The Community Spotlight series highlights communities, organizations and individuals who are taking innovative actions to help build resilient communities. NatureKids BC helps families build a sense of belonging, confidence and safety in nature through their mission to encourage families to spend more time outside.
Build relationships with people and places in your community
With local leaders guiding the way, NatureKids BC offers free, outdoor experiences to help participants build a relationship with the natural environment right in their backyard. There are currently 30 local NatureKids clubs across B.C.
Rebecca Law, NatureKids BC’s executive director, is passionate about the outdoors and making local connections. She has fond memories of spending time in Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Park) with her family, and it always reminds her of the “bigness of nature.”
NatureKids BC programs introduce participants to their area’s natural history, watersheds, forests, parks and wildlife. Rebecca points out that the programs are “a great opportunity to see migration patterns, new and changing habitats and wildlife in your neighbourhood.” These connections and observations help participants discover seasonal changes close to home, providing important local knowledge that can be useful for emergency preparedness and climate action too.
Connections to emergency preparedness
Last year, PreparedBC joined the North Vancouver NatureKids club for their first High Ground Hike in April and then later in December, explored a local river park to learn about winter storm and flood preparedness.
NatureKids BC has also hosted events with FireSmart BC, led outdoor workshops about avalanche preparedness, and the River Forecast Centre has been featured in their NatureWILD magazine.
Get involved and share your knowledge
NatureKids BC is a fun and interactive way to engage with kids and families about their natural environment, local hazards and how to prepare for and adapt to a changing climate.
- Find your local NatureKids Club.
- Contact your local NatureKids Club about being a guest speaker and sharing your knowledge about the natural world or emergency management.
- Join an Explorer Day with your family.
- Volunteer as a local leader.
NatureKids BC is a fun and encouraging community! Help spread the word and join today.