2
ENCOURAGE
A LOVE FOR OUTDOOR PLAY BY INVOLVING FRIENDS
Although our kids are created with a sense of wonder , it can be challenging to reignite that curiosity . If there ’ s hesitancy to spend time outside , involve friends ! Instead of saying , “ We ’ re going to turn off the tablet and go outside ,” you can reframe the idea and say , “ Hey , we ’ re heading to the river to play with your friends !” Organize a walk with friends through a nearby natural area , a day at the beach or river , or attend a local nature class to fuel your child ’ s interest in playing outside .
3
SHOW
YOUR CHILD ABSOLUTE TRUTH IN THE DETAILS OF NATURE
Nature shows our children God ’ s beautiful designs ; we don ’ t get to define or redefine what He has made . Play a game with your child by taking them to a natural area and letting them wander a safe distance . Ask them to pick out something they see , like a flower , tree , insect , or bird . Have them report back and describe that natural item through words , and you get to guess what they found . Encourage them to describe it as carefully as possible . What colors does it have ? How big or small is it ? What does it smell like ? Is it swaying ? Singing ? Standing still ? Once your children have given detailed descriptions , go with them to see what they have found . While affirming their accurate descriptions , share a few more descriptors they could have used . This will help them broaden their vocabulary for seeing and defining things . Next , it ’ s your turn ! Go find something fun to describe to them , and let them take a turn guessing . Talk about what these natural items reflect about God or what He might have been thinking about when He created them .
Experience the beauty
of Manderley Christian Camp in the tranquil Sequatchie Valley of Tennessee .
Play , adventure , and relax while learning biblical truths to deepen your faith in Jesus Christ , and leave with a plan and desire to live your faith out loud . Visit our website for information on upcoming Signature Camps and Events .
In Isaiah 55:10-11 we read that God ’ s Word goes forth and does not return void . Likewise , nature declares who God is , and this revelation will not return empty . As you explore God ’ s Word and His created world alongside your child , He will bless your efforts and reveal Himself in wonder-filled ways . ■
Eryn Lynum is a certified master naturalist , Bible teacher , educator , national speaker , and author of Rooted in Wonder : Nurturing Your Family ’ s Faith Through God ’ s Creation and 936 Pennies : Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting . She is host of the podcast Nat Theo : Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible . Eryn lives in Colorado with her husband , Grayson , and their four children , where they enjoy hiking , camping , and adventuring through the Rocky Mountains . Eryn leads nature classes and hikes and has been featured on Focus on the Family , FamilyLife Radio , Proverbs 31 Ministries , Christian Parenting , and MOPS International . Download her free Bible lessons and nature activity guides at ErynLynum . com .
Looking for the perfect location to host your camp or event ? Our camp facilities provide an ideal setting for an unforgettable experience . Contact us today for more information .
manderley . camp • 423-447-2888
RENEWANATION . ORG 27
100 Manderley Lane , Pikeville , TN 37367