Emily van Lidth de Jeude chose a forest location for (F)unschool last week on the assumption that the weather would be rainy, but Friday turned out to be glorious and sunny. The big kids participating in (F)unschool leap frogged in and across and back and forth and down the steep ravine of Eddy Creek, which flows behind the Stone Circle in Bluewater. Before they did, though, Emily reminded the group about the rules of (F)unschool: always stay within sight and ear shot of parents and don't hurt anything, including yourself or plants. The third, unspoken rule of (F)unschool, which one discovers very quickly after breaking it, is to always wear gumboots.
(F)unschool is an activity run by the Bowen Nature Club for families as well as adults up for an afternoon adventure. It takes place after regular school lets out most Thursdays.
The intention of the activity is, of course, fun, but also, to experience our local nature with some fundamental unschooling principles: learn by exploring and allow inspiration to lead.
(F)unschool's organizer, Emily van Lidth de Jeude, adds, "Life is nature and nature is everywhere. In exploring and being familiar with our own wilderness, we open our minds to learning in every domain."
If you are interested in participating, join the Nature Club! A year-long membership costs $18 for an individual, or $22 for a family.
The many other Nature Club outings planned for this year are published on the Nature Club's website: http://bowennatureclub.blogspot.com
