National Parks in the United States are gifts from nature. It has become our privilege to take care of the parks and make sure that future generations can still see and enjoy them.
With the many challenges we have faced during the pandemic, going outdoors or exploring public places with your children may have become quite burdensome. However, it is still our responsibility to make sure that our families are well cared for and well-informed about the resources and opportunities that are available to them.
With technology, it is now possible for us to visit national parks even in the comforts of our homes. We can now teach our children about national parks even if the trip to that park may be at some point in the future.
With that, let us consider this Bible verse whenever we may think twice about talking to our children about nature:
“All the earth shall worship You
And sing praises to You;
They shall sing praises to Your name.”—Psalm 66:4
“Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;
Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl;
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;”—Psalm 148:9-10, 13
Nature is a gift that inspires worship toward our Creator and Redeemer, and you should always share this gift with your children.
You can begin with rose gardens
Creation Illustrated has shared a list of rose gardens that you can check out. If you cannot yet travel to them, you can always visit these amazing places via articles or blogs to learn the details and unique characteristics of each national park.
Do a nature day
In the Creation Illustrated article, Discover Natural Stress Relief by Viewing Nature, the publication discusses ways that nature can be utilized to gain health and relieve stress.
The article explains, “In 2010, a group of researchers from the University of Rochester conducted a study about the reaction people have to nature. They had students take two 15-minute walks—one in an empty hallway and another down a wooded path in nature. Can you guess which students reported feeling less sluggish? That’s right—the participants who strolled down nature’s path.”
The article concluded that “Nature is a tool that God has given us as a way to see His mighty works. It’s also a good reminder of how much God cares for us and His desire for us not to worry.”
We believe it to be true.
When exploring national parks at home, you are one step closer to destressing and removing some challenges from your life, as well as the lives of your children. Whenever you think that your children are not feeling your level of stress, think again.
Children are much more stressed out now, especially with the changes and uncertainty in the world. There are a lot of things happening that they do not understand.
Even if it is just at home, it is your responsibility to help them explore nature in any way possible.
Old School Visit
If you want to visit national parks but cannot and also want to decrease your children’s screen time, you can always go for printed publications and helpful unit studies. Creation Illustrated is one of the best sources for this kind of exploration.
For example, the Joshua Tree National Park Unit Study from Creation Illustrated is among the best and most balanced experiences you can share with your children.
On the website description, it includes the following:
“Explore the many stunning aspects of one of America’s most unique national parks. Learn the history, habitat, and biblical lessons found in this challenging environment that God designed! Discover who lived there and why along with the creatures and birds that call Joshua home. This inspiring Unit Study with its captivating lessons found in the desert will help students understand the amazing diversity in God’s Creation. (typically for Grades 5-8 but adaptable to other grades). The lessons include Reading, Educational Videos, Bible Study, Science, Arithmetic, Geography, Vocabulary & Spelling, Art, a Puzzle, and More. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of this wondrous part of Creation along with the character-building lessons God intended. Includes a Teacher’s answer key and a copy of the “Journey to Joshua” article from the Winter 2022 edition of Creation Illustrated magazine”
Share experiences with your children
There are now a lot of ways that you can share experiences with your children. Whether you are looking for a more digital publication or a publication you can share in book form, Creation Illustrated has the answer for you—both.
In Proverbs 22:6, the Bible shares: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
In addition to publications, you can also find videos on the Internet of other people travelling. You should start with a place that you have already visited. That way your children can feel a part of what you experienced.
Be prepared to share your experiences and answer any questions that your children may have about what you did in nature.
Answer and enlighten them about what our shared responsibility is with nature.
Nature is a gift
Keep in mind that nature is a gift.
Genesis 1:11-12 shares, “Then God said, ‘Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them,’ and it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good.”
Even if you are just thinking of sharing your experience with your children, you are already letting them in on your discoveries. Nature is a gift and it is our responsibility to share it and care for it. Whether you are visiting our national parks in person or just browsing online, through a book, or with a publication like Creation Illustrated, never forget to share with our children.