What My Daughter Learned on a Mountain
“Dad, I trust you so, so much, but I feel like I’m going to die.” At seven years old, rascally, athletic, and fearless right up until she suddenly wasn’t, Summer’s first ski trip turned into a learning experience for both of us. For most of the day she clung to my hand as we cruised […]
Squirrels are My Favorite Animal
When kids list their favorite animals, squirrels rarely make the cut. They’re too common, too familiar. We can walk through a park full of squirrels and not even notice them. A naturalist will rarely point one out as something worth noticing. But… squirrels are my favorite animal. There’s a case to be made for noticing […]
Enlightenment Outside
Something powerful happens to our minds and our hearts when we step outside. It might even be more powerful than mosquito bites. Across spiritual traditions, enlightenment happens in nature. Across history, scientific and creative breakthroughs happen in nature. Today, modern research confirms it: our minds work better in nature. Let’s start with a look at […]
Try More Green Time: The power of doing something positive
In a world where we’re worried about too much screen time, maybe less screen time isn’t actually the answer. Maybe the answer is doing more of what you love. Before diving into outdoor education, I worked with students struggling with substance abuse. Every Friday, we sat in a circle and made weekend plans to help […]
Falling In Love
The day my daughter was born, the doctor had to come find me. She found me collapsed somewhere in the room, in shock, my world having crumpled. “Do you want to meet your daughter?” the doctor asked, with concern in her voice. I was numb, but slowly her words cut through the haze of grief […]
NorthBay Reflections – Intro
Every week at NorthBay, kids discover that vultures are more interesting than TikTok and it gives me hope. NorthBay is an outdoor school that’s been blending environmental education with social-emotional learning for 20 years. It’s time to share some thoughts and stories from the field because yes, the internet definitely needs one more opinionated blog. […]
Be Here Now: Seeing Children as Human Beings, Not Human Becomings
“Children are viewed more as human becomings than as human beings.” — Jens Qvortrup, Childhood Matters My daughter, Winden, and I were playing at a local park. A boy nearby watched us for a while, clearly itching to join in. Finally, with the confidence of a seven-year-old about to make a friend, he marched over and […]
It’s Not Camp—It’s Outdoor School: How NorthBay Is Different from a Summer Camp
Every year, as the weather warms and the school year winds down, we often hear the question: “So, is NorthBay a summer camp?” On the surface, it’s easy to see why: NorthBay leans into the best parts of a camp experience: new discoveries in nature, beauty, adventure, and shared experiences that lead to
Get Outside
Imagine a sixth grader from Maryland. She goes to school, spends her afternoons watching YouTube videos, and then after dinner hops on her PS5 to play games with friends. After doing some homework, she heads to bed, smartphone