It’s official. Corbin and I are in love with a suburban squirrel named Chipper. Created by Stephanie Rach, founder of IAGmedia, Chipper is the star of Into the Great Outdoors which tells the story of this perky little creature as he explores the wonders of the environment around him. Through mishap and adventure, Chipper teaches kids to respect nature and even more importantly, to love and play in nature. The Chipper chronicles include DVD, CD, and workbook. With such catchy little ditties you’ll find yourself and your kids singing along to. “. . . because I’m going on a trip, with my family. We’ll drive each other crazy, my Dad is going to snore. But when the trip is over, we’ll all want some more.” Reminds me of the time we took my godfather Vic camping in Monterey. Let’s just say he slept great. The rest of us, well, not so great.

With recent studies indicating more and more children choosing video games over time outdoors, Rach’s vision “to get kids back into nature so they will intuitively want to take care of it” is one shared by many, including Richard Louv, renowned author of Last Child In the Woods. Key to creating a sustainable future is reducing what Louv terms “nature deficit disorder” in our children and Chipper offers a light hearted reminder to get you and your family outside.

As for Corbin, well his backpack is now packed with Chipper’s Checklist and yesterday after school, he was doing an art project singing his new self-chosen mantra (and the closing of the CD), “I’m dreaming this blue planet green . . .” When I commented on how nice he sounded, he warmed my heart to the nth degree by responding, “And because you and all the mommy’s are being EcoMoms, the chipmunks and kids will have oceans and forests and stuff when we grow up.” It couldn’t have been more perfectly scripted and I, of course, got tears in my eyes - and wished someone else had been around to witness the quick passing moment. ‘Twas one of those sweet, sweet times when you realize your kid really does love and appreciate you. And then you’re back to the other reality. Anyway, check out Let’s Go Chipper and enter code EcoMom to receive a special treat (and a percentage of sales goes to support EcoMom Alliance outreach education).