I used to climb trees when I was young (and I still, on occasion, do). As a boy in Iraq I had a favoured loquat tree, with branches that bore leathery, serrated leaves, shiny on the upper surface, and densely matted with fine hairs underneath. It seemed so big, though I now reflect it was probably rather small. I would haul myself up and over the lowest branch, making whatever use of the twists and folds of the trunk as provided purchase to my small feet.
The post For the love of trees appeared first on OUPblog.
by Sally Matheny
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| Climb-a-Tree (but not this one!) |
For the past two years, I’ve hosted a Climb-a-Tree contest. It all began after reading a report that 1 out of 3 children have never climbed a tree. Are our children becoming too comfy on the couch? Or is it the parents?
Maybe it's the fears of all the “what-ifs.” Don’t let worry keep you in a sanitized, cushioned bubble.
Fun and adventure await you at the base of a tree—not to mention a slew of learning and confidence building opportunities.
I almost decided to forgo the contest this year until a friend’s child approached me and asked about the next tree-climbing contest. We don’t want to disappoint, so here’s the announcement for the third annual Climb-a-Tree contest!
Who: Parent-Supervised Children (ages 5 and up) and Parents
How to Enter: Easy—send me a photo of your kids in a tree. List their first names only. They’ll be entered into the drawing for a prize. The winner will be awarded a cool, outdoor toy based on the child’s age.
However, this year, I’m increasing the rewards.
For every teenand adult who is in a photo (in a tree!): Your name will be entered into a drawing for a $5.00 gift card from Starbucks. (Because I figure some of you want to get in on the fun, too.)
Deadline: Send me photos via this blog, or post them on my facebook page. All photos are due by 6:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday, October 27, 2014.
If you don’t want to post a photo, but would like to enter the contest, just private message me and I’ll add your name to the drawing.
We’ll announce the winners on this blog on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014.
Here are things to remember:
Be safe!
Avoid this. |
| Posion Ivy |
And this.
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| Poison Oak |
Use good judgement and you won't need this.
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| Angry Phone Calls |
I don’t want any of these.
Or these.
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| Lawyers |
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| Having fun outdoors! |
This is what we want to see!
Be adventurous! Get outside and have fun together!
