Why Our Kids Need Nature, Wonder, and Awe

Our partner camp, Mountain Camp, recently shared the following blog post from their camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe, where vast forests, alpine lakes, and wide-open spaces are part of everyday camp life. Their campers are immersed in a landscape that naturally invites exploration, reflection, and connection with the outdoors.

While we may not have the sweeping mountain vistas or high-alpine terrain of the Sierras here at Mountain Camp Woodside, we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by our own rich and meaningful natural environment. From winding trails and shaded groves to open fields and quiet outdoor spaces, our campus offers daily opportunities for campers to slow down, explore, and build a genuine connection with nature.

Across our family of camps: Mountain Camp Woodside, Farm Camp, Mountain Camp – Tahoe, and Mountain Camp Marin, it’s this shared commitment to outdoor experiences—whether in the Sierra mountains, upper Sonoma county, Marin or right here in Woodside, that helps kids grow more confident, curious, and connected to the world around them.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Imagine your child standing beneath towering pine trees, listening to the wind move through the forest, or looking up at a sky full of stars near Lake Tahoe. Those moments of wonder aren’t just beautiful—they’re deeply meaningful. Research shows that experiences of awe in childhood support emotional well-being, curiosity, and resilience. Awe helps children feel connected to something bigger than themselves, which can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and perspective (Psychology Today, 2023).

Awe plays a powerful role in social and emotional development. Studies suggest that when children experience awe—often through nature—they become more empathetic, generous, and cooperative. Feeling small in the presence of something vast, like mountains or ancient trees, helps kids shift their focus away from themselves and toward others, strengthening kindness and social connection (Greater Good Science Center, “Feeling Awe Might Help Kids Be More Generous”).

Beyond awe itself, regular time in nature helps children thrive. Outdoor experiences are linked to improved attention, reduced anxiety, better emotional regulation, and increased happiness. Nature offers kids a break from constant stimulation and screens, allowing their nervous systems to reset. Even short moments outdoors—unstructured play, quiet observation, or creative exploration—can have lasting positive effects on mental health and overall development (Greater Good Science Center, “How Moments in Nature Help Kids Thrive”).

Nature also supports learning in ways that classrooms alone cannot. When children explore outdoors, they naturally practice problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and scientific thinking. Climbing over logs, noticing animal tracks, or asking questions about plants encourages curiosity and confidence. These hands-on experiences help children build independence and a lifelong love of learning rooted in real-world discovery (Psychology Today, 2023).

At Mountain Camp, we see these benefits come to life every summer. Time spent hiking forest trails, playing beneath tall trees, and marveling at the natural beauty around Icehouse Reservoir gives children space to experience awe, build resilience, and grow in confidence. We encourage families to continue these experiences at home—get outside together, slow down, and notice the wonders around you. To get started, try completing the Nature Scavenger Hunt we’ve attached and see where curiosity and awe take your family next!

Sources

Psychology Today. 11 Benefits of Experiencing Awe in Childhood (2023)

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-school-walls/202303/11-benefits-of-experiencing-awe-in-childhood
Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley. Feeling Awe Might Help Kids Be More Generous

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/feeling_awe_might_help_kids_be_more_generous
Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley. How Moments in Nature Help Kids Thrive

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_moments_in_nature_help_kids_thrive