We wandered nature trails and studied butterflies and birds. We combed beaches for shells and tide pool crabs, explored museums and aquariums, built butterfly gardens and vegetable beds, and discovered off-the-beaten-path experiences run by inspiring people that made learning feel alive. We shared lunch with astronauts, played hide-and-seek at the local nursery, released sea turtle hatchlings at dawn, and baked cookies for community workers. In those everyday moments, we were learning together in the wild.
While most kids were catching the school bus, we were catching the sunrise at the beach. We snorkeled coral reefs, cool springs, crafted art, and read the classics aloud. The friendships we built — both within our family and with others — are still some of our most cherished memories.
Now, as I wind down my homeschool journey, I see something shifting. Screens and videos are slowly replacing hands-on learning and field trip adventures. And while they can be helpful, even inspiring, watching someone else live life isn’t the same as living it yourself. That’s the heart of LearnWild USA — reminding us that real learning doesn’t just happen in theory, it happens when you live it.