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

By Dr. Jacob Rodenburg

The Wild Path Home is a practical, research-based guide to raising connected, resilient earth stewards--from birth to the teen years.

What You'll Learn

Grounded in science and informed by Indigenous wisdom, this guide gives parents, educators, and community leaders the tools to nurture lifelong bonds between young people and the natural world. You'll discover:

30 age-appropriate "Landmarks" that move kids from discovery to action--from sensory play in early childhood to teen leadership and advocacy. Timeless stewardship principles--respect, reciprocity, responsibility--that strengthen belonging and ecological literacy. Hands-on outdoor activities and mentorship practices you can adapt to classrooms, camps, homeschool, and neighborhoods. Clear connections to mental health--how time in nature builds resilience, reduces anxiety, and fosters confidence and purpose. Screen-time alternatives that make it easy to choose outdoor play, community projects, and place-based learning.

Why This Book

Many kids now get as little as 4-7 minutes of unstructured outdoor play a day while screen time soars. In a tech-saturated world, outdoor education and nature connection aren't extras--they're foundations for well-being, learning, and climate readiness. The Wild Path Home blends outdoor pedagogy, environmental stewardship, and practical activities into one accessible framework you can start using today.

Who It's For

Parents and caregivers seeking meaningful, screen-free habits Teachers, homeschoolers, and forest school educators Camp and youth program leaders, librarians, and community organizers Anyone ready to raise confident, compassionate earth stewards

Endorsed by Leading Voices

Without question, this is the finest book on raising children I have ever seen. -- Paul Hawken, author Carbon, Regeneration and The Book of Life

We need this book more than ever. This is my new go-to guide. What a treasure. -- Cathy Jordan, PhD, Director of Research, Children and Nature Network

Call to Action

If you want kids to feel at home in nature--and grow into capable, caring stewards--this is your roadmap. Buy The Wild Path Home today and start raising the earth stewards of tomorrow.

AWARDS

FINALIST 2025 Forward INDIES: Education SILVER 2026 IPPY Awards: Education

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1774060140
• ISBN13: 9781774060148
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: New Society Publishers
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.9" x 10.0"