Today was the day we had all been waiting for! We were finally able to explore and enjoy our play pocket (The Adventure Theatre) with the children from all over the Outer Banks community. We had planned the various ways in which the children would explore our pocket, but there was really no way we could have predicted their actual behavior...
Intro to the Adventure Theatre!
Our first group of the day was clearly interested in the theatrical performance we suggested they produce, which gave extra meaning to the observational nature walk. During the walk, the children were extra observant, knowing that the skit would be a direct reflection of the things they saw and noticed during their time away from the stage. They saw all kinds of critters: daddy long-legs, sneaky lizards, flocking birds, and big black ants. They also imagined that monkeys, bears, raccoons, snakes, and bobcats were hidden in the brush along the trail, which really got their imaginations going. We also learned about the many ways plants protect themselves, such as the Devil's Walking Stick. Unfortunately, we spent so much time thinking and talking about the various critters that could be in the area, we didn't get to perform a play; I'm sure, though, that had we been able to, it would have been superb!
Learning about the dangers of the Devil's Walking Stick!
The second group of the day featured kids that were a little bit older, and absolutely excited for heading into the woods on the trail (and into the lands of the trolls!). They were not initially sold on the idea of performing a play, but seeing the environment, and experiencing the sounds and adventuresome nature of the trail got them totally jazzed about using their imagination to become something they could freely express through action. On the trail, they were particularly concerned about trolls that may have been lurking in the thicker vegetation, and out of this concern came the idea of becoming hunters, which use bow-and-arrows to defeat their enemies. One of the group members played the part of an ant, who was laying golden eggs (pine cones), which the hunters were trying to gather, so they could become rich and wealthy! The skit was amazing, and should in fact be nominated for an Oscar or two this coming year.
The guys with their bows and arrows
Our final group of the day was composed of many younger girls, who had minimal interaction with the deep woods environment, but were particularly excited about the prospect of performing on a stage for their chaperones. Understanding their timid approach to the natural environment, we eased them into the trail environment, and let them direct their own pace and interactions. They were quite observant, and actually opened up quite a bit to the prospect of getting out of their comfort zone and exploring the natural elements of the trail experience. They decided that their skit would revolve around a queen and princess theme, and picked up things along the trail that they could then use to fashion headgear, necklaces, and staffs representative of the royal experience. The children had a lot of fun performing several different skits for their chaperones, and left our Adventure Theater with large grins and mementos for remembering the experience.
A Princess takes the stage!
Overall, the day was one that none of the three of us will ever forget; the interactions with the children, introducing several of them to experiences that they had not had before, as well as the authentic fun of the theater and skits performed all had incredible effects on our perceptions of children and how they can interact with the natural environment. We will use this incredible experience as a base for further positive interaction with children, and hope that the children will use the experience as a springboard for further positive interaction with the natural environment.
Life's a Stage. Play: We prepared and we played, so where are we now and where do we take what we have learned? That is a question we may have resonating throughout our minds during the hours and days ahead. Children develop their own wild worlds that are unpredictable, and sometimes as adults it is hard for us to keep up physically and mentally with the incessant jumping from plot to plot. One moment we are deer hunters, within the same scene we evolve into pirates, and in the end we are back to hunters in the woods. It is important to jump in and play along, but we don't always have to be actively involved with our kids. We should step back and allow their imaginations to take them wherever, without fretting over keeping up. Children don't require our involvement and we should respect the room for them to grow as individuals. But if an invitation is handed out to play along, strap up your boots and go! Just let your childlike imagination take over.
Thanks! Debi, Courtney, and Terry
