Quick Concept for Our Natural World
Grabbing Your Group's Attention (20 minutes)
Your group will be going on a nature scavenger hunt. Rather than collecting
objects, they will be listing ideas on paper. The hunt will help participants
discover how much they have in common with the natural world and how the natural
world influences their survival. This activity sets the stage for learning and
embracing Leave No Trace.
- Begin the activity by conducting one of the following:
- An excursion to an outdoor setting such as a park, canyon, river, or
desert
- An excursion to a natural setting via a slide show, color photographs, or
posters
- A mind excursion where participants imagine their favorite natural setting
- A mind excursion where participants close their eyes while you describe a
natural setting
The Activity
Give each participant a piece of paper and a pencil. Have participants make
three columns with the headings "Things in Nature," "Things We
Have in Common," and "How It Helps Me."
Have participants observe
their environment physically if they are outdoors, or mentally if they are
indoors. They must find objects in nature and tell what they have in common with
each object. Make sure they consider less-noticeable things such as air, soil,
and sun. Here's an example:
The Discussion
Have participants share one or more
of their connections. Help them to discover that this personal connection is
where a commitment to land stewardship begins. Land stewardship is the goal of
Leave No Trace. Outline for them what they will be learning about Leave No Trace
in the future.
| Things in Nature |
Things We Have in Common |
How It Helps Me |
TREE
 |
We both have an outer layer to protect us (bark/skin). |
A tree gives me oxygen. |
SOIL
 |
We both contain minerals. |
Soil helps grow my food. |
ANT
 |
We both need shelter. |
Ants loosen the soil. |