TACO—Connect a Child with Nature

by Jessica Scudella

Take A Child Outside week—TACO week—is an annual event that happens every September 24–30. It is a national movement that encourages children to spend more time outdoors. The week is meant to promote outside activity so that children can connect with nature. There are events happening all around North Carolina throughout the week. On the Take A Child Outside website (https:// takeachildoutside.org/), you can find the different locations hosting events for 2021. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, an agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has spearheaded this initiative since 2007. The Museum’s experience with, and commitment to, getting children outdoors led to the development of Take A Child Outside week.

The movement was inspired by the book "Last Child in the Woods" written by Richard Louv. His book identifies the benefits of outdoor experiences for children and addresses some of the problems of what he terms “nature deficit disorder,” such as increased feelings of stress, trouble paying attention and feelings of being disconnected from the world.

This year on September 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is hosting a free Take A Child Outside outdoor public event. The event activities will be open-ended and encourage people of all ages to explore the museum park. There will be a bubble station, loose parts play, a bug hunt and nature-inspired crafts. Facilitating the event will be the museum’s education team. It is recommended to wear clothing that can get a little dirty as you will be exploring outside. The purpose of the week is to embolden children to spend more time experiencing the natural world. If you want to learn more about the September 25th event visit the website, https:// www.capefearmuseum.com/programs/ take-a-child-outside/.

If you are unable to attend an event, the Take A Child Outside website suggests going to an outdoor space such as your backyard or a nearby park. On the website there are specific activities that children can participate in such as, “listen & feel” or, “shapes and colors and texture, oh my!”

“Listen & feel” is great for all ages and can be done in any natural area. All you have to do is find a comfortable area to sit and close your eyes for 30 seconds or one minute. Then listen to the sounds you hear: What are they? From which direction did they come? Who might have made them? Next focus on how you feel. What do you notice about the world around you through your sense of touch? Where is the sun? From what direction is the breeze blowing? Does the air feel warm and gentle or sharp and brisk? Discuss your observations and you can even record them in a journal.

“Shapes and colors and textures, oh my!” is suitable for all ages but is ideal for 3-year-olds to second graders and can be done in any natural area. You will need paint chips, wallpaper samples or pieces of color paper cut in various shapes. Then use these paint chips to match with colors or texture in nature. The youngsters can then record their observations with words or pictures.

Cape Fear Museum is located at 814 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 and the park is adjacent to the museum on the corner of 8th and Market Streets. You can reach them at https://www.capefearmuseum.com/event/ take-a-child-outside/ or call (910) 798-4370.

You can then share these experiences on social media using #takeachildoutside or uploading a picture to the Take A Child Outside website.

Jessica Scudella is a senior pursuing degrees in environmental science and political science at UNCW. She is a Going Green intern, the Vice President of 350 UNCW and the Environmental Legislation Committee Chair for UNCW Plastic Ocean Project.