Nebraskaland

16 Nebraskaland • July 2026 In the Field If you've ever taken a kid outside and heard "it's too hot," "there's a bug on me" or "can we go back inside?", you're not alone. In Nebraska, we have so much open space to explore, but that doesn't automatically mean kids, or even adults, feel comfortable in it. That comfort must be built slowly and intentionally. Nature confidence doesn't start with a perfect hike or some magical, screen-free moment. It usually starts small, and it can be a little messy. Let Them Be New at It A lot of kids aren't used to being outside for long stretches of time, and that's OK. The first few times you go out, don't expect much. Go somewhere easily accessible, like a local park, where the trails are simple and there's plenty to see without having to "work" for it. And then, let kids lead. If a child wants to crouch down and study a beetle for 15 minutes, that's not wasted time — that is the activity. That's how confidence begins: Feeling safe to be curious instead of rushed. I remember one hike with my daughter when she was still in a stroller. We planned to reach the top of a beautiful trail for the view, but we spent nearly two hours covering about 1,000 feet — and eventually had to turn back. Still, she talks about that hike all the time, because she got to look at the leaves, climb a tree and search for snails. Those moments built her confidence, even though it was frustrating for me at the time to adjust our plans. In the end, it was completely worth it. The Truth About Bugs, Mud and Wind Nebraska is not always gentle. It's windy, it's buggy, and there are mosquitoes — sometimes all at once. If you wait for the perfect day to go outside, you never will. It's tempting to try to make everything comfortable so kids don't complain, but that usually backfires. Instead, be real about it. "Yeah, it's windy today. That's kind of what the prairie does." Or say, "The mosquitoes are annoying, but we can handle it." That honesty sets a different tone — it shows kids that a little discomfort isn't something to avoid. It's just part of the experience. And when kids start to see that discomfort isn't a dealbreaker, something shifts. They begin to realize they can handle more than they thought, and that not everything has to be perfect to be enjoyable. A visit near the Platte River to see the crane migration is a perfect example: It's chilly, a little muddy, maybe not the most comfortable, but still unforgettable. Those are often the moments that stick the most. Teach Them to Feel Capable You don't need to turn every outing into a lesson, but a little knowledge goes a long way. Show them what poison ivy looks like. Point out animal tracks. Talk about why certain animals and plants are found and grow where they do. Raising Nature-Confident Kids By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Third-graders at Rushville Elementary School participate in a field trip for the Trout in the Classroom program. JUSTIN HAAG , NEBRASKALAND

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