The Unofficial Rules of Going Feral Outdoors

So you want to go outside and get a little wild? AMAZING. We love that energy. But before we go full feral, there are a few golden rules every outdoor explorer needs to know. Think of them less as rules and more as the secret code of awesome adventurers. Ready? Let's go!

Rule #1: Stick With Your People

ALWAYS Stay with your adult and your group! Nature is incredible, but it's also really good at making everything look the same in every direction. Your adult isn't just there to carry the snacks (although, very important job). They're your adventure co-pilot! No wandering off, no matter how interesting that butterfly looks.

Rule #2: Respect the Locals

We're talking about wildlife — AND each other! When we're outside, we're basically guests in someone else's home. The birds, bugs, frogs, and fuzzy creatures were here first! Observe, admire, maybe do a little happy dance, but keep your hands to yourself and your voices kind. This goes for your fellow adventurers too!

Rule #3: Stay on the Trail

The trail is your best friend out there. Stick to it, and here's the fun part ► leave it even BETTER than you found it! Spot some litter on the path? Pick it up and be the hero the trail deserves. Stomping through plants and bushes might seem fun, but tiny critters and plant babies live there! Be the kind of adventurer that nature gives a five-star review to. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rule #4: Leaves of Three, Leave Them Be!

This one rhymes, so you KNOW it's important! If you spot a plant with three leaves grouped together, back away slowly and do not touch! Poison ivy is sneaky, pretty, and absolutely not your friend. Same goes for thorny plants, they're nature's way of saying "personal space, please!" When in doubt, look with your eyes, not your hands.

Rule #5: Leave Your Finds, Take Your Trash

Found an awesome rock? A perfect pinecone? A feather that looks like it belongs on a fancy hat? Totally cool to admire, but leave it right where you found it! That rock might be someone's home (hi, bugs! 🐛). That feather belongs to the forest. BUT your granola bar wrapper, your juice pouch, your fruit snack bag? Those come home with you. Every. Single. Time. Pack it in, pack it out — no exceptions, no excuses!

Follow these five rules and you're not just an outdoor explorer, you're an official Nature Guardian. The forest will thank you, the wildlife will appreciate you, and your adult will probably do a little proud happy dance.

Now let's get out there and go absolutely feral — responsibly.

Happy adventuring, Feral Gayle

Explore More!

Head over to our Teachers Pay Teachers store for slides to go with the rules. Find even more safety tips, preparedness, activities, hazards, what do to when lost, and tons more in the Outdoor Exploration Bundle!