A few years ago, I was asked to consider my childhood and to think of a special place I spent as a kid or a prominent positive memory of childhood. For me, I found that a lot of those memories were made outside. They were in completely ordinary places that were made extraordinary by the kids who were involved.
There were forts. There was secrecy. There was magic. That’s what childhood was—magic.
A lot of my memories might be considered risky play today. Climbing trees; spending an entire Saturday getting lost off the trail of the Rails to Trails Conservancy; heading out to Charles Island at low tide searching for Captain Kidd’s buried treasure. These are some of my best-kept memories. Time spent idling is what weaved the fabric of my childhood together.
Still, I have always longed for the childhood of my parent’s generation, when kids were often sent out the backdoor in the morning and told not to return until supper. They called dinner “supper.” There were no camps. No extracurricular or structured activities. Outside of organized sports, kids really drove their own play. Kids were independent. They were resilient. Kids made their own memories building forts, catching bumblebees with an empty peanut butter jar, and skating on frozen ponds for the entire winter.
The current generation of children seems profoundly disconnected from nature. Why do kids spend an estimated seven hours each day in front of a screen and a mere 30 minutes outside? Blame increased pressure to master skills earlier; a decrease in free time and opportunities to explore, experiment, and take risks; an ever-mounting dependence on technology; busy lives; nervous parents, overstimulation…the list goes on and on. For one reason or another, kids just are not getting outside like they used to.
My takeaway? We need to get our kids outside.
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Enter: Fit By Nature.
After opting to homeschool my two children this year, I knew that the bulk of our curriculum would be nature-based and I began seeking out as many opportunities for my kids to explore and learn outdoors. We discovered a local mom offering outdoor programming for homeschool pods a few months ago and immediately enrolled in her weekly nature class. Focusing on getting children off their technology and into nature, promoting physical well being and overcoming what she calls “nature deficit disorder,” Mary Cole, owner of Fit by Nature is an amazing educator, nature guide and mother committed to reconnecting children to nature.
Read our interview with Mary to hear her story and learn about her nature-based educational business, Fit by Nature, here:
Tell us your story. Who are you?
Is your life like a chapter book? What color is the book cover? Are most chapters a quick read or are most chapters long? If your book is like mine, SOME chapters are so exciting that you hang on to every word and don't want it to end! I'm in THAT chapter of my life! Hi! My name is Mary Cole and I'm honored to share this chapter with you! I am a forty-something mother to two strapping lads Matthew (23) and Tyler (21.) I am certified in Nature Based Education and PE and Health with 20 years experience in the public school system. I am a Wallingford native but endured the heat of SW Louisiana for 24 years! I am still elated, after almost 5 years of being back home, to be reconnected to the beautiful land of Connecticut! I am proud to be a Nutmegger continuously discovering the natural beauty that this state beholds!
What inspired/encouraged you to start your own business?
I think life is too short to do just one thing! I have always had an infinity for the outdoors! I'll never forget one student probably 15 years into my teaching career making a comment. As we were getting ready to start our warm up I had stopped and interjected a quick comment about the wildflowers that we were standing amongst. "Ms. Cole, you would be a good Nature teacher." Her comment made a smile swell up inside my heart because even though I never really thought about that, it felt right, almost as if her comment was sent from above. She planted a seed that finally has finally taken root! I have always known with ALL of me that exposure to nature and great health are at the foundation of a happy human. My work now is cut out for me with the sad increase in childhood obesity and mental illness. My motto when I was a school teacher and CrossFit Kids coach (7 years) was "We can change the world through fit kids" and it still stands! That motto is what drives me to do my part while I am alive on this perfect planet. If I help the kids that come to my class realize that their health and all of Nature are sacred gifts, then I will have done what I believe is my calling. I am passionate about this responsibility and absolutely love what I do!
What do I love about my work?
Work? This is a job? What I do is an absolute joy to my heart! I love everything about Fit by Nature! I will NEVER have a hard time trying to find something to do! I just worry that I don't cover enough! What do I love? Ya know what? I can't describe how honored I am to have parents share their precious child's lives with me. I try my best to fan the innate flame of nature connection and a sincere gratitude for the gift of health! I have several answers to this question but overall I have to say when I am circled up with the kids among the trees, I feel "full" and content, hopeful that the time we spend together includes the freedom to experience joy and unconditional love.
This year has certainly brought many challenges. How was I able to pivot and create my business?
A snake will die if it doesn't shed its skin. In order to grow into a bigger and better version of itself, a snake MUST shed its skin. In order for a baby chick to see what this beautiful world has to offer, it must break through the safety of it's shell. We can learn a lot of life lessons from observing nature can't we?
My favorite verse begins with "Be strong and courageous..." so I held onto those words and followed my "True North." I stopped in the middle of all the Covid chaos, listened and connected to my spirit. I mustered up all the courage that I could and went out on a limb...because that is where the fruit is... I prayed. I decided to give my dream a chance. As I immersed myself in positivity through books, podcasts, music and quiet time, I sought direction and reflected. The same vision kept emerging, gently waving it's hand as if to say..."Remember me? Please, choose me now." A dear friend told me "Mary, God is behind this." I don't know if she realizes the power that was held in that statement for those words were and still are my, well, my everything behind what I do! Kinda deep, I know, but i won't apologize. My life's passion is in what I get to do for a living.
What do I do to take care of myself and how do I make time to do it?
Like our thoughts, the world's ways seem so tangled up at times. I find solace and comfort in the fact that it is GOOD for us to be still and quiet. Just as the songbirds are seemingly singing out of pure joy in the morning, I too rise each morning, before the sun most times, whispering the statement "I get another day!" Literally, I say that out loud. Life is a gift, brand new and shiny, laden with wonderful possibilities! I feel incomplete if I don't start my morning with prayers of thanksgiving and for guidance, meditation, journaling and coffee! I exercise every day and eat right, staying away from processed foods, although, I have to admit, I do enjoy pizza on Friday nights! I do the best that I can because I know that I can't be the woman that I am called to be without taking care of my mind and body. We should NEVER feel guilty for taking care of ourselves as I know it's our human responsibility. It goes without saying that finding solitude in Nature, of course, is at the core of who I am.
Favorite hiking spots in Greater New Haven
Sleeping Giant
Tyler Mill
Mattabesett Trail
What else do I want my readers to know about me and my business?
It means a lot to me to be able to have the opportunity to voice my appreciation for the precious time parents entrust me with their kids. Time spent in Nature is never wasted time. What an honor it is to spend time with your kids! Raising children is NOT easy, it does take a village! So my hope is that Fit by Nature becomes a valued asset to your families lives. I endeavor to partner up with you mom and dad to help raise your children to become healthy, confident and vibrant leaders of this planet we get to call home!
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If you are interested in a summer camp or sessions please call, text, message, or email Mary at...475-251-6754 mary.cole2016@yahoo.com and be sure to ask to join the Fit by Nature page on FaceBook!
