The Wild Path Home: A Guide to Raising the Earth Stewards of Tomorrow

On the pathway to stewardship and kinship--an experiential approach to fostering environmental connection from birth to the teen years.

In a technologically saturated world, how can we ignite the next generation’s connection to their ecological and human communities? Grounded in science-based research and Indigenous wisdom, The Wild Path Home offers an abundance of practical strategies for fostering respect, reciprocity, and responsibility--empowering young people to become resilient, passionate advocates for the planet.

This essential guide combines creative outdoor learning with supportive mentorship to create a powerful framework that can be adapted to any setting. Award-winning environmental educators Jacob Rodenburg and Cathy Dueck provide a simple, accessible roadmap for nurturing future nature stewards at every stage of their development, including:

• A comprehensive list of key stewardship principles that are both timeless and universal
• 30 age-appropriate actions or ＂Landmarks,＂ designed to inspire, activate, and equip children and youth to create healthier communities and a vibrant, more sustainable world
• Context, background, and relevant climate change connections, along with a wealth of hands-on activities to support each action.

From toddlers discovering the world through their senses, to teens championing environmental and social justice while honing their leadership skills, this engaging guide has something for everyone. With its strong emphasis on the benefits of unstructured outdoor time, The Wild Path Home is an antidote to the anxiety, depression, and alienation faced by many young people today. Required reading for parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders.

Jacob Rodenburg is an award-winning educator with over 35 years’ experience and a master’s degree in education. He is the executive director of Camp Kawartha, an innovative summer camp and leading outdoor education center, and has taught environmental education at Trent University for two decades. Jacob has helped to develop nearly 100 outdoor and environmental programs, has published dozens of articles, led scores of workshops and training programs, and has taught more than 100,000 students. He is author of The Book of Nature Connection and co-author of The Big Book of Nature Activities. Jacob’s passion is finding creative ways to connect children with nature. He lives in Peterborough, Ontario.

Cathy Dueck is a lifelong naturalist who has worked in community-based environmental education for over 35 years. She is founder of the Peterborough Ecology Park where she oversaw the development and delivery of children’s programs. Cathy taught in the School of the Environment at Trent University for 15 years and holds a B.A. in Environmental Science and a Master’s in Canadian and Indigenous Studies. She served as lead writer, researcher, and co-ordinator for the Kawartha Region’s Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship project, where she shared her passion for fostering community connection and environmental stewardship with people of all ages. Cathy has received many local, provincial, and national awards. She lives in Havelock, Ontario.