One person, one action, three ideas

Parenting Blog

Earth Rangers

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February 6, 2023

When you were a kid, did you ever wish you could just skip school, build a fort, and hang out with your friends? (or was that just me!?) I dreamt about waving a magic wand that allowed me to make all the decisions – not the grown-ups. With a flick of the wrist, I would be in charge, and you can bet it involved chocolate for breakfast. But alas, as a child, the magic, and indeed the control over my daily routine and food choices, rested firmly with grown-ups. With the issue of climate change dominating the headlines, it got me thinking about how today’s kids must feel like they want a magic wand too. Not just to add fun in their daily routine but for a sense of control about how the future looks for the planet. Our eco-anxiety research tells us, kids are concerned about climate change and need creative solutions for how they can help. As individuals, they are willing to chip in and support the animals they love.

At the United Nation’s COP27 climate summit in Egypt, there was renewed debate in the media about the impact an individual can have on our warming planet versus government policy makers and corporations. It’s been argued that it might be more effective to focus on certain high emission sectors than ask the public to reduce their individual carbon footprint. One national story asked the question, “Can one person’s actions help stop climate change?” You’re probably not surprised to hear our answer at Earth Rangers is a resounding YES! Inspiring kids to take eco-action is woven into everything we do. Kids who participate in Earth Rangers are significantly more optimistic about the future of the planet and confident in their ability to make a difference. This has never been more important, as we increasingly see the impacts of climate change in real time and the corresponding media coverage of our planet becomes more bleak. It’s not just kids who need support! That’s why we developed a comprehensive parent guide to help talk with your child about climate change.

There’s no doubt we face a daunting task and we want to be careful not to put pressure on kids by making them feel like they’re responsible for coming up with the solution. The answer lies in empowerment. We can all do something that collectively will make a difference. We have ideas to help: 1. Commit to an Earth Rangers Mission as a family. We have over 20 Missions that focus on a wide variety of eco-actions and activities to help protect animals and the planet. Certified Green, for example, empowers you and the kids to take a closer look at the products you buy. The Mission’s ecolabel guide helps you determine if your purchase is truly good for the environment. 2. Join our Project 2050 Climate Challenges. This is team work at its best. When kids join together by logging their climate-friendly habits in the app, they get a sense of what its like to collectively work towards a common goal. 3. Purchase a Wildlife Adoption Kit for the animal-lover in your life! The Earth Rangers Wildlife Adoptions program contributes to impactful initiatives that support conservation work on the ground across Canada.

As for the big players, the UN is calling on political leaders to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. So far, virtually every country in the world has signed global agreements pledging to make their best efforts to stay below 1.6 Celsius of warming. We grown-ups know that is a daunting task and there is a ton of work to be done. Though a magic wand would be most helpful right about now, we simply have each other. When things feel overwhelming, it’s important to start small. One completed Earth Rangers Mission, a simple idea from a child for a neighbourhood litter clean-up, or a symbolic Wildlife Adoption may help for today. It could lead to even more eco-action tomorrow.

Children and animals – it’s a thing!

Parenting Blog

Earth Rangers

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February 6, 2023

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So here’s a question for you – have you seen a frog lately? For some, it’s a regular occurrence, but for urban dwellers like me, it can be as rare as a shooting star! Even with all the time I spend in nature, I can count on one hand how many frog encounters I’ve had in the last decade. I can also tell you this, I remember exactly where and when I saw them. Seeing something that lives in the wild hop across your path is such a thrill. For me, seeing wildlife triggers an instant jolt of wonder.

There’s been a massive body of research conducted over the years that outlines the powerful connection between humans and animals. In 1984 biologist E.O. Wilson, introduced the idea of “biophilia”-the innate affinity we humans have for other living things. For children, it’s believed they’re born with an intrinsic sense that animals are important. There are enough videos on Tik Tok of adorable kids with their pets to convince even the most ardent skeptic that children LOVE animals! But when youngsters are exposed to wildlife, there’s an even greater potential for engagement.

Even if children spot common wild creatures like squirrels, rabbits or ducks, they get that these animals are FREE in nature. Kids comprehend that animals who live in the wild, have to find their own food, build their own habitats and endure all kinds of weather. More importantly, they witness these animals utilizing super powers like flying, digging, and climbing without any regard to an owner’s command. They can also disappear quickly, which, creates mysterious chance encounters. All of this contributes to a sense of awe and wonder.

There’s an excellent opportunity here for parents to tap into this heightened sense of engagement by nurturing a child’s curiosity. It can be as simple as asking a question like; “Why do you think those squirrels are chasing each other?” or “What do you think a rabbit eats in the winter?” Their answers are often loaded with evidence that kids love to THINK about animals – especially their superpowers! Earth Rangers Missions are another excellent way to tap into that passion. The Backyard Biologist Mission, for example, stokes a child’s curiosity by tapping into their observation skills. We encourage families to head to their local park, pond, garden or their backyard to look for plants and animals together. This is citizen science at its best! The Mission includes helpful prompts and a handy guide to help identify types of species. The Backyard Biologist Mission educates children in detail about biodiversity and it’s loaded with fun hands-on activities. There’s also another wonderful opportunity that presents itself when children explore their natural surroundings. Parents have the chance to nurture a sense of stewardship for the planet.

The Respect Animals While Recycling Mission (R.A.W.R) makes the connection between waste and wildlife by fostering a sense of responsibility for the things we throw away. Kids learn how rinsing containers, waste sorting, and composting help protect animal habitats by making recycling-material safe. If not properly maintained, our garbage can also become an enticing spot for animals to visit! R.A.W.R. reminds all of us that we should work towards a respectful distance between humans and wildlife.

Earth Rangers Missions, along with all of our programs, are about helping children feel a sense of empowerment. It’s rooted in everything we do. Our end goal is to encourage eco-action. It starts at the beginning with a child’s sense of curiosity and wonder. For us adults, it’s an encouraging reminder that the seeds have already been planted. This intrinsic connection to animals doesn’t need a lot of help. It’s like a fire that’s already been lit. We just need to feed the embers and coax it along. Asking questions, participating in Missions and taking time to observe our natural surroundings are great places to start. Sharing a sense of wonder helps too. Freaking out over a frog may not be everyone’s go-to, but my three kids get a kick out of seeing their mom get excited about a chance encounter in the natural world.

Would you Rather #31

Earth Rangers

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February 6, 2023

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Would you rather live…

In a cactus like a gila woodpecker or in an anemone like a clownfish?

Tell us which one you pick in the comments!

More “Would You Rather” Questions!

Pixel Puzzler #20: Part 1

Earth Rangers

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February 3, 2023

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Let’s put your identification skills to the test! Can you figure out what is hidden in this picture? Make your guess in the comments.

Check back next week for the answer!

Tap here for more cool stuff like this!

Sense Scouting

Creative Corner

Earth Rangers

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February 2, 2023

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Sense Scouting

Time:60 min

Difficulty:Medium

Ready to keep your eyes peeled, lend an ear, and try your hand at sense scouting? Each season has its own surprises—even winter! Just head outside and see what you discover!

Here’s what you need:

A notebook or paper to take notes
Something to write with like a pencil, pen, or marker
Your favourite outdoor space
Friends or family to join you on your sense scouting adventure

Here’s how you do it:

Step 1:

Make your way to your favourite outdoor space. It could be your local park, a walking trail, a beach, or even your backyard!

Step 2:

Spend some time paying attention to your senses. What do you hear, see, smell, and feel on your adventure? You can try all of these senses or just pick one or two to focus on.

Step 3:

Now that your senses are tingling, take notes on what you experience! You can follow our useful checklist or make your own:

□ Are there any wild animals you hear? What kind are they?
□ What smells stand out where you’re walking?
□ What traces of wild animals do you see? Is there anything they left behind?
□ Are there any interesting objects you pick up or touch? What do they feel like?

Tip:

Make sure to respect nature while you’re on your adventure. Don’t take anything you find home with you. If you move something, make sure you put it back.

When you’re done your adventure, come back and let us know how it went!

How long till it’s “gone”?

Earth Rangers

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February 1, 2023

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Have you ever noticed that plastic is everywhere? It’s in lots of things we use every day, from our toothbrushes and shampoo bottles to our binders and chairs. Plastic sure seems handy, doesn’t it? Well, not everything is as good as it seems!

The problem with plastic is that it takes a really (we mean REALLY) long time to break down. And when it finally does, it doesn’t actually disappear. It just breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics, which then get into the air, our water, and our food.

See if you can guess how long each plastic item takes to break down into microplastic!

Join the Rangers vs. Plastics Challenge and help us kick plastic waste out of the game for good!

When you join this challenge, you will do things like…

Look for it in the Challenges section of the Earth Rangers App.

Would you Rather #30

Earth Rangers

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January 30, 2023

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Would you rather have…

A super sense of smell like a dog or super hearing like an elephant?

Tell us which one you pick in the comments!

More “Would You Rather” Questions!

Pixel Puzzler #19: The Great Reveal

Earth Rangers

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January 27, 2023

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We’ve gotten tons of great guesses on Part 1 of this Pixel Puzzler and now it’s time for the answer. Are you ready for the great reveal? Find out if you got it right!

The answer to this Pixel Puzzler is (drum roll please) ants! How did you do? Tell us in the comments!

Tap here for more cool stuff like this!

Egg Carton Fish

Creative Corner

Earth Rangers

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January 26, 2023

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Egg Carton Fish

Time:30 min

Difficulty:Medium

You betta believe we’ve got a great way to upcycle you old egg cartons! Here’s how you can turn them into your very own ex-squid-sit fish friends!

Here’s what you need:

An egg carton
Scissors
Glue
Paint
Craft foam or colorful paper
TIP: If you don’t have either of these, you can paint some cardboard or scrap paper instead!

Here’s how you make it:

Step 1: Cut three cups out of your egg carton for each fish you want to make.

Step 2: Glue the rim of two cups together to create your fish’s body.

Step 3: Now your fish needs a tail! Give it one by gluing the bottom of a cup to the bottom of its body.

TIP: You can spice things up by cutting a cool design into the tail.

Step 4: Time to paint your fish! What kind of pattern do you want to give it? Don’t forget to give it eyes!

Step 5: Once the paint is dry, you’ll need to add your fish’s fins! Cut little triangles from your foam/paper and glue them to the top, bottom, and sides of your fish.

**There you have it! You’ve got your own fin-tastic fish!**

It’s official! Earth Rangers expands into the US

News

Earth Rangers

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January 26, 2023

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It’s official! Earth Rangers expands into the US

Animals aren’t restrained by borders and now neither are their protectors – Earth Ranger kids. With over 350,000 members across Canada, the organization that empowers children to be environmental leaders in their communities is now available in the US!

READ NEWS RELEASE

For more than 20 years, Canadian kids have stepped up to help the animals they love by becoming Earth Rangers. But there’s so much more to do. With concerns growing over climate change and biodiversity loss, the need for positive, action-oriented programs like Earth Rangers, has never been more important or in demand. That’s why we’re expanding into the United States.

Our mission is simple but powerful; to create a generation of conservationists. And our research shows that we’re doing just that. Earth Ranger members have demonstrated higher rates of environmental knowledge, actions and are more hopeful about the future.

Getting started

It’s super easy! Just download the app, fill out the member registration form and your child’s Earth Rangers journey begins. After signing up, each child will receive their own personalized membership card and welcome package in the mail (but you don’t have to wait for the card to start using the app). Teenagers have proudly told us years later that they still have their personalized cards. Kids love them!

As members, kids can build their avatar and start exploring. There’s so much to do! Creative corner is loaded with games, quizzes, crafts and outdoor fun. Kids will also find podcasts, daily trivia, animal videos, habitat facts, and so much more. Earth Rangers work together towards community goals when they participate in environmental challenges and complete Missions that help protect animals and the environment.

What Are You Waiting For?

There is strong evidence that helping our children discover their ability to act on environmental challenges leads to hope, optimism, and a brighter outlook for the future of the planet. We can’t wait to meet more curious minds and superheroes. As always, capes are optional!

DOWNLOAD THE APP