3rd Annual JOFN Lantern Walk

It is that time of the year again. We set our clocks back last night to gain some day light in the mornings of our ever shortening days. A Lantern Walk is a magical way to embrace the season and the darkness. Everyone carries a lantern as we do a short hike together. We finish with a fire going in the shelter to gather around, roast hot dogs, marshmallows and other tasty treats. There are some great do-it-yourself lantern ideas on the web, especially on Pinterest. We're excited to be partnering with Forest Song Nature School for this year's walk.

If anyone one is musically inclined and would like to lead us in song that would be great.

If anyone has some firewood to share that would be most appreciated as well.

Please go to our Juneau Outdoor Family Network's Facebook page for details and to RSVP.

Getting Mental About It - Reasons to Go Outside

Mental Health & Cognition –

• Research shows that time spent outdoors significantly lessens mental health concerns such as:
• SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) - Intake of Vitamin D also plays a huge role in mood disorders
• Depression in kids and parents
• Post-partum depression. In fact one study I read – suggested that going outside everyday could decrease the symptoms of post-partum depression by 50%! A happy mama = a happy family! 

• Time pounding out energy outside also significantly decreases symptoms of ADHD

• Increase in problem solving and process skills – self reliance 
• Fosters socials skills such as collaboration and cooperation among siblings and peers 
• Increases observation skillsDevelops deeper understanding of the physical world – including physics, ecology, chemistry, geology, geography to name but a few 
• Increases focus 
• Self-actualization – the crucial skill for a person to understand what they are truly capable of

MyMayu Boots Review

The MyMayu boots are very intriguing! A waterproof hybrid of a closed croc and a gaitor, our hopes were high that these would be great alternative to the stiff rainboots and the Bogs that let water in when they reach the neoprene line. We just couldn't make them work for us in the rainforest that is Juneau. When given the choice our 3 year old always chose his Bogs or Xtratuffs over these. They weren't as easy to put on. The narrow foot didn't allow for much wiggle room, and he needed help adjusting the cinching cords to ensure they didn't fall down and let water in. Though they have fleece liners available for sale to boost the insulation value of the boot, the liners were easily bunched up, again from the narrow foot bed. You would also need to order boots bigger to allow for some space to create some insulation and not pinch the feet, imparing circulation for colder weather. Even in the summer months our water in the creeks, ocean and puddles is still pretty cold. The MuMayu boots did hold up to their claim to be waterproof and they are super light weight and not nearly as clunky as some of the other options out there. They are also compactible, which is great for throwing the pack.


The one super awesome use we found for these boots was when we were visiting family back East. These boots are fantastic for pulling over pants to keep ticks from climbing up pant legs in the woods, a big concern in New England because of the prevalence of Lyme Disease, carried by deer ticks.

If anyone is interested in trying them out for their kiddo we have a pair of blue ones in size 10 to pass of if you'd like to give them a go.

Summer Giveaway!

 

One of our fabulous members, Sarah, proprietor of Mabel McKinley - Juneau is offering up an Alaska Wild Child t-shirt to the winner of our summer Giveaway!

JOFN is designed to be a place where parents are empowered with the tools and the venue to create their own outings that fit their own family's schedule. Part of the reason why I created this group and similar ones in Anchorage and Kodiak, was to make sure I had things I knew my kids and I would love to do at a time that met our needs, while making new friends. I'd like to extend that opportunity to other families.

 

How to enter: 

 

• Entrants must be part of our Juneau Outdoor Family Network, Facebook group. 

   

• Each member can earn 1 entry for every outing they set up on the Juneau Outdoor Family Network group's page. Outings can be impromptu (It's a beautiful day - let's meet at Sandy Beach at 1pm) or planned ahead of time (Hike with kids at the Airport Trail on Thursday at 2pm). If you click on the "create an event" link on our group's page it will walk you through entering the details.

  
  

• Additional entries can be earned for posting links to outdoor events happening around the community of Juneau, for example Douglas Garden Party. 

   

  All entries must be posted by midnight July 25th, 2015. A name will be randomly selected and the winner will be posted the following day.

   

   

The Naturalist Kit - A Perfect Gift

Looking for a great present for any kid, regardless of age and gender? Give a gift that promotes fun, exploration and hands-on/minds-on learning instead of plain old consumerism. Create a Naturalist's Kit! This easy to make kit combines all the timeless tools needed to document adventures from butterfly catching to tide pooling. It integrates art, math and science in one neat package that doesn't need wrapping. 

Contents:

• Waterproof pencil case - $0.99
• Sketch book - $3.99 (there was a coupon today at Fred Meyer's - buy 2 get 1 free)
• Color pencils - $1.99
• Large pink eraser - $0.39
• Net - $5.99
• Magnifying glass - $7.99
• Ruler - $2.99

Total: $24.33

 

A few of the educational concepts and skills promoted: 

• Plein air drawing
• Observation
• Contour drawing
• Composition
• Shading
• Prediction
• Field research
• Record taking
• Color
• Spacial skills 
• Scale
• Measurement

New Year's Resolution

 Whether it is once a week or an hour a day... Resolve to make spending more time outside a priority for you and your family in 2015. You won't regret it! It's good for the heart, mind, body and moral of the whole clan!

 

A Part of the Whole

Did you know JOFN is part of a bigger statewide community? 

Currently there are three Alaska Outdoor Family Networks in Anchorage, Kodiak & Juneau. Together we have a membership of over just over 1,200 Alaskan families across the state and reach many more with our various webpages, blogs and facebook groups. We have hosted over 1,300 events/outings since the first group in Anchorage was founded in October of 2010.

Thank you to all the families that participate and are eager to provide their kids and themselves with engaging outdoor opportunities! An even bigger thank you to the families that step up and help organize all our activities. Simply posting a time, activity and a place is a powerful tool providing not only your family, but others with avenues to connect with each other and nature!

Feel free to contact us if you are interested in creating a similar group in your community. We might be able to save you some errors in the trial and error department as an enormous amount has been learned through the process!

If you happen to find yourself in one of the towns look up the local chapter to connect with other Outdoor Families. We have met so many families and learned so much about each of the amazing places we have lived in this amazing state! 

It is truly outstanding how powerful connecting with peers in nature is for the physical, cognitive and emotional well being of children and parents alike. So much wonderful insight has been gained from the other parents I've covered miles with on the trail, or chatted with on the beach while our kids throw rocks into the waves. It is important to not feel alone in this journey.