Sometimes I feel I have failed Miss Charlotte Mason. This year I vow to do better. This year we will not skirt our nature study responsibilities. This year we will be Nature Study Superheroes! Ok, well at least this year we will go outside... and we will have our trusty Nature Study Backpacks!
I was recently inspired a dear friend who is a nature study enthusiast. She gave me a fantastic idea for creating a Nature Study backpack.
Our 1st adventure with the Nature Study backpack was on our recent field trip with Hip Homeschool Moms to Ft. Caswell, NC. I was surprised by how useful it was, as were other homeschool moms. Each of us had a backpack that had everything we might need for a nature study.
What is in our Nature Study Backpack?
l have added a few things I thought would prove handy. So here's what's in our nature backpack:
**You can grab a shopping list at the bottom of this article.
- Macro lens
-
This little thing has been so much fun!
We've been able to zoom in on everything (that will stay still).
These are different types of sand using the macro lens.
- Waterproof case
for the above - Seriously, even if you're not going near water, you need this. I find it most useful just to keep my phone hanging around my neck so I don't drop it.
And they come in different colors, so you won't be confused about whose phone is in the pouch.
- Ziploc bags
(for holding all our finds) - Definitely need this. We collect a lot of stuff.
- Colored Pencils
– you need these to sketch.
- Pencil sharpeners
- for when you break the pencils 😉
Nature guides - We like the Peterson nature guides, too.
- Bottled water
- It gets hot out there!
Keep hydrated.
Latex gloves - If you don't mind touching the sometimes icky stuff, then you don't need these. I, however, do need these.
Water shoes – If you are going to be near water, these are a good idea. Just bring a plastic bag to put them in if you don’t want to wear them the rest of the day.
- Ponchos
- I only throw these in if there's a chance of rain.
Hair ties - If you have long hair, these are a must. I don't remember to put my hair up until I'm miserably hot and wish I had a hair band.
- I usually pack a face stick and a body spray for when we need a quick application.
- This is a good idea if you are going to the woods or near water
& 
- These are good for when you will be away from home for awhile.
Find out how to make a #NatureStudy Backpack with printable shopping list #ihsnet #homeschool
How to make the Nature Study Backpack your own
Ok. So, I realize that sounds like a lot. You may find you don't need all the items on the list or maybe you need more. Make your backpack your own. Just make it easy to grab and go with little to no preparation. That is the key for us to have a great time in nature.
I made a printable of the shopping list above. Just click the graphic below to have it sent to your email inbox. Current subscribers can find it in the Chocolate Closet.
Hi, I’m Dachelle. I’m a homeschooling mom of 3 in the South. I love chocolate and have been known to hide it from my children. I can often be found reading a good book (or even sometimes just an okay book) and enjoying a jar of Nutella — don’t judge. I blog, here, at HideTheChocolate.com when I’m not creating book clubs and making lists…lots and lots of lists (it’s an addiction). Learn more…
You’ve been featured in this week’s Practical Mondays. I loved your list! Do keep sharing your ideas 🙂
Thanks so much!!! So exciting!