no exercise constraints with urban lives create children just physically overwhelmed with running around as children should do. I looked to my husband and nodded that – yes this is the time to hoist her on his shoulders for a break. But much to our joined confusion, as he went to pick up her tiny body into his strong arms she fought back with tears and protests of no! Miss May just wanted to walk. She wanted to stay among the trees. She did not want to leave. She wanted to climb more mountains. She wanted to find more waterfalls. But her legs—her tiny legs of grit and determination—were letting her heart wander down, and her anger at her own inabilities filled the still air. Tears and wrestling later, Miss May rested her tired head on my husband’s shoulders as she drifted to sleep. I watched over the better part of the year when Miss May was in our family, and she began to thrive. She gave up her protest to only eat fast food. She ran more and out-hiked us on every mountain. She laughed more. She sang more. She grew as strong as the beautiful light within her. The wilderness wrapped its delight around her as memories of past shelters, past cars sleeping, and past cramped one-bedroom state housing gave way to summer nights sleeping in tents underneath a vast sky. I never really believed being outside could heal a person. I thought we all simply wanted reasons to grant us permission to do what we find enjoyable. But then I met Miss May, and everything changed. I love you, Miss May. I miss you. You will always have a place here if you need it once more." This blog post reminds us that the smallest moments in life can bring one so much joy, self-worth, and love. Through Kids Who Explore, we aim to create an inclusive atmosphere that allows you and your child to feel motivated to explore beyond your front door, and Kaitlin motivates us to do so through her thoughts and words. You can follow along with more of Kaitlin and her family through their blog, www.runawaymusbus.com, and you can find this exact blog post right here. Head over to our Instagram to watch our IG Live with Kaitlin and her family on August 18th at 7:00 MST as we ask about their journey thus far. Thank you for following along with our blog!

Growing up, Summer Break has always meant road trips and traveling to our families, and we are sure many agree! School is out, and we are all ready to unwind while exploring beautiful places – but the most stressful part easily could be packing. We’ve reached out to our ambassador families and they’ve given us their must-have tips and items to make road trip planning for your family a little bit easier! Here Are Our Community's Tips for Family Road Trips Bring/learn Car games and toys – keep it fun, easy and entertaining! I-Spy is a great one to play with little ones in the car and keeps them entertained for a long time.  Magnet toys are a great idea as they are less likely to roll down an airplane isle or under car seats. Sticker books are another hit amongst many of our families! Allowing your child to pick out a new item to increase “wow” value. If you let them pick out a new colouring book or small toy, it can keep them entertained longer as they’ve never seen it before. This works great for long plane and train rides! Patience. This one may a little self-explanatory! The longer you stay patient, the happier you and your children may be! Learn to appreciate the little moments along the way because you may only experience that moment once. Sense of humour. Sometimes plans can go haywire, kids start a rebellion, and even a bear might even break into your car while you sleep. Laughing about it together bonds your family and gives you the joy to keep exploring. Travel Trays! These help prevent mess, as it gives your kids a flat surface to eat on, but also gives them a place to play and colour on. Colouring and drawing while having legs as the surface can become frustrating which could lead to meltdowns! Bring items that are familiar to your children for sleeping. A pack-and-play have been what most of the families have suggested, as well as a favorite blanket or two and any stuffed animal they may love. Make it familiar to home so they are more comfortable and fall asleep faster Organize family member items in color coded packing cubes. Nothing is worse than having to make a quit stop to find something, and tearing the vehicle apart to find it! Packing cubes that are color coded per family member make it easy for everyone to put their stuff where it belongs, and makes it so you don’t even have to unpack the car if you please! If you carry around a pocket knife and vegetable peeler, it is easy to stop at a local market/store to get fresh vegetables and fruit! Bring a soft carrier if you’re pressed for space. If you have a larger stroller, this can take up the most space out of all items. Consider purchasing a soft carrier to free up room in the car! Some Absolute Must-Pave Items for Road-Tripping with Kids Water bottle Food pouches and sandwiches Cloths/wipes to clean up At least 2 sets of clothes – one that is easily accessible Extra diapers, wipes, and bum cream First-aid kit with Baby Tylenol, especially for a teething baby! Walking shoes Hat, sunscreen & bug spray! Towel – kids will always find a way to get wet! Coffee – this one was suggested a lot as a Do Not Forget! Thank-you to all of our Ambassador Families for lending their knowledge to help make this blog post! We hope you can put these tips to good use. Send us your favorite tips and don’t forget to tag us @KidsWhoExplore & #KidsWhoExplore on Instagram so we can follow along on your next travels!

This may sound obvious, but having a family is a lot of work. It’s also a lot of work to get everyone ready to go outside and then actually enjoy it. Some families are composed of children who run laps around their parents in the forest, participate in biking competitions, and can out-swim their parents before they reach their teenage years.  Well, mine isn’t. Don’t get me wrong! My kiddo has energy and I love and nurturing everything about his beautiful blossoming personality. But, his energy is usually thrown face-first into building with Lego, and more recently, embarking on his own construction projects (literally, his grandpa gave him a real drill and tool set). It does actually take some motivation to get him to dive into activities that involve running up mountains. This sometimes poses a slight challenge for our very outdoorsy family! I like the challenge, however, and nothing is more satisfying than prying an unwilling child from the couch just to win him over in the outdoors. The fact that my son can be a little bit of a challenge to motivate has done wonders for my creativity, and for that, little man, I thank you! I’ve had to come up with some really good ideas over the years to help distract him from the fact that… Yes, we are climbing to the top of that mountain… and no, it’s not 5 more feet, it’s 5 more kilometers. Here are a few of my tried-and-true motivating ideas for hiking with kids: 1. Get in tune with nature and make up silly songs I love singing (but trust me when I say I’m no Mariah Carey), and so does my kiddo. This makes outdoor adventures fun as we make up really funny songs about some of the things that we see. On our most recent backcountry hike, we spent a decent amount of time singing to the wilderness (and conveniently warding off bears, as we learned from Kim Titchener on our blog and podcast ). I was singing about hoping the bears wouldn't eat us, while Lucca thought it was hilarious to sing a serenade in hopes of the bears coming to dangle themselves from the trees in front of us. 2. Create a story or virtual world This one is a lot of fun, too! My son loves stories (what kid doesn’t?), and he loves thinking about the hypothetical. My favourite topic to date was “design your dream house”. This little imaginative activity took us about two hours and made a hike feel like 5 minutes. To share, this is essentially where my son would live and what his house would look like: Lucca would live in Antarctica, in a large, 3-story house strategically placed on a very thick portion of the ocean ice. He would have 8 penguins living with him, two of which would sleep with him in his large, multi-bedroom (I get to sleep on a single bed in the corner… yay me). He would have a fridge with a tube that went straight into the ice and sucked up nothing but fresh, ready-to-eat fish for the penguins. Side note: Please, Lucca, engineer this for us... you’ll make us millions of dollars. I could go into painful detail (we designed everything down to the couch cushions), but let me finish off by adding that his vehicle of choice was a hovercraft. He would also cruise around on said hovercraft while “properly” dressed in fleece-lined shorts and his pink Paw-Patrol Crocs. 3. Become closer to nature (without disrupting it) For the most part, getting creative by singing and using our imaginations is enough. There’s also this amazing thing about hiking, though, and that is the nature around us! There’s so much to do just by being outdoors. We also play eye-spy games to spot funny mushrooms and tiny living beings. We also try to imagine how a fallen tree got where it was, what hides under the bridges we cross, and what kinds of butterflies we might encounter. If he tires of that, sometimes we just simply play a game of “don’t touch the roots”, which almost always ends in a giggle fit and a few more minutes closer to our objective. 4. When motivating doesn't work, bail out, and be proud of it People often ask me how I get my kid to hike the things he does. While it does take some motivating, he generally (and genuinely) loves nature and enjoys it. The most important thing I tell people is that if they’re not having fun, it isn’t worth it anymore. So, like all solid plans, be ready to bail out, turn around, and make a positive decision for your family and your relationship. I know I have, and I’ve never regretted it! I try to never make my son feel unaccomplished or ashamed, either. Sometimes summits happen and sometimes they don’t. I greatly enjoyed our podcast episode with MJ Singletary-Villalobos on Gentle Parenting.  In the episode we hear not to worry about conquering the summit, but to "conquer your relationship." and, yes, that couldn't be more true!   5. If you do succeed... CELEBRATE! If we head out and do accomplish a hard hike, though, oh man, does Lucca ever know he accomplished something BIG! I feel like that has also helped motivate him. He almost always gets big praise (and ice cream) after a hard day’s work. I do realize that bribery isn’t always the best parenting tactic, but… I do it sometimes. He keeps hitting the trail with us and looking for more adventures, though, so I will keep doing what works for our family and us!  6. Gear up for your adventures with our favorite gear Over the years, I've also found that the secret to a happy explorer is gear that makes them happy. For my son, this means reliable, comfortable shoes , warm base layers , and his favourite water bottle . Check out our affiliations page to get some great discounts and shop some of our most trusted brands today!

Ticks. They are not our friends. But, it seems that we are destined to share the outdoors with them. Ticks are scary, there is no doubt about that. They are the definition of small, yet mighty! However, we don’t want the fear of ticks to keep us from getting outside. When you know how to keep ticks away, check for ticks, and what to do if one is found, you can more confidently adventure, especially with kids in tow! Keep reading to learn some of our favorite Tip Prevention Tips for Hiking with Kids . Tip Prevention Tips for Hiking with Kids At Kids Who Explore, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jennifer and LJ, the founders and owners of  3 Moms Organics , which carries a product we love, TickWise, on our  podcast . You can learn all about ticks over on  that episode , but let us sum up some tick information for you here! Before going outside Before heading out, there are some safety precautions you can take. Spray Permethrin on your shoes (spray it outside, and let it dry before wearing; repeat every 2 weeks)  Wear light-coloured clothing that covers up your skin (light colours will make it easier to spot ticks) Tuck tall socks into long pants Spray yourself and your belongings with a tick repellant (check your tick repellant for reapplication instructions) While adventuring While out adventuring, there is still more you can do to be cognisant of ticks. You are already prepared with your gear and your spray, so now… If you can, avoid walking in long grass (that being said, depending on your area, ticks can reside in short grass as well) Pull your hair up and/or wear a hat (ticks can fall from trees, or climb up your body) After being outside You’ve had your fun outside, so now we do the checks.  As soon as you’re done adventuring, use a lint roller (or duct tape) all over your clothing (if ticks are just hanging on, you’ll get them off easily) At home, strip down and put your clothing in the dryer on high heat for 1 hour Shower and do a thorough tick check, especially around warm areas of your body, and your hair Remember, if you’re itchy after being outside, look at the area before scratching to determine if a tick is trying to make a new home!! If you find a tick If you find a tick, stay calm…do NOT yank the tick away instantly, as you do not want the tick to regurgitate into your body (sorry…we know, we know…not the nicest image, but we are talking about  ticks  here). You want to make sure the entire body of the tick is removed.  To remove the tick, use needle-nose tweezers (or a  Tick Twister  or  Tick Key ) to gently and slowly remove the tick. If the tick has bitten you, keep the tick in a bottle or a plastic bag (do not put the tick in tape), to send in for testing. You can check TickReport  for more information. The Mamas from 3 Moms Organics informed us that Lyme disease testing for humans is only about 30% positive, and that the  CDC  says even if you test negative for Lyme disease, it does not mean you don’t  have  Lyme disease. That’s why testing the  tick  is more effective. The Mamas also urged people to make sure they take the full 28-days of antibiotics if bitten, as that brackets the life cycle of the bacteria. There are many other tick-borne diseases, and we want to protect ourselves (and also our pets!). TickWise If you decide to check out TickWise, here are some quick facts about the product:  It’s been field-tested for its efficacy  It is DEET-free  It’s registered in all 50 states in the USA It lasts for 2 hours for ticks, and 1.75 hours for mosquitos; then, it must be re-applied  It is good for dogs, but not cats It can be bought via  their website or on Amazon, Walmart , or Lowes . Well that’s all for ticks... for today at least. We hope you can avoid these pesky critters, and in the instance you cannot, we hope you feel confident in knowing exactly what to do! Happy Adventuring! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @kidswhoexplore so we can see where you explore next.

What is the idea of the Ten Essentials? The concept of the “Ten Essentials” was formalized in 1974, according to Mountaineers. The idea, however, dates all the way back to the 1930’s, when it was included in climbing and mountaineering courses! Adventurers from around the world acknowledge that when heading outdoors, there are at least ten items that are deemed necessary for survival. The goal of the Ten Essentials list is to answer two basic questions: First, are you ready to respond to and/or prevent emergencies? Second, are you prepared to spend a night (or more) outdoors? Come along with Kids Who Explore and Campers Village today as we walk you through the Ten Essentials and some car camping basics to get you started on your outdoor adventures! The Ten Essentials, Broken Down 1. Navigation Carry a map & compass (and the knowledge of how to use them), an electronic GPS device, or other trail-map application (such as AllTrails). Even if you think you know where you're going, hiking 5km on a broken foot (or even toe!) can quickly become a dire situation. 2. Illumination Light it up, whichever way works best for you. Pack a flashlight, lantern, or headlamp (or if you're like me, all of the above). USB-powered headlamps are a great option if you carry a power pack to recharge it. Alternatively, battery-operated gear is less expensive if you're starting out! If you're expecting a decent amount of sun, BioLite also engineers some fantastic solar-powered lights. 3. First-aid There are a couple of options for a first-aid kit. If you have an idea of what you might need, making your own kit is a less expensive option. If you want a nicely packaged kit that's all ready to use, Campers Village has you covered! Check them out. 4. Fire Typically, it's a good idea to pack a primary fire starter and a backup. So that might mean waterproof matches and a lighter or torch. Fire-starters are also very useful for (attempting) to start a fire in a downpour (trust me, it'll happen at least once). 5. Shelter Apologies that this probably sounds obvious. Packing a shelter (even on day hikes) is essential! Mind you, it isn't necessary to pack a 3-person tent on a 5km hike. An emergency bivy is sufficient to get you through a tough night in an emergency. 6. Food Again, another obvious-sounding item on the list of the Ten Essentials. Food is important to throw in your pack, even on short day hikes! If you're someone who gets "hangry" (like me), the lack of food can make any situation worse... And quickly. Heading out for multiple days? Ensure you pack enough food for the number of days plus one extra day's worth. Everyone has their own opinions on dehydrated food, but personally, I prefer Backpacker's Pantry. 7. Water Carry more water with you than you think you'll need, especially if you're not exploring near a water source. If you have water nearby, pack something with you to ensure water is safe to consume, should you need to. I personally own the MSR Miniworks EX Filter and carry purification tablets as a backup. New to safely consuming "wild" water? Read this article by Campers Village to educate yourself on all the different methods to prepare water for safe consumption! 8. Clothing Pack clothing that keeps you covered in all types of weather. Research the area you're exploring in to see what extreme weather could occur and prepare for it! Some essentials are a raincoat, warm base layers, and a puffy jacket. In the Rocky Mountains, packing a toque and gloves is a smart addition as well, even in the summer (thank you, mountain weather). 9. Knife (Or, a multi-tool) Are you a little surprised this made it on the list of the Ten Essentials? I was. But, after reading the reasons, it makes complete sense. A sharp knife or multi-tool is useful in first-aid situations, preparing a fire, repairs, cutting rope (more essential for mountaineering and climbing), and for general protection. Are you convinced now? Very useful! 10. Sun protection Pack a sun hat and sunscreen to stay protected against sun exposure. Additionally, carrying clothing that will provide sun protection (long-sleeved, light coloured) is also helpful. Packing sun protection is essential, so bring it along even if the forecast predicts cloudy skies! Car-Camping Basics If you’re embarking on your first camping adventure or looking to streamline your experience, we’re here to simplify the process with this six-step guide to help you prepare for camping! Step one is simple: Look up what’s in your area and decide your basic 5 w’s: who are you going with, what will you be camping in (tent, RV, yurt, etc.), where are you going, when are you going, and why are you heading out (fishing trip, hiking & camping combo, a restful weekend, etc.). Know before you go! Look at what gear you have, what gear you need, and test out your essentials! Make sure your tent doesn’t have leaks, that your camp-stove will fire up (literally), and that your air mattress won’t leave you roughin’ it. Additionally, if this is your first time camping, practice chopping wood and starting a fire! It can be harder than it looks. Make sure you’re animal-safe. Know what wild animal encounters are possible in your area and prepare to deal with them. Take bear spray with you wherever you go! If you’re in bear country and need some tips, check out our blog post on animal safety to get you prepared. Another tip is to know your campground etiquette (if you’re campground-camping). Each campground has slightly different rules. Here in Alberta, if you’re camping in Banff National Park, even your water must be safely stowed away for the site to be considered “bear safe”. Also, follow the local rules for wood-gathering, quiet times, and check-in and check-out. Prepare for all types of weather! I’ve been poured on when the forecast “guaranteed” me a sunburn. When we set up our site, we always tie everything down like Hurricane Katrina is coming for us. I’m all about telling stories to give advice so picture this: It’s 30+ degrees (Celcius) and we’re on the beach in B.C., Alberta. Within about 20 minutes of setting up the tent, the wind kicks up but we’re still happy and living it up. That is, until I watch my tent, with all my belongings in it, fly away. It tumbled about 30 feet down the bank and landed just before the water. So, take my advice! I’ve been sorry… a lot, and it isn’t a whole lotta fun. Last, but not least... Get packing! Ensure you take the time to pack everything you need. Below is a very basic list of everything I pack when camping, but if you would like my comprehensive packing list, check it out here. A sleep system: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and optional pillow and sleeping liner or (Unightie!). Camp-cooking supplies: Stove & fuel, grill for cooking (if you're fire-cooking), pots & pans, cooking/eating utensils, plates, bowls & cups, a cooler, and fire-starting supplies. Misc important gear: Axe, camp chairs, rain canopy or tarp, bear spray, first-aid kit, and sunscreen. Campers Village expert opinion: Books to get you ready for the wilderness I am such a book person, and I'm glad that a lot of outdoor experts are, too! We've compiled a list of Campers Village-recommended books and resources to educate you on some of the most important topics. Check them out: Wilderness survival & basics Fan-favourite for wilderness survival. Short & simple wilderness survival guide. If you're looking to know what and what not to eat: Edible Plants of Canada. Into foraging for mushrooms? Check this book out. All about berries in this one! Important read: Fire building. Camping & hiking Here's a great Alberta and B.C. family campground guide. Getting started with hiking and backpacking? Click here. The Rocky Mountain Books are a great area-specific resource for almost any hiker! If you're looking for a great, all-around hiking book, check this one out. Hiking with the kiddos? Lynda Pianosi is a Canmore-based author who has created a wonderful family hiking guide for the Canadian Rockies. Navigation & animal safety Most maps are area-specific, but these are the great ones that Campers Village carries! The Alpine Book Peddlars are a staff recommendation since they are lightweight and waterproof. An animal safety must-have--the Scats & Tracks of the Rocky Mountains book. Here's another great option for learning about animal activity in the Northwest. If you're in bear country, specifically black bear country, check out this tiny pocket guide to educate you on an encounter! Please be sure to follow us on Instagram at @kidswhoexplore and use #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE for your chance to be featured on our social channels. Happy adventuring, friends!

I hope you've camped at some point in your life (whether it went off without a hitch or if you woke up floating away on your air mattress like in cartoons). Our experiences build character, and camping is one of those activities that makes great memories for children and adults alike!  Over the years, I’ve been asked, “What does your kid do while you’re camping? Aren’t they bored?”  I’m here to share all my ideas with you today to keep your kiddo entertained in the wilderness! I’ve also included a section about indoor camping-themed activities for those who aren't really into camping or for those who need some rainy-day activities for home. Camping Activities for Kids (or even the Backyard!) 1. Utilize the wilderness I don’t actually bring a lot of toys when we go camping. Nature is our playground! Sticks become musical instruments or swords, trees become jungle gyms, and rocks become building blocks. Use your imagination and let theirs run free! It's a little difficult to see in the picture here, but my son spent about an hour making a rock pile when we first got to camp on this trip. 2. Play with water We like to find campsites near some body of water. For kids, a small stream, river, or lake can create days of fun! If there’s a beach nearby, bringing beach toys as simple as a bucket and shovel can enable them to create lots of structures and designs. If you forgot toys, again, find some sticks and rocks to draw in the sand! Our names are written on a lot of beaches in Alberta.  3. Let them help with tasks I understand that some people (both adults and kids) may think camping is “boring” since you’re just sitting around in nature. We’ve learned to disconnect from electronics and connect with the simple tasks when we go camping. We use the actual experience of camping as a multi-day activity! Getting kids involved in the work helps them feel entertained and part of the team. For instance, if your kids are old enough, let them help set up the tent, start a fire, chop wood, gather sticks (if wood gathering is allowed), and cook meals. I also engage my son and ask him to do tasks that make him feel accomplished, such as tidying up the tent and hanging clothes on the clothesline.  4. Bring games and toys that keep them active Sports games are a great idea for camping. Bringing soccer balls, baseballs, and footballs engages the whole family! We also bring ladder golf and cornhole, and I’ve seen spikeball in many campsites.  Additionally, we went camping recently, and my friend brought walkie-talkies! The boys ran around the campsite yelling at each other until the batteries died (sorry nice camp-neighbours.)  Another slightly different toy to bring camping is balloons! The kids will play for hours, and there are countless games you can play with them. Pack a hammock! You can find some inexpensive ones, and they're worth it. My son plays, eats, and even sometimes naps in the hammock. Sadly, they will occasionally break, as our friends did a little while ago, but the creative gears got turning, and she repurposed it into a seat (and the chaos began all over again!) Create your own games, such as a sleeping bag potato sack race, set up an obstacle course, or if you have multiple tents to set up, get the kids to race and see who can set up their tent faster! 5. Bring nighttime activities During summer in Alberta, the sun doesn’t set until about 10 pm and doesn’t really get dark until later. That fact makes nighttime fun a little difficult, but the activities are still worth bringing. The forest gets darker than the campsite, so we like to go for an evening nature walk to unwind from the day! Three things I recommend bringing that can engage kiddos for evening/nighttime activities are: first, headlamps! They can play flashlight tag and run around. For my child, wearing the headlamp is a fun activity in itself. Next, I recommend bringing sparklers! Kids love seeing them flicker in the twilight. Finally, if you're able to find glowsticks, bring them. Kids can also bring them to bed (if they’re old enough). Glowsticks have really helped my son fall asleep while camping.  6. Bring some activities that help them unwind There’s nothing more challenging than trying to get your overstimulated child to calm down and get ready for bed around 10 pm. They’re usually buzzing from the day of excitement (true story from a few weekends ago), so here are a few ideas to help those crazies fizzle. We always pack books, colouring sheets, and pencil crayons. Additionally, if you have older kids, bringing board games and cards can be helpful to keep them still for a few hours (or minutes…). We like singing soft songs or humming around the fire and talking about our day to unwind before bedtime, too. Camping-themed activities for rainy days Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Whether we’re camping or spending time at home, sometimes the weather makes us want to stay indoors. If you’re not a camper but still like the concept of camping, these activities are also for you!  Read camping books, such as ones written by Author Dineo Dowd . Create camping-themed artwork, or colour camping-themed colouring pages, such as this adorable one by  Jayne Baun! Make camping crafts! Build a campsite diorama, binoculars using toilet paper rolls, or create a glowing campfire with sticks, pebbles, tissue paper and a battery-powered candle.  Learn about camping safety! THiNK OUTSiDE  boxes are a great way to get your child educated on outdoor and wilderness safety. We tested out the knot-tying box and had a ton of fun learning some fun new knots that will help us out while we’re camping. We're also affiliated with them, so use the code KWE15 for $15 off your first order! Carrie's packing tips to ensure happy adventures One of the most important tips I can give you when you’re going camping is to bring extra clothes and shoes. Part of the fun of camping is the mess of it all! We went camping for three days recently, and we went through everything we brought. We had to re-wear some of the clothes and dry a pair of shoes at the fire. In addition to packing extra clothes, pack clothes for all weather! Here’s what we typically bring for a three-day weekend:  Shoes: Rain boots, running shoes, water shoes/sandals, and easy-on shoes (slippers or booties for midnight bathroom trips) Tops: Raincoat, warm (nighttime) coat, a sweater, baselayer , 2 long-sleeved tops, and 2 t-shirts Bottoms: Jan & Jul rain pants , thick fleece pants, a baselayer , 2 long pants, 2 shorts, and 2 pairs of swim shorts  Misc: Sunglasses , sun hat(s) , umbrella, toque, and mittens  Of course, this depends on where you live, so what I pack might not always apply to you, but here in Alberta, we can sometimes experience all four seasons in one weekend! Bottom line, overpack a little bit. Please don't stress about camping! If you’re not a “camper” because you fear having to find ways to entertain your child, rest assured, they will find ways to entertain themselves!  Just prepare for them to look like they just took a mud bath fully clothed. Ensure the activities you choose are age-appropriate, and they’re staying safe around water, fire, and all the other sharp and scary things nature gifts us. Educate yourself on campground etiquette before you head to the campground so you know what is and what isn’t allowed. Additionally, be aware of wild animals! If you’re not educated, check out our post here on animal safety with Wild Animal Expert Kim Titchener. We’re mostly focused on bears here in Alberta, but we also know there are many other types of animals you can experience while exploring the outdoors!  If you have any questions about anything we discussed in this article, please  contact us.  We would be happy to discuss anything with you! We’re a pool of helpful ideas over at Kids Who Explore and would love to help you get outside.

Picture this: It’s the middle of the night, the kids are sleeping, you’re tucked snugly in your sleeping bag, and it’s raining outside. The raindrops create a soothing pitter-patter on the canvas of the tent. It’s a picturesque moment and you’re cherishing it. Until you notice the reason why you’re awake... You have to go to the bathroom. BADLY. You come to the realization that you have to get out of the tent; you know you’re not going to make it until morning. Sleepily, you stagger outside, dressed just enough that you’re not “technically” running around the campground in your birthday suit. On the way to the bathroom, you see something in the bushes. Maybe it’s another sleepy midnight bathroom walker? Not quite. Uh oh, it’s a bear. Well, you’re not sleepy anymore! Your heart slams the gas pedal to the floor and you’ve kicked it into high gear. Do you run? Do you climb a tree? Do you scream? Good thing you have bear spray with you! Or… do you? This little anecdote was inspired by a true story. Do you think he had bear spray? Did he know how to react in this situation? Luckily for all involved, this situation ended well. He was prepared and the bear was uninterested in a fight. That’s not always the case, however! Would you have had bear spray? Do you know how to react? If not, we’re here to help! We’ve collaborated with Canadian Wild Animal Expert Kim Titchener, founder of Bear Safety & More Inc. and RecSafe with Wildlife, to help you navigate the wilderness and reduce your chances of an animal encounter. In addition to this blog post, check out her website and sign up for a free community membership to access a library full of great free resources. Kim also offers amazing courses on bear safety and bear spray to educate you for all your adventures. Animals Are Among Us It’s important to note that no matter where you are, if you’re in nature, there are animals! They are all around us. When we go into the wilderness, we’re exploring in their home. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll have an animal encounter while you’re camping or exploring, but in one form or another, you’re going to see a wild animal (even if it’s just a squirrel or fox). Education is key to a successful outcome with wildlife. If you’re heading out, please know which animals are common to the area, how to reduce your chances of having an encounter, and what to do if you have one! In short: be prepared. Animal Encounters Are Increasing A combination of animal habitat reduction and human population increases have resulted in more animal encounters over the years. COVID-19 has also given people more opportunities to “explore their backyard”, and while that is great, people are diving in uneducated and more and more people are ending up hurt-- or worse. But don’t panic! While we always prepare for encounters and fear that if we step into the wilderness we’re going to get mauled by a bear, rest assured, these attacks are still extremely rare and there’s a lot we can do to reduce the chance of having conflict! Let’s learn how to reduce the chance of a conflict and how to handle an encounter should one occur. Preventing Animal Encounters While Exploring and Hiking While you’re in bear country with kids, there are a few important things to remember. First, make sure not to let your kids explore farther than an arm's length away from you! You have to be able to reach them to protect them. Additionally, keep your dogs on leash at all times! Believe it or not, children and dogs actually increase the chances of an encounter since they move erratically, and carnivores view them as prey. Next, let those kids be LOUD! Make as much noise as you can while on the trail. Sing songs, hoot & holler, and make sure you join in with your kids. Animals, especially during early and late seasons, can be distracted while eating, and surprising an animal is a common cause for an encounter! Travel in groups of 4 or more as well, animal attacks are easily prevented by exploring in COVID-19-approved groups. Also, be aware while you’re adventuring. Wildlife usually leave signs that they’re around. Some signs of a bear in the area are scat, tracks, dens, torn-up trees and logs, and digging. If berry bushes are in the area as well, assume a bear might be there too. If you spot signs of an animal, for the safety of your family and the animal, please leave the area! Carry bear spray in a holster on your body and be ready to use it, especially after seeing signs. Preventing Animal Encounters While Camping When front-country camping, always ask yourself: How equipped is the campground for bear prevention? These items include bear-safe garbage bins, a bear locker, or can you store your food in your vehicle away from your sleeping area? If the campground isn’t equipped, are you? Without safe storage at the campground, you may need to tie your own bear hang or use a bear keg. If neither you nor the campground is equipped, there aren’t many options. It’s better to find a different campground and/or invest in a bear hang/keg. Don’t try your luck! When arriving at your campground, take note: Is the area full of anything that could attract a bear? This could include leftover garbage on the ground, in the fire pit, or in trees or nearby food sources for animals (such as berry bushes or water with salmon for bears). Does it look like animals have been feeding in the area? Look for bear scat and shredded garbage. Are there birds of prey flying over your campsite or feeding on the ground? If Prevention Isn't Possible: Handling an Encounter in Bear Country with Kids There are two types of bear encounters: Defensive and Non-defensive encounters. Defensive Bear Encounters These encounters can be caused by surprising a bear at close range, if cubs are present, or if the bear is feeding. These bears want to protect themselves or their precious cargo and will become defensive. What does a defensive bear look like? These bears are clearly stressed out, aggressive, huffing/jaw popping, salivating/foaming, hunched up, and showing clear signs of discomfort. Defensive bears can also “bluff” charge or run in a zig-zag pattern to let you know that they want you out of the area. So, it may be your instinct to yell, act big, and become aggressive too. Please don’t! React by telling the bear you are NOT a threat. De-escalate the situation, back away slowly, talk softly, and prepare your bear spray. If in a group, group up and stay calm. Make your intention to leave the area and not to fight. If the bear attacks, the number one reaction from you is to deploy bear spray. If that’s not possible, lie face down and protect your neck, spread your legs (to brace yourself into the ground), and play dead. Wait until the bear is gone before getting up! Make sure once you begin to move again, you know which direction the bear has travelled to avoid another encounter. Most defensive attacks are short. If it continues to attack and the bear has become predatory, you need to change tactics and begin to fight for your life. Defensive bear encounters are more common and are more often due to not making noise and accidental encounters. Non-defensive (Predatory) Bear Encounters This encounter is rare but more common with black bears and solo hikers. 95% of grizzly bear encounters are defensive, not predatory! Bear follows a person, and has a slow, hesitant approach. They can approach confidently, or try to sneak up on you before running towards you and attacking. They appear curious, but this is the situation where they are dangerous! If you’re in a predatory encounter, show aggression right away! Stand your ground and make sure you let the bear know that you are not vulnerable. Prepare bear spray and deploy if the bear gets close enough. Bear Spray Basics Always wear your bear spray on your body, easily within reach, such as in a holster. Never carry bear spray tucked in a backpack. Some animal encounters happen fast, and you won’t have much time to react! Ensure each adult has their own can of bear spray. Practice pulling it out to gain muscle memory, so if you have to react in a real situation it won’t be the first time! Does everyone who is carrying bear spray know when and how to use it? Read the instructions on the can before hitting the wilderness! To gain confidence in its use, take a bear spray class with Recsafe with Wildlife. When in doubt, carry bear spray with you. Explore year-round with it, and carry it whenever and wherever you are if you’re in bear country! Please Keep Exploring! Exploring in nature is one of the most rewarding experiences. Despite probably being a little more nervous to get out and explore bear country since reading about bear safety (sorry), trust us, you’re better off if you’re informed! Please remember that these encounters are rare. Equip yourself with the knowledge and gear you need to stay safe, and you’ll feel much more comfortable out in the wilderness. Have questions? Please reach out to us at Kids Who Explore or Kim Titchener at RecSafe with Wildlife and ask us! We’d love to help you answer questions and adventure more informed. Disclaimer: The information we’ve provided you today, as well as the information from Bear Safety & More Inc and RecSafe with Wildlife, cannot guarantee that animal encounters can be prevented. This information is intended as a guide to help reduce the likelihood of an encounter and provide education in the occurrence of an encounter. Explore safely and have a wonderful time in the wilderness, explorers!

As I lay here writing this, my three-year-old daughter is flipping and flopping, chatting and singing, and not going to sleep. Welcome to backcountry camping with kids! Or at least my kids. While I joke that we don't get much sleep, because we really don’t, backcountry camping is so much fun. There are no distractions. No TV, no cell service, no internet... Just hours and hours of child-led play. If you've never heard of child-led play, look it up! Going through a challenging phase with your toddler? Child-led play is where it's at. But, in the backcountry, it's all day, every day, and it's awesome! I feel so connected with my children when we spend hours on the beach picking rocks and throwing them in the lake. We build mini ant-sized dams in creek beds and walk hand-in-hand on trails surrounded by wildflowers. They talk, and we listen. It is magical and truly fascinating watching them explore, create, and lead with their wild imaginations. Plus all that fresh air! After typing that paragraph, my daughter went from tossing and turning behind my back, to being fast asleep - I'm finding the older my kids get, the better they sleep while camping, so don't let that stop you! Keep reading to learn more about our experiences and my tips for backcountry camping with toddlers and infants. When We Got Started Our youngest was 12 weeks- old, her first time backcountry camping. My husband and I each wore our overnight hiking packs on our backs, I carried Niia in a baby wrap on my front, and Jaxon hiked as far as he could before he was up on John's shoulders. When they are this young (3 and under), I'd say from my own personal experience, I would suggest starting with one night and a camp that is within 3km of your car. That way, if it isn't going well, you can call it, pack up, and go home. Go at an easy pace and most importantly, have fun! While there are many ways to get to a backcountry campsite, the ways we have tried with our kids are hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking. Once, I went solo backcountry camping with my 3-year-old (at the time), Jaxon. We packed all of our gear in the chariot, and we both rode our bikes into camp. This summer, we are trying sailing with a friend, where we will then camp on the beach! Our List of Essentials When Backcountry Camping with Toddlers: First, please know that we are not affiliated with any of the brands linked below! These are what my family and I personally use. Essential Gear Overnight backpack Backcountry tent (this is the one we've used in the past, this year we need to buy a new one) Sleeping bags Sleeping mats Headlamps Flashlight & extra batteries Waterproof matches Lighter and fire starter (our kids love doing some of these for crafts) First aid kit Food (we love this brand) Snacks Baby food/formula Water filter (we also use Life Straw for smaller quantities) Water bottles Camping stove Propane, plus an extra Pots, bowls, utensils Diapers Wipes Toilet paper Bear spray Hiking poles (not essential) Satellite phone (we've done years of backcountry camping without one but we will be investing this year) Garbage bag (Remember: everything you pack in you must pack out!) Hats & sunglasses Sunscreen Bug spray Items for Comfort Layers (depending on the season) Toques & mitts for the chilly nights and mornings Waterproof hikers Sandals* Hut booties Camera Toys Soother Waterproof layers Baby bunting suit Backcountry pillow* (we just stuff our extra layers in our stuff sacks and call it a night) Instant coffee* (while we were gifted a backcountry coffee grinder, we have never actually used it. I don't like coffee, but my husband does and he uses this pre-ground coffee he grinds at home) Tea* Marshmallows* Towwhee rope (if biking in) Toiletries Wine* (necessary, or essential? I'll let you decide) *nice, but not essential Most family-friendly backcountry campsites have pre-chopped wood or a communal axe for firewood. They usually have an outhouse and a communal fire pit kitchen area. They will often have Bear Lockers for food and smelly items (toiletries) as well. Safety Tips Never bring your deodorant, toothpaste, or food into your tent! Also, never leave any of these items out overnight at your campsite. Always lock them up in the provided bear-proof lockers, or learn how to hang a bear bag! We never let our children wander unattended. Children must always be within arm's reach when near water. The first thing we do at any campsite is draw a circle around the fire pit with a stick, creating a safety circle that the kids are not allowed to pass. Our children are not allowed to run when near a fire pit. Games and Fun Activities My son Jaxon's sleep mat has a game designed on it, which is one of his favourite things about backcountry camping. If it rains, this gives us hours of fun. We will be purchasing a sleep mat and sleeping bag for my youngest, Niia, this year. Up until now, she has been fine in her layers (wool base layer, wool socks, slippers, bunting suit, toque), and an adult sleeping bag over top of the two like a blanket. It can get toasty with 4 bodies in our little 3-person tent. The kids love to play tic-tac-toe with sticks drawn in dirt and we play bocce ball with rocks. They haven't asked, so we haven't packed in extra toys and games, as that would be extra items to carry, and we like to see our kids use nature and their imaginations. We love to hike on the trails around the campsite and play all sorts of imaginary games with sticks. A Few Takeaways Every child is different, Jaxon is a great sleeper and has gone backcountry camping with us every year.  We chose not to take Niia when she was two years old, and she skipped a year. She stayed home with dad when Jaxon and I did our bike in. You do what is best for your family. We have yet to try a multi-hike trip with them, but as they get older, it's something we will definitely do. The price for everything listed above is costly to get you started, but don’t let this stop you from trying it. You can rent a lot of the essential items that you need from different outdoor stores or try borrowing from a friend.  You can often find a lot of pre owned gear on different sites as well. As always, you don’t need the top brands to have a good time, but do make sure the quality is good enough to stay dry, warm, and comfortable! Written by Cindy Dowsett: Adventuring Mama from the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Kids Who Explore’s Brand/Sponsor Manager, and One of the Mamas Behind Our Podcast. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram at @kidswhoexplore and use #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE for your chance to be featured on our social channels. Happy adventuring, friends!

Planet Cleanup in Honour of Earth Day Kids Who Explore wrapped up its FIRST event last week: Planet Cleanup. The purpose with this event was to make cleaning up litter fun for the whole family and we were so excited to hear positive feedback amongst the almost 170 participants. Collectively, our community was able to clean up 159 bags of litter from 11 countries from all over the world! We asked you to head out and safely clean up litter from your favourite trails and around your home. Kids Who Explore also sent out a bingo card to participants for some added fun for the kids! We're very impressed with the way that @Araradventures filled out the card, but we had many awesome submissions with a number of creative ways to complete it. After all, we certainly don't have these skills! Thank You to our Generous Prize Donors! Six lucky winners took home amazing draw prizes from: AllTrails, Ambler Hats, Baby Gourmet, Bowness Soapworks, Colibri, HappyFats Snacks, Lamington Socks, oma + jo, Planet Box, and Scat Belt. Event Kick-Off Most of our behind-the-scenes team kicked off the event in the picturesque town of Canmore, Alberta. We wish that we could have extended this invitation to the community, but with COVID-19 restrictions in place, we are not hosting in-person events at this time. Additionally, we were lucky enough to have two other talented ladies partner with us for this event. Elisabeth Cole graciously shot all the photos you see of our team and she blew us away with her photography! Also, Michelle Klatt, owner and designer of Primrose Design & Co. was kind enough to suit the team up with Kids Who Explore-branded face masks and garbage bags. After all, what's an event without branded gear! We thank you both so much for your contributions. Some Funny Items That Were Found Slipper, sock undies, adult diapers, and part of a belt Firework, brand new e-cigarette, and 15 spitting tobacco tins Twilight DVD, flipper, Christmas wrapping paper, and "Happy Earth Day" bag A giant bottle, butter knife, and deer skull Car parts, mini-trampoline, elbow pad, broken pieces of a boat, and a broken rake Our Wonderful Participants Thank you so much to our Ambassadors and everyone else from around the world that signed up, participated, and submitted amazing photos with adorable smiling kids! Another Event is Coming Soon Why are we already planning a fall Planet Cleanup? These comments that we got warmed our hearts and inspired us! "The praise and encouragement from people passing by made my child proud and helped them understand the importance of what we were doing." "My kids enjoyed picking up trash a lot more than I thought they would!" "The bingo card was a huge hit with my kids. We went out twice and might go again!" "Now every time we go out my child wants to pick up garbage!" Please be sure to follow us on Instagram at @kidswhoexplore and use #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE for your chance to be featured on our social channels. Happy adventuring, friends!

If you're new to Kids Who Explore (KWE), welcome! We are a Canadian-founded team of mamas who really love one thing: the outdoors. We have a mission over here, and it's pretty simple. We aim to inspire people to go beyond their front door, get outside into nature, and allow nature to help raise our kids. If you're not new to our brand, thank you for being here! We're sure you've heard our mission time and time again, but we always like to remind people why we're here. Where did the idea for #PATCH4APURPOSE come from? Since this is an introductory post, there are some things you should know about our CEO, Adrianna Skori. She's incredibly authentic and driven and is one of the most kind-hearted humans I've ever met. Adrianna jumped straight from vision to reality with her hopes for this Social Enterprise and has never looked back. One of her visions for KWE was this idea of a patch... one that could "excite people about the brand and connect KWE as a global community." Adrianna also wanted to give this patch a purpose as a way to give back to the province that has given her countless beautiful places to explore. She decided to donate $1 CAD from every black patch sold to Alberta Parks. Thus, our high-quality, KWE-branded, Canadian-made #patch4apurpose was born! Lets get colourful… “4 a purpose” But... Why stop at just one purpose? Soon, conversations were in the works to bring even more purposes to our patches. Since we are KIDS Who Explore, Adrianna made the decision to dedicate patches to different avenues of children's support. Then, almost suddenly, our patches got colourful! We went from one, black #patch4apurpose, to seven more colourful patches, in just a few months. Curious what they all mean? I can't wait to tell you! Each patch is important! Here’s what they stand for: While I do believe this is just the beginning for our patches, we're sticking with the seven solid-coloured patches to start. If you guessed the colours and thought... rainbow? You (almost) nailed it. We have a red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple patch. But instead of indigo we went with pink. Let me tell you what each colour represents and how we're trying to make a difference by donating to a charity in that field! BUY YOUR #PATCH4APURPOSE HERE! RED: Children's Disability Support We aim to improve outdoor accessibility so children with disabilities can enjoy adventures too. The Children’s Ability Fund is a Canadian organization that helps fund specialized equipment so that children with disabilities can succeed with everyday tasks. ORANGE: BIPOC and Anti-Racism At Kids Who Explore, we're listening and we're learning. In order for the narrative to change, we need education. The Conscious Kid is an American organization dedicated to promoting healthy racial identity development and we're donating $1 from our orange patch funds to the Anti-Racist Children's Book Fund. YELLOW: Supporting Sick Children Not every child has the capacity to spend time outdoors. We want sick children to have the best life possible and believe donating to the Alberta Children's Hospital is a great way to make a difference in a child's life. GREEN: Earth-First We value our outdoor spaces and prioritize teaching our children how to help keep our Earth green. Earth Rangers is a Canadian kids organization with a mission "to create a generation of conservationists" through their education programs! BLUE: Children's Well-Being Kids Who Explore aims to help children from all over the world, especially against child abuse, poverty, and social injustice. UNICEF works with over 190 countries to fight for children, and we want to join their fight with our blue patch. PINK: Anti-Bullying Everyone has experienced bullying at one point in their lives. It is prevalent and life-impacting for children (and adults) of all ages. The CKNW Kids' Fund's Pink Shirt Day supports anti-bullying initiatives and self-esteem-boosting programs. PURPLE: Children's Mental Health Awareness Prioritizing mental health should start in childhood. The Build Them Up initiative aims to build a "Centre for Child & Adolescent Mental Health" and to provide services to identify and manage mental health challenges. BUY YOUR #PATCH4APURPOSE HERE! We’re new, and we thank you! Over time, our ideas will continue to grow and change, and we hope you'll come along on this journey with us. The exciting thing about being a new brand, is well... that it is new! Every time we come upon a new idea, we can't wait to share it with the world. We love seeing our community representing our brand, too. Our patches ship worldwide and they've even popped up all the way in Norway! If you'd like to rep a patch of your own, head over to our store to shop now. Stay tuned for many exciting things in the future! We thank you all so much for your support as we embark on this adventure.