“They’ve done studies observing children in a park. They issue the more organized places like a like a soccer field or basketball court, but the kids always end up on the edges where the trees or the brush is just messing around.”
Childhood adventures in nature often shape a lifetime of curiosity and exploration. Yet, opportunities for unstructured play are disappearing, leaving today’s kids with fewer chances to discover the world around them.
Chris Anderson, creator of OutSCIder, is addressing this by bringing national parks into classrooms through engaging, curriculum-aligned videos. By partnering with parks and nonprofits, his initiative ensures these free resources inspire curiosity and accessibility for all students, regardless of location.
Reflecting on the decline of sandlot games, Chris emphasized the critical skills kids develop through informal, unsupervised play. Without adults mediating, children naturally learn to negotiate, collaborate, and solve problems. Skills that extend far beyond the baseball diamond.
My own childhood memories of exploring Kickapoo Creek resonate deeply with this message. Catching my first fish and encountering snakes weren’t just moments of fun; they sparked a lifelong connection to nature that ultimately shaped my career as a park ranger.
Chris believes these connections are pivotal. Emotional ties to natural spaces during childhood can inspire lifelong commitments to preserving them. Local parks, he notes, are invaluable sanctuaries for fostering these experiences, offering children a chance to explore freely and connect with the outdoors.
Through his work, Chris is ensuring the next generation doesn’t just learn about nature but forms lasting bonds with it that can spark a passion for exploration and conservation.
Connect with Chris Anderson
YouTube Channel OutSCIder
Instagram OutSCIder
Resources
https://parkleaders.com/about/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/