During one trip I led, I felt like most of the kids were somewhat bored - I was leading a group of junior high kids, which I have heard is one of the most difficult age groups to motivite. (someone told me that junior high is known as the 'siberia of education' for teachers).
The theme was the water cycle - I tried to interest the kids the best I could with some of my nature stories, etc., yet it did not seem to be connecting with them.
One girl though seemed always close by, and seemed to be listening intently to most of what I was telling the group, about birds, plants, the water cycle, and some of the recent things I have been seeing on my walks.
This girls' name was Katy. At one point, near a meadow, she asked me 'What is the neatest thing you have ever seen in nature?. I had to stop and think for a while. What came to mind was the spider webs on the grasses of a meadow on a very dewy morning. On mornings after evening rainfalls the spider webs are covered with water droplets. In the early morning sun they shine like pearl necklaces. Everytime I see this I am filled with wonder at the beauty of creation, and thankfulness that I am alive to enjoy it.
I told this to Katy. She seemed to listen intently, along with the rest of the group.
The lesson I learned from this is that If you only reach one kid in your nature walk it makes it more than worthwhile.
