Last month, NatureKids BC hosted a morning outing to Camosun Bog, a serene spot nestled within the city of Vancouver. Despite being a larger group of 30 University of British Columbia (UBC) international students, we found ourselves with much of the space to ourselves, making it a tranquil experience—a perfect setting for our day in nature.
We kicked off the morning with a round of introductions, which included a fun icebreaker where each student shared their favourite nature spot back home and what it means to them. This simple activity not only helped us get to know each other better but also allowed us to hear the different languages and stories within our group. It was a beautiful reminder of the diverse ways nature touches our lives, no matter where we’re from.
As we continued with our day, it didn’t take much for everyone to connect. The natural surroundings seemed to draw us together effortlessly. One of the highlights of the morning was a scavenger hunt, where we explored the bog, searching for various plants, animals, and natural features. It was a fun and relaxing way to engage with the environment, sparking curiosity and a sense of adventure.
Angela Low, the UBC instructor who accompanied us on the trip, shared her thoughts on the experience: “It was such a refreshing change to be with my students in nature, away from the classroom where we spend so much of our time together. I loved seeing their faces as they looked up at the trees, loved hearing their footsteps on the boardwalk as we wandered through the bog. I think together out here we all felt so much more alive—I noticed that even the students who were usually quiet and reserved were more playful and chatty this morning. I really appreciated this opportunity for my students to connect with me and each other differently, and to learn in nature. Thank you for a beautiful morning.”
We wrapped up our time at the bog with a group debrief, where we each took a moment to share how we felt after spending the morning in nature. The responses were heartwarming—students expressed feeling re-energized, relaxed, and happy to have spent time outdoors. It was clear that the experience had a positive impact on everyone!
Our morning at Camosun Bog was a reminder that connecting with nature looks different for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s through sharing stories, exploring a new place, or simply taking a quiet moment to breathe, nature has a way of bringing us together and renewing our spirits.
As time goes on, we look forward to more opportunities to connect with nature and each other!
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Written By Maryam Aboukhatwa, Communications and Research Assistant, NatureKids BC