Kids Who Explore

Ep. 33 Leave No Trace with the Musser Family

The Musser family is the definition of chosen family! From being foster parents to 34 children, to now travelling the United States on a bus with their family of four (plus a dog), to homeschooling in nature, they are here to teach us about respecting the earth, enjoying nature, and leaving no trace! 

 

The Musser family calls themselves a misfit family of four that squeezes themselves (plus a slightly feral pup) into an 18 foot mini skoolie, to live the full time nomad life. Their eldest - Buckets - was adopted from foster care. Their son - Monkey - they are legal guardians of. And their puppy - Dingo - is a rescue mutt found running with a wild pack of dogs. The Tall One works remotely as an electrical engineer designing power and lighting for new construction to pay the bills, while Minnie plays paparazzi and writes for a couple outlets about their wild adventures. They love skiing, rock climbing, trail running, hiking, backpacking and all things that include getting dirty. Minnie just completed a hike on the pacific crest trail from Mexico to Canada and together as a family they are training to safely mountaineer.  

 

Leave No Trace 

• Do not litter 
• Pick up garbage you see in nature and on the ground 
• Leave nature as nature; remember even a leaf can be an animal’s home 
• Do not create fires just anywhere; research fire bans, and only use fire rings that rangers make and maintain 
• Tip: Call the ranger station and they will come collect garbage bags you have picked up, and dispose of them 

 

Kids suggest making picking up trash a game, like I Spy! 

“Do something about it…put in action to make the world better!” 

 

The Musser family likes to spend money on experiences rather than things. This year they are spending their adventure money on a Power Pass that gets you access to ski within 4 states. 

https://www.thepowerpass.ski 

 

Follow IG: @runawaymusbus 

Website: www.runawaymusbus.com 

 

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:
https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/ 

 

Production: @kpmediaproductions.

Music: @michaelferraro_music.  

Ep. 32 Fall Bucket List with Kids

We love adventure wish lists and the fall season brings so much to wish for! Tune in to hear what’s on our bucket lists for the fall, and snag some ideas for your families!

Our Fall Bucket List:

• Larch Hike
• Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
• Pumpkin Decorating or Carving
• Eat Pumpkin Anything
• Eat Apple Anything!!
• Halloween Celebrations (Tip: Take costume pics a day(s) ahead of trick-or-treating)
• Fall Crafts (Leaf or Rock Art)
• Thanksgiving Celebration
• Create a Fall Tradition (ie. Annual Bike Trip)

 

Tripod Recommendation - Small Portable Tripod for your hiking pack (Logics)
Meditation Suggestion: https://m.youtube.com/user/TheHonestGuys

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s episode! https://besawyer.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Ep. 31 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for the Planet with Michelle Dias

It’s no surprise that we love our planet. We love nature, and we want to protect it! Today’s episode teaches us how to lessen our impact on the environment through recycling and compost. Michelle Dias, an expert in the two, teaches us what the three R’s should REALLY be, (with a C mixed in there)! 

 

The Three R’s: 

• REDUCE (as much as possible, first) 
• Then REUSE,  
• And if you can’t do either of those, RECYCLE (recycling does require a lot of energy, so put YOUR energy into the first two!). 

 

Michelle Dias, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, studied Biology at the University of Calgary. She now works for the Waste & Recycling Services at the City of Calgary. She has been a naturalist and environmental educator for over 20 years, and has always felt curious and inspired by nature. 

 

Fun Fact: Michelle did a blended program with her two children for school, which included home school, as well as outdoor school. It’s called Windsor Park.  

 

Some of the information below will be Calgary, AB specific, so please check the rules for the recycling and composting programs in your municipality.  

 

REDUCE: 

• Try products with less packaging, like laundry detergent strips, or bar shampoo and conditioner 
• Remove purely recyclable items from your kitchen, such as Ziploc bags, and use reusable jars or bags instead 

 

REUSE: 

• Get things second-hand 
• Reuse items like jam jars and other containers! 

 

RECYCLE: 

• The three categories of recycling are: Containers (plastic, tin, glass…think kitchen and bathroom packaging), paper, plastic bags 
• Loose bags do not belong in the blue cart. Plastic bags should be stretchy material and bundled all in one, so they do not fly away at the facility. Crinkly plastic bags, like pasta bags are not collected 
• Household items like toy trucks, shoes, and toothbrushes are not for the blue cart (when recycling, think about packaging over items) 
• Black plastic can be a challenge to recycle in some systems, because of black conveyer belts camouflaging the items and the scanners not recognizing them   
• Recycling metal, glass, and paper is way more valuable than recycling plastic (although, we should still recycle plastic that can be recycled...or reduce it in the first place!) 
• Rule of thumb: anything smaller than your hand cannot be recycled. For example, Starbucks lids or to-go sauce containers. However, if recycled at the locations you received them, they usually have a program to recycle! 

 

COMPOST: 

• [In Calgary, specifically] no food packaging and plastic can be composted, even if it says compostable (remember, it also takes a lot of resources to make compostable containers) 
• Some offices or festivals have their own compostable systems that can handle compostable containers 
• Food and yard scraps can be composted 

 

*Terra Cycle is a company that recycles old items like toothpaste and other mixed material items. Michelle thinks it’s worth looking at the energy spent on shipping one item at a time; we don’t want to negate the benefit.* 

https://www.terracycle.com/en-CA/ 

 

City of Calgary Waste and Recycling: https://www.calgary.ca/uep/wrs/waste-and-recycling-services.html 

 

Library programs: https://calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/talking-trash-with-waste-and-recycling/ 

 

Virtual KWE Planet Cleanup: https://kidswhoexplore.com/events/virtual-kids-who-explore-planet-cleanup/ 

 

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:
https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/ 

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.  

Ep. 30 Nursing On-The-Trail with Petra Sporinova

Kids do better outdoors! As do parents, for that matter!! Being a breastfeeding mom shouldn’t keep you indoors, so, what is the best way to nurse while adventuring? Between KOJO breastfeeding activewear and Petra Sporinova’s tips, you should be set! 

 

Petra Sporinova is an active mom of 2 little boys. She moved from Slovakia to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which was quite the adventure in itself, and now is happy to daily put on her KOJO breastfeeding activewear and adventure with her sons! KOJO is a brand that is made in Europe, and run by two moms, one being Petra. It is focused on sustainability and child-parent bonding, and we can’t forget, getting outside!  

 

Advice for adventuring with a new baby: 

• Start slow 
• Choose small adventures 
• Do something you’re already comfortable with 
• Don’t forget that a walk around the neighbourhood is an adventure! 

 

Nursing-specific clothing is great for adventures, especially when it’s colder on the trail, to keep your middle section warm. However, KOJO is expanding to casual wear, as well as clothing for kids.  

 

Tips for feeding babies on the trail: 

• Practise nursing in different positions at home 
• Try nursing somewhere in public (outside) 
• Stay relaxed, hydrated, well-fed, and rested 
• Practise nursing with baby in a front carrier (works great to get stuff done around the house too) 
• Nurse at the trailhead, in the car, before and after adventure 
• Bring a toy to entertain the older kids while you are nursing the younger one on the trail 

 

Petra says she loves nursing, because it’s good for nourishment, connection, and convenience! 

 

Follow KOJO on IG: @kojo_activewear 

 

Petra’s Suggestions: 

Book: Breastfeeding for Busy Moms – the Handbook! by Heather ONeal 

Documentary: Deadliest Journeys  

 

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:
https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/ 

 

Production: @kpmediaproductions.

Music: @michaelferraro_music.  

Ep. 29 Limiting Screen Time

How much screen time should we have? How much screen time should our children have? How do we set limits? And should we all try a screen time detox?! Today, the mamas talk about their relationship with TV and screens, and how they are trying to raise their kids in the digital age! 

 

Lauren’s Relationship with TV –  

She gave up TV for Lent in Grade 4, and never went back to it. She never turns on the TV by herself and only watches it with true intention, like picking a documentary with her husband or watching a music show with her parents. Currently, her daughter doesn’t get any screen time. 

 

Adrianna’s Relationship with TV – 

She is very casual about TV. At times it gets thrown on or used as background noise. Sometimes she’s into a true crime series or a romantic movie. Usually her attention isn’t ON the TV. Her son is fascinated by the TV, especially when it comes to watching sports with Dad! 

 

Cindy’s Relationship with TV –  

She grew up not watching a lot of TV, but doing movie nights with “snackie dinner” (charcuterie) with her family. When her oldest child became a toddler, she introduced him to TV and tablets. Now with two kids, she tries to watch the amount of time they spend on devices and tries to choose educational shows.  

 

Book Recommendation:  

The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon  

[Discusses reading & shares studies on kids’ brains watching screens versus reading and looking at pictures!] 

 

Some Ideas for Screen Time: 

• Choose intentional times to use it, like family movie night 
• Create TV Coupons for kids – kids have to give a coupon to watch a show, and everyone has to agree on which show 
• Try a 30-day TV detox 

 

Ways to Watch Your Kids NOT Through a Screen: 

• Try to be on phone mostly when kids are napping (or tell kids what you are doing on phone) 
• Airplane mode for when kids are using, or on adventures 
• Take photos and videos candidly 
• Watch your kids through your eyes, instead of through the recording screen, while videoing 

 

While travelling, or at restaurants, we hope to use screens as the last resort, instead of the first.  

 

Thank you to Elements Inc. for supporting today’s episode! Check them out to shop, or find in-store locations at www.patagoniaelements.ca 

 

Production: @kpmediaproductions.

Music: @michaelferraro_music. 

Ep. 28 Getting Kids Out The Door with Tara Matheron

Tips for Car Rides with Kids:

• Scavenger Hunts!
• Songs

Tips to Make it Easier to Get Outside:

• “Fake it” and keep that smile on – you’ll start to feel it
• Create “Bug Out Bags” – days packs with all the essentials for particular activities (kids can help with them too)

Businesses:

• Rad Mums (follow on IG: @radmums_): An outdoor community in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for Mums who want to explore without their kids
• CYa Outdoors (follow on IG: @cya.outdoors): Custom hand-painted hats with beautiful mountain landscapes. Currently on wait list
• Relish Apparel (follow on IG: @madebyrelish): Top Quality, Eco-Conscious, Transparent company that makes clothing in Canada. Printing free of chemicals. Scraps donated to make dog beds. There is so much to love here!

 

Follow Tara on IG: @rockymountainminis

 

Thank you to Elements Inc. for supporting today’s episode! Check them out to shop, or find in-store locations at www.patagoniaelements.ca

 

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music. 

Ep. 27 Get In The Water with Tanya Vanthuyne

Tanya Vanthuyne lives in Edson, Alberta, a very small town located about an hour east of the Rockies. She has two sons. Her oldest, who is on the spectrum, loves water and low impact activities. Her youngest is always pushing the boundaries on new adventures. Her family loves camping, hiking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, and pretty much anything active outdoors.She believes life doesn't have to change completely when you have kids - it just requires a little adjusting, extra patience, and always a Plan A, B, C and D.  Tanya always says "YOU create your kids’ normal" She suggests pushing out the noise of what "society says is the norm" and being confident in raising your kids with the life that makes your heart happy. 

Tips for paddle boarding with a baby (have them wearing a life jacket): 

• Start slow 
• Lie or sit on the board with them 
• Have their hand exploring the water 
• Have snacks available (for after) 

Get in the water! Let your kids see you do it! 

Keep hikes interesting: 

• Play games 
• Notice what’s around you – animals, plants, etc.  

GoPro Advice for Beginners: 

• Take photos in “time lapse” 
• Video continuously and pull photos from video 
• Have the two above settings prepared, so you can simply turn it on and start capturing 
• Invest in a mouth guard mount, a chest mount, or a bike mount, depending what suits you, so you can take in the moment, while the GoPro captures it  
• Remember: The GoPro works best in the sun! 
• It’s durable, so let kids try it out! 
• Edit in Lightroom 

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s episode! https://besawyer.com 

Production: @ kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music. 

Ep. 26 How to Inspire Kids to WANT to Get Outside

A question that comes up from our community again and again, in many forms, is how to get your kid(s) outside...how to inspire your kid(s) to WANT to get outside. 

Here are some of our tips: 

• Start them young 
• Share YOUR love and energy about the outdoors 
• Let them choose the adventure 
• Have the mental attitude that it’s supposed to be fun! 
• Play games [bring a hammock!] 
• Accept their emotions 
• Bring along friends 

Some ideas for getting outside after injuries: 

• Keep it simple and adventure in the backyard 
• Wrap up injury (to avoid getting wet) 
• Make use of a wagon! 

We end up talking a lot about the benefits of “Grounding” (also known as “Earthing”) in this episode. Stay tuned for a whole future episode on this topic. Sneak peek: It helps with pain and inflammation.  

Some ideas for volunteering with kids in the outdoors: 

• Big Brothers/Big Sisters 
• 4H 

Balloons mentioned (remember to recycle):  

Zuru BunchO Balloons 

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com 

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.  

Ep. 25 Raise them to be Ordinary; Let THEM Choose Extraordinary with John O‘Sullivan

John O’Sullivan is an internationally known TEDx Speaker, and the founder of the Changing the Game Project since 2012. He is the author of two #1 bestselling books, Changing the Game and Every Moment Matters.  On top of that, he is a leading youth sports blogger, a host of his own podcast Way of Champions, former professional soccer player, and a coach and consultant for over 20 years in sports such as soccer, football, lacrosse, swimming, rugby, and more! He is also a huge advocate for positive coaching. 

Sport Parents Should: 

• Follow their children’s lead in how competitive they want to be 
• Listen to if their child wants to talk about the game 
• Allow many options for sports, and let them choose which to try  
• “Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child” 

How Parents Can Inspire Kids to Get Outside: 

• Value free play 
• Show them videos of the times they loved adventuring  
• Bring a friend  

Follow John: 

• Twitter & IG: CTGProjectHQ  
• changingthegameproject.com[find his books and podcast here] 

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/ 

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.  

Ep. 24 Second Hand Adventure Gear with Rowan Rocskar

Rowan Rocskar is the Public Relations Manager at Kids Who Explore. She is mama to 1-year-old Stevie. The Rocskar family lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which is a short drive to the Rocky Mountains! Rowan and Stevie embarked on many adventures (mostly hikes!) while Rowan was off on her 13-month maternity leave from work. Rowan still tries to get out to the mountains at least once a week, and is now learning to go a bit slower to let Stevie explore too.  

Secondhand gear is more responsible for the planet. Rowan suggests trying before buying. Rent items or borrow items to decide if they are worth the purchase.  

The Adventure Essentials: 

• Comfy footwear 
• Food and water 
• Safety items 

Where to look for Secondhand Gear: 

• Facebook Marketplace  
• Thrift and consignment stores 
• Friends – lend and don’t forget to give back 
• Kijiji (in Canada) 

*Tip: Try looking at surrounding areas or areas your friends live in* 

Items you shouldn’t get secondhand: 

• Car seats (due to expiry and/or risk of a past car accident) 
• Personal Floatation Devices (if it has been repaired or altered) 
• Helmets (due to expiry and/or risk of a past fall) 
• Bear spray (due to expiry and/or considered a weapon) 

For carriers, make sure you try them on! 

Rowan also suggests limiting consumption. 

• Try a no gift birthday party! 
• Other ideas for gifts: group gifts, donations, experiences, education money 

Rowan challenges you to check out the Buy Nothing Project in your area! 

https://buynothingproject.org 

(Items gifted from the community) 

Or…Rent items (in Calgary) from: 

https://ruckify.com 

Follow Rowan at: 

IG: @rowanexplores  

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com 

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.