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Get Outside With Your Kids
Featured Blog Articles
Explore Pond Wildlife with Free Printable Nature Bingo Cards
Ponds may be small, but they’re absolutely brimming with life! From the tiniest minibeasts darting beneath the water’s calm surface to the birds and critters that call the shoreline home, there’s always something new to discover. What better way to turn a simple pond-side stroll into an unforgettable adventure than…
Spring Pond Invertebrates Printable for Kids: A Fun Pond-Dipping Companion
Spring is the perfect time to visit a local pond, where tiny critters like dragonfly nymphs and water beetles are busy beneath the surface. Whether you\'re homeschooling, leading a nature group, or simply heading out for some pond-dipping fun, this spring pond invertebrates printable is a great tool for kids…
Pond Life Picture Books for Kids: Nature Stories and Science for Ages 4–8
Beneath the still surface of a pond lies a magical world of mini-beasts—creeping, swimming, and darting through the water in ways that never fail to amaze kids (and grown-ups too!). I’ll never forget the first time I took my children pond dipping. We were all so surprised by how much…
How to Whittle Gnome Garden Markers: A Beginner’s Guide for Parents & Kids
Whittling is often considered an adult-only activity—after all, handing a sharp knife to a child might seem risky or even downright crazy. But historically, whittling is exactly how older generations safely introduced children to responsible knife handling and craftsmanship. Whittling helps children develop fine motor skills, boosts confidence, and sparks…
Okanagan Valley Spring Wildflowers: Free Printable Guide for Family Nature Walks
The spring wildflowers of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia are a sight to behold. From mid-April through early June the dry hills of BC’s Interior burst into colour, drawing families outside for the year’s first big nature walk. Arrowleaf balsamroot (often called the Okanagan sunflower) paints whole slopes golden,…
May 2025 Nature-Connection Calendar for Families
Hello, May! May is a month of warming sunshine, blossoming blooms, and the busy hum of spring in full swing. The days stretch longer, the air carries the sweet scent of flowers, and everywhere you look life is unfolding anew. This is the perfect time to don your sun hat,…
What is Nature-Connected Parenting? How Partnering with Nature Can Boost Your Family’s Health and Happiness
Are you co-parenting with nature? If not, you might want to consider making the natural world your partner in parenting. Nature-Connected Parenting, also described as \"co-parenting with nature,\" is an intentional parenting approach that actively involves nature in raising and nurturing children. In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, leaning into Nature-Connected…
Beautiful Spring Picture Books for Children
Last update: March 2024 Spring is such an exciting season. Nature has escaped winter’s icy grip and is bursting with new smells, colours and sounds. Every day in spring there is more to discover and see! Spending time outside is a wonderful way of experiencing spring and so is reading…
40+ Nature-Inspired Spring Crafts for Kids
Spring is flowers blooming, birds building nests, green grass growing and rainbows after rainstorms. This season offers a kaleidoscope of inspiration and new abundance for nature-inspired crafting. In our home, spring crafting is approached with the earth in mind. My children and I strive to use materials that are natural,…
50+ Spring Nature Activities for Kids of All Ages
Spring officially starts on the spring equinox which falls on March 19, 20, or 21 in the northern hemisphere and September 22 or 23 in the southern hemisphere. On this special day the sun shines directly on the equator of our planet and for a short time day and night…
About Josée BergeronThe Original Backwoods Mama
Hello! Bonjour! Taanishi! My name is Josée Bergeron, and I am a French Canadian Métis mama of five children. I grew up in the beautiful province of British Columbia where I spent my childhood years exploring the vast wilderness of Western Canada with my family. These days you can find my wildlings and I immersed in the wonderous nature of the sunny Okanagan Valley.
I founded Backwoods Mama in 2009, a year after my eldest was born. From the start, I have shared my love for nature along with the many adventures and misadventures of getting outside with five kids – no easy feat! I quickly noticed that I wasn’t the only one wanting to raise outdoors kids, and struggling to do so. That’s when my blog transformed into a space of encouragement that’s packed with resources for parents, caregivers and educators looking to get outside and connect with nature with their kids.
If you would like to connect with me or partner with me, I would love to hear from you: Contact Me or Partner with Me.
Stay wild!
Hire MeOffered Servicesby Josée Bergeron • Raising Outdoor Kids
Speaking Events / Writing / Partnerships
Josée Bergeron has a passion for helping parents, caregivers and educators learn about the importance of raising nature-connected children. She enjoys sharing her insights at speaking events and through writing engagements. Bergeron also enjoys collaborating with others and forming authentic partnerships with brands to help support her wild mission of leaving no family inside.
The Okanagan Trail Map • A Guide of Hikes to do With Your Kids

Take advantage of my interactive map of trails in the Central and South Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. If you’re looking for a family friendly Okanagan adventure you’ve come to right place! Visit the map page and click on the dots to discover new trails or use the graph below to make your search easier. You can sort the graph by location, distance, duration etc. by clicking on the top bar.
eBooks & More for Purchase
Many nature activity resources are offered for free however there are a number of items for purchase for a very reasonable price. Any time you purchase my products you are supporting my efforts in helping families around the world raise outdoor kids!
✔️ Before downloading or purchasing any digital products please take a moment to read my FAQS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR DIGITAL PRODUCTS.

$9
Fall Outside - 30 Nature-Connection Prompts for Exploring Autumn with Children

$7
Nature Advent Calendar For Kids - 24 Days of Nature Connection

$2
Valentine Flower Seed Packets - A Nature-inspired Valentine Craft for Kids to Make & Share

$15
"My Nature Adventure Journal" - A Fall Nature Journal for Kids

$15
"My Nature Adventure Journal" - A Winter Nature Journal for Kids

$15
"My Nature Adventure Journal" - A Spring Nature Journal for Kids