Work, Play, and Pray

Homesteaders, Cardinal and Snail talked about the new benches they will be making for the Outpost.

When you depend on the land for everything you need and everything you do, you have to know the flow of the land and go with it! For the First Nations people, it meant that work often came first, prayer or gratitude came second, and play came last. Think about your own family and how they each use their time. How do we spend our day at nature school and would you change anything if you could?

Our work today consisted of finding out more about the 4 sacred medicine plants the Haudenosaunee valued so greatly - tobacco, sweetgrass, cedar, and sage. See if you can remember one reason each plant was used (medicine, cleansing, in ceremonies, as a sign of gratitude). How were these plants important in the story, “The Legend of the Lady Slipper”?

We always try to balance out how much work and how much play we do each week. We had lots of fun playing ‘Paddle Across Canada’, ‘Oh Deer!’, a game of Tug of War as well as a First Nations game called ‘Dish’ today. Which game did you like the best and how do you play it? 

Just like the Haudenosaunee, our elders at nature school are always willing to take the time to share their wisdom with us. Think about what Antman was able to teach you today about making fire and don’t forget to include some of his safety tips. Which method (match, flint, lighter) were you able to use to get a flame?

There was a lot of gratitude being given today as you Chickadees helped each other make beautiful nature pouches. Do you remember what Antman uses his medicine pouch for and what he carries in it? We talked about using our pouches for collecting gifts from nature like feathers or interesting stones. What do you think you will put in your nature pouch?

We all continue to be thankful and grateful for our Junior Nature mentors, Rabbit and Chickadee. You are both always willing to lend a helping hand without even being asked and you have great ideas to contribute during our games and activities.

Rabbit knows how to encourage and support others with care and understanding.

Chickadee always goes above and beyond to find a way to help others be successful.

  A BIG thank you goes out to both of you!

Chi-migwech!