Living in Southern California (when it’s not pouring!) is pretty awesome in the winter. Even in January we can go for hikes in the mountains around here and not take much more than a sweatshirt.  With all the noise of modern life, it’s essential to get out into nature and just turn off the world.  I’ve been trying to teach my daughter how important the natural world is to our sanity and happiness.  The Children’s Nature Institute has been an important part of that lesson.

“The Children’s Nature Institute (CNI) is dedicated to providing young children with the opportunity to explore the natural world through hands-on, educational experiences. We use nature as a tool for fostering creativity, discovery, independence, personal development and improved social and academic skills. Through our programs, including the award winning Outreach Discovery Program, Tykes on Trails Program, Kids Leading Kids, and Family Walks, CNI connects nature to the everyday lives of children by incorporating parents, grandparents, and teachers into the learning process.” - ChildrensNatureInstitute.org

Today for ExtremeGiving, I signed up at CNI as a volunteer.  I will assist on future hikes, helping the kiddos learn about trees and bugs.  Sounds like a blast!