Reclaiming Childhood: How ‘Heart and Soil’ Inspires Families to Embrace the Outdoors

When we think of the simple joys of childhood, the first images that often come to mind are running barefoot on a summer day, climbing trees, or losing track of time while watching the sunset. But in today’s fast-paced, urban world, such moments seem increasingly rare, especially for our children. Nehal Shah wonders how these simple moments of solace have now been prized as sky-scraping luxuries. For many of us, nature feels like a distant memory—a luxury we can no longer afford. However, for this mother, reconnecting with the outdoors became more than just a personal mission; it became a movement.

Meet the visionary Nehal Shah, a Mumbai mom who organizes nature adventures for parents and children to foster parent and child attachment through her initiative, Heart and Soil, a platform dedicated to bringing families back to nature and inspiring them to create meaningful, nature-based experiences. Her story is one of rediscovery, not only of nature but also of the profound connections that can only be formed outside the confines of daily routines and digital screens.

The Spark of an Idea: From Pain to Purpose

For the founder of Heart and Soil, the journey began with a deeply personal realization. “As a young parent, I noticed that my child’s upbringing was vastly different from mine,” she shares. “Our lives were dictated by schedules, screens, and the urban chaos of limited outdoor spaces. The joy of spontaneous, unstructured play in nature seemed to be slipping away for us and other families, and it became a cause of worry and concern for me.” These small things later take the form of mom guilt, leading her to reflect on some of her fondest memories centred around family, nestled in nature’s lap, from climbing trees, playing in the sand, and watching sunsets. Memories now, but these moments were more than just an experience back then; they were a source of building connection and finding one’s Ikigai. They offered an experience beyond statistics but a simplicity that is a rarity today.

This growing concern led to the birth of Heart and Soil, a platform created to reconnect her family with the natural world and encourage others to find joy in simple living. What started as a personal quest for more meaningful outdoor experiences has evolved into a movement that seeks to inspire families everywhere to step outside, reconnect, and rediscover the simple joy of living through fun activities for kids. In Nehal’s words, “This helped me convert my pain into purpose.” As the adage goes, people resonate more with shared pain than pleasure; so was it. This idea had more than a concept; it was a living entity rooted in purpose, pain, and passion fuelled with belief.

#GetOutDoors: A Simple Choice with Profound Impact

It all began with a small but powerful decision motivated by a conscious choice to get outside regularly and joyfully because what is forced is never fun. “#GetOutDoors was never about grand adventures but about making a conscious choice to embrace nature, to step outside our routine, and to find joy in the simplest outdoor moments,” Shah notes. The hashtag embodies our belief that nature is for everyone, regardless of experience or proximity. With the idea of igniting a revolution, #GetOutDoors rose as an encouragement to start small. This included an evening walk, a local park visit, or a weekend in the woods. Each step into the outdoors strengthened bonds, created lasting memories, and cultivated a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

It was not until she was totally invested in the mission that she became self-aware that fun does not have to be conventional, but it can break free from the shackles of what society deems “fun.” For her, fun was an essence that she found in a de-tour, breaking free from the four walls, finding peace outdoors, and forming a connection with nature. Sometimes, fun can be a feeling; it does not always have to be an experience. This was the heart of her hashtag that embodied her firm belief that nature is for everyone, regardless of experience or proximity.

The Traditional Detox: T(re)e-connect

For today’s tech-savvy generation, detox has pigeon-holed itself into a single meaning: digital disconnect. But when this approach is not ordinary, how can the disconnect be? In this traditional detox, Shah found a connection in disconnecting – all but through trees. In her words, “Nature is the best teacher and healer. For children, it fosters curiosity, adaptability, and emotional resilience. Kids learn to observe, ask questions, and solve problems while experiencing a world far richer and more dynamic than any screen could replicate or any school can provide. For families, nature offers a chance to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with one another.”

Patterns suggest that the newer generations are far more fearful of embarking on challenges than their parents or grandparents because they have been nestled and spoon-fed right from the cradle. Being in nature helps children conquer their fears, like climbing their first hill, which adds a feather to their skills and brings in physical and emotional well-being. This first-hand connection with nature makes children introspective about the brutality humans inflict on the environment and the aftermath animals face in these waterbodies and territorial landscapes. Heart and Soil promotes sensitization through games, like the village game, where the kids handpicked litter on a trail.

All this, when done in the heart of nature, not only freshens the mind and soul but offers a fresh perspective – a way of living. However, with conscious parenting, being hesitant about outdoor adventures for kids is understandable, but parents need to understand that an experience is an experience, whether indoors or outdoors. Outdoor experience has an upper end for experiential learning, which taking kids to malls or movie theatres won’t. When we do something for years, it becomes a habit, and old habits die hard. Shah doesn’t imply switching onto a new lifestyle but starting small. “Backyard Adventures are a great opportunity. A walk in a nearby park, a picnic, or even an evening under the stars can be as impactful as a big trip. Kids don’t need luxury; they need presence and simplicity.” So, dear parents, let go. Trust your kids; they’ll adapt. And trust yourself; you’re creating memories that will shape their childhood forever.

Need some help? Worry not; here’s to get you thinking more!

Nature-inspired games like scavenger hunt, treasure hunt, sketching, journaling, rock and leaf painting workshops, pottery, clay work, farming, and carpentry can keep kids engaged in a natural environment. Nature and manufactured creations can’t necessarily offer us all the best, but sometimes, the best moments come from their creativity – making up games, building forts, or simply chasing butterflies. The outdoors sparks their imagination in ways we can’t plan. This is not a one-person act, but acts of creativity like these are usually teamwork (we did not say this, but this is the best time to have family time together).

“The best part is seeing families connect in ways they hadn’t imagined. Parents laughing with their kids, sharing stories by the campfire, or simply marvelling at a sunset together. We have seen parents conquer their fears while their children encourage them to do adventure activities, learning and experiencing new things together as a family. Unknown families bond like they have always been together, which is a beautiful way to make our own like-minded community. I hope these experiences inspire a love for nature and help families build memories that last a lifetime whilst instilling great values in our future generations,” Shah anticipates.

Travelling with young kids has moments, from tantrums, unexpected detours, slowing down and the hunger pangs. Oh, they can get really crazy. Moms and dads, do not forget the snack bags! But kids and travel? This is a common worry for many parents and families likewise. With so many things going on and rarely a to-do list to keep up, the key to navigating through is flexibility and mindset. “The key to a happy travel experience is going with the flow without any judgements or rigidity. We need to let kids be kids.” Sometimes, reducing NOs to only wherever necessary, like on safety concerns, can aid them in exploring better. This vacay, add the ‘yay’ to it; let them run wild, jump & get muddy. Statutory warning, “Kids are washable!” Kids also thrive when we let them lead in small ways, whether choosing a trail or deciding when to take a break, as they feel they are in control. One challenge we faced, Sha recollects, was when my son was overwhelmed on the way back by the difficulty of the Tiger’s Nest Trek in Bhutan. Instead of pushing forward, we paused and spoke to others we would meet on the way, which became a motivating experience for him. He forgot his issues and happily reached the base. Moments like these remind me that the journey matters more than the destination. Parents need to plan with their kids’ needs in mind.  But, as parents, we know we can never really plan ahead. We need to embrace spontaneity. Involving them in packing or route planning gives them a sense of ownership and excitement, and they don’t sweat the small stuff; “kids are more adaptable than we think,” she says.

Practical Parenting is the Key: Travel Made Easy!

Pack light but smart. Essentials include weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, reusable water bottles, favourite snacks, and maybe a beloved blanky for younger kids- which helps them feel secure, especially if they feel homesick on a long trip. Carry basic first aid, sketchbooks, and small toys for downtime. Keep it simple—you’d be surprised how little kids actually need when immersed in nature.

We focus on the basics – Safety, hygiene, and nature. Safety is always a top priority, whether it’s selecting trusted guides and experts for adventures, treks or trails. Our focus is not luxury, but we ensure we can provide clean, hygienic environments to families, even in nature. Our food choices also are fresh and local over packaged food. Beyond the logistics, we emphasize flexible schedules and experience over achievement to accommodate young kids and their varied energy levels. Our focus is on creating meaningful experiences. Whether a plantation walk in Goa or a star-gazing session in the Sahyadri, every activity fosters a connection between families, nature, and local communities.

Being practical in approach includes all aspects, whether health, safety, hygiene, food, interest or entertainment. We need to acknowledge that, living in a tech-savvy world, children are born with screens, and as much as these have become an indispensable part of their lives, let alone childhood, We plan and execute excursions so kids get the best out of nature, which is the best distraction. We try to keep the trips screen-free, and we have been successful at it. Our kids’ camp is screen-free, apart from calls to parents made at the end of the day. Kids are involved in activities and games as a group or in their free time and are encouraged to read, sketch, paint or explore their surroundings independently.

Writing History: One Story at a Time

We are people who crave stories. Our camps are all bound in innumerable stories, from memories of garden visits where I would take my son every day to simply collecting leaves and stones for painting or making a nest for birds with dried leaves.

One that stands out is when my son, Dev, summited the Chandra Shila peak in Uttarakhand. I had to stop halfway due to back pain, but he kept going with the support of our group. When he returned, beaming with pride, it was a moment of incredible joy and reflection for me as a parent. Snorkelling in the Maldives is another memory I hold close to my heart. Being a non-swimmer, my son led me to see and experience the wonders of the underwater world, which kept me captivated. “The only thing better than experiencing moments like these is seeing your kids experience them,” she says.

While fun is quintessential in this experience, it is a prerequisite that kids know at what cost. “Show, don’t tell” is my mantra, and I have always ensured that kids are introduced to respecting nature and leaving no trace during their adventures. “Whether it’s a beach cleanup coupled with a Marine Walk or collecting plastic during a hike, we make it experiential. Kids naturally connect the dots—they see the beauty of nature, feel sad when it’s harmed, and instinctively want to protect it. We encourage small actions, reinforcing that every little effort counts.” Don’t see it just as a cleanliness drive. This drive is driven by education. Kids are inherently curious, and when cleaning, they come across unusual substances, which prompts them to ask questions about the substance or their origin immediately; this comes with a learning curve. Use this opportunity to introduce them to different things that originate in their natural habitat.

As overwhelmingly fun as this experience can get, it requires immense patience and parental energy. We understand that children are young and teeming with energy, but we are not as young, though young-hearted and free-spirited. “The beauty of Heart and Soil trips is the balance we strike between structure and freedom. Activities are child-centred, with plenty of unstructured time for kids to explore, create, and just be. We prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on experiences rather than checklists. It’s all about creating a natural and joyful rhythm for families. We never impose; we nudge and provide enough motivation if someone is hesitant to try something new; sooner or later, they come around, but we would not want to push them when they are not ready. We try to keep the natural and comfortable rhythm for all on our trips, which is a perfect combination of being yourself and getting newer opportunities and experiences.” These newer opportunities come in the form of destinations. “Kids thrive anywhere if we let them explore freely and keep things simple, so I feel child-friendly destinations are over-rated,” Shah says. To have an experience, we need a destination, and to make it so-termed, ‘child-friendly,’ one needs attention and awareness. It is that easy.

Travelling with my son, for me, is beyond an experience; it is a therapy I need to break free from everyday stress. “My favourite travel times with my son, Dev, are the Mountains – Uttarakhand and Himachal. We have done some slow travel and treks there. Snorkelling in Maldives, Bali, Bhutan, and Jungle Safaris at Pench and Ranthambore.” Imagine it as vividly as your creativity lets you, but I bet you cannot even come close to the experience. “No words can do any justice to this experience, so go, experience it yourself!”

Picture Perfect: for you and your fam!

The hunt for unique or lesser-known spots for family trips is a struggle. No longer, though. From experience, Shah says, “To find out lesser-known spots where you are travelling, research and locals are the key factors. I look out for experience-driven places rather than typical touristy destinations.” We all know no one knows a city more than the one they call home.

So, if you are away from home, constantly interact with the locals to find the best places to eat local food. Heritage walks are the best way to explore and get acquainted with the rich history and culture. Plan it all but in advance. Before you start your travel, read blogs and research travel sites to learn about the hidden gems. “When we were in Dharamshala, Uttaranchal or even Bhutan, we stayed in a homestay, and our host guided us to the most amazing places, which made the trip memorable. In Maldives, we stayed on a local Island, which gave us a completely different experience and an opportunity to interact with the locals. We did a Heritage Walk in Ahmedabad, which gave us great insights into its history and culture,” she recollects.

Come on, don’t tell us that you are still thinking. Don’t wait for the perfect time or trip. Just pack a bag and take the first step outdoors. You’ll find that nature has a way of teaching, healing, and bringing people together. Let’s collectively raise kids who are conscious and open to embracing adventures and curious to learn experientially.