There is truly no better way to connect with nature than immersing yourself into it. Canoeing allows you to do exactly this. Not only does canoeing create great communication and teamwork skills, but it also allows you to experience phenomenons that you would not normally see on land.
When I was about 8, my family went on their first canoeing trip and I was hooked. So much so that I saved up to buy a kayak for my next birthday and regularly took it out on the water. There is no better way to relax and take in nature than being in the middle of a quiet lake with water so still and clear that it could be glass.
On our trip, one of my parts that I enjoyed the most was seeing all of the different birds. When I was younger, my Grandmother was always interested in showing us all of the different birds around the neighborhood. Each Great Heron that we saw brought me back to my childhood and the memories that I made with my Grandma.
“We don’t have to wait for more, needed, research to act on common sense, or to give the gift of nature – even when it might seem to be too late” – Richard Louv, Nature Deficit Disorder and the Restorative Environment
On the trip, I was fortunate enough to have a great group in my canoe with some of my good friends. We had excellent communication when making our way around the water and enjoyed some laughs when we got stuck. It is experience such as this one that make people more aware of how important the environment is. We should continue to do what we can to preserve the area so that future classes can enjoy this wonderful experience.
Reagen's Walk Into Nature 