It’s Time to Wonder

If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. Rachel Carlson

The Chipper Ambassador team lived this quote today, celebrating the changing of the clocks and the wink of spring when the sunshine finally peeked through the clouds in the early evening; the day was still upon us though at this time, the day before, it was dark.

The morning started with a story time and activities at REI in Fremont, California – an hour drive past mountains blanketed in shades of green and dotted with wild flowers. Like clockwork, the doors opened and children from birth to ten skipped in ready to play with Chipper, read, sing, and make crafts.

Many times, parents are secure enough to let their children engage with us while sipping coffee and enjoying conversations with friends or new acquaintances. But today, parents knelt, side-by-side, with their children, guiding and enjoying the time. There was no “hurry up” or “let me help you” …it was just joy and “great job.” And there were no tears.

Engaging in a child-like way: with wonder, excitement, curiosity, occasional frustration, and elation brings joy. It brings connection in an open-hearted way. It brings understanding. With stories about nature read, and crafts made from recycled items found around the house, we waved goodbye to over twenty children knowing they were welcoming a new day hand-in-hand with parents ready to explore.

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