Zandvlei Trust

Nature Circles - July 2010.
Nature-based activities for children, youth and families in the Greater Zandvlei area.
By Alice Ashwell.

A concept proposal submitted to:

• Safer Together

• The Greater Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve

• The Zandvlei Trust.

Introduction: nature and healthy development.

We all know that spending time in nature is good for our health and wellbeing. In the Greater Zandvlei / Muizenberg area we are particular blessed to live close to diverse natural areas stretching from mountains to sea, with fynbos, plantations, streams, wetlands and dunes in between.

According to the Children & Nature Network, a growing body of research shows that when children have regular contact with nature they grow up “happier, healthier, smarter ... are more self-disciplined and focused ... self-confident, creative and cooperative ... Family ties are strengthened, a sense of community is nourished, and a sense of place is cultivated.” 

Despite the proximity of diverse natural areas, many children, youth and even adults in our community spend relatively little time outdoors. Fearing traffic and ‘stranger-danger’, many parents today do not allow their children to roam freely in their neighbourhoods, leading one researcher to dub this the “bubble-wrap generation.” There is little proof that keeping kids indoors is any better for their healthy development, however. A massive increase in the use of electronic technology is not only exposing young people to many mind-warping ideas, but is also contributing to rising levels of obesity as young people become increasingly sedentary. All over the world, communities are recognising that it’s time to reverse this trend and get outdoors!

Safer Together: building community, retrieving our spaces.

Safer Together has been helping the local community to retrieve Muizenberg Beach by hosting regular Moonlight Meanders, which enable people to experience the beach at night in safety. This Nature Circles & Green Gym proposal suggests ways in which this excellent initiative could be extended, enabling children, youth and families to explore local natural areas together and to build a sense of belonging to an eco-social community.

• Junior Nature Circle: One hour programme for children aged 3 - 6, each with a carer (parent, nanny, etc). The activity approaches (e.g. movement, imagination, creativity, song and story) were made explicit to the carers so that the outings served both the immediate purpose of children having fun in nature, and also equipping carers with activity ideas that they can use in future. 

• Senior Nature Circle: Two hour programme for children aged 7-10, carers optional. 
  The focus of this group was on exploring nature and the elements physically, aesthetically and intellectually. Activities included tracking, hut building, treasure hunts, nature crafts, story circles, and sensory activities that encourage observation and fostering of a sense of wonder.

•  Green Gym for Teens: Three hour programme for high school youth. In this group we provide various opportunities to be physically active, while making a positive contribution to the conservation of a local natural area. Important aspects of Green Gym will include having fun outdoors, socialising with peers, exploring local natural areas, and meeting people who work in conservation. Local Conservation Managers and Friends Groups will suggest useful activities that the youth can assist with. Youth will be encouraged to come up with creative solutions to apparently intractable problems - encouraging an approach that seeks to prevent problems like pollution, rather than to constantly try to address symptoms. 

For more information. 

Please contact Alice Ashwell alice@enviroeds.co.za 

tel 021 788 2431 or  cell 082 720 7444 and also  http://www.enviroeds.co.za