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OUTDOORS with M&J: River Rats Learning Adventures
A Nature-Based Education Series
Welcome to a New Way of Learning
What if education could be an adventure? The River Rats book series takes learning outside—into rivers, forests, and the natural world where great minds throughout history first discovered how to think, survive, and thrive.
The Core Philosophy
From Classroom to Nature
Instead of traditional classrooms, this program emphasizes:
- Hands-on outdoor exploration
- Collaborative project-based learning
- Essential survival skills
- Historical adventure through the eyes of explorers Marquette & Joliet
As Einstein said: “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”
Why This Matters Now
Natural disasters—fires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, avalanches—can strike anytime. Learning survival skills isn’t just historical fun; it’s practical preparation for an unpredictable world.
Who Were Marquette & Joliet?
The Journey: In the 1670s, French explorers Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet set out to find a river route to China. Instead, they discovered something far more valuable: the Upper Mississippi River and crucial knowledge about North America’s heartland.
Their Success Secret: The explorers followed a structured learning approach called Ratio Studiorum (Plan of Study). Today’s River Rats series calls this Brain Candy—a fun, engaging way to learn essential skills through teamwork and discovery.
The Real Story: Native American Partnership
Important Truth: Marquette and Joliet didn’t “discover” anything—Native Americans had lived in and traveled these regions for 12,000 years. The expedition succeeded because of:
- Native guides who knew the Mississippi River intimately
- Tribal village support providing advice, provisions, and paddlers
- Earlier French explorers like Perrot, Nicolet, Radisson, Allouez, and Menard who established relationships and trading posts
- Specialized training in woodland skills and Native languages
- Route assistance through high wild rice thickets where Europeans would have been lost
Bottom line: No Native help = No successful expedition
What is a “River Rat”?
A River Rat is someone who can live on or near rivers and forests, thriving off the land’s natural resources. Think of them as early American adventurers—similar to “mountain men” or the French voyageurs. These are people who:
- Understand wilderness survival
- Know how to hunt, fish, and forage
- Can navigate challenging terrain
- Blend seamlessly with their natural environment
Both men and women have been River Rats throughout history, especially Native American women who possessed deep survival knowledge.
The River Rats Learning System
Three Companion Resources
1. OUTDOORS with M&J Series The main book series following Marquette & Joliet’s adventures
2. Brain Candy Learning Tools Modern educational methods for parent-led learning groups
3. Secrets of the Forest (by Mark Warren) Practical survival skills for unexpected environmental changes
Complete Product Collection
Books & Reading Materials
- OUTDOORS with M&J (main book) – “The Mystery Path to the Sea”
- JoJo & Bucky – Coloring/painting book with tracing paper & stickers
- eBook/Kindle versions of all titles
- Luxury FAT Maps Book – Comprehensive map collection
- Large Printed Maps
- Tribal Lists – 200+ Lake Superior tributaries and tribes along the route
- Bibliography & Appendix
Interactive & Digital Products
- Minecraft® River Rats M&J Games (server-based & Lego versions)
- Board Games for family play
- Videos (online connections)
- Virtual Reality (VR) experiences via Meta/Oculus
- YouTube content: youtube.com/watch?v=Rkb6vX-ORrY
- Social media presence across multiple platforms
Special Features
- Tiffany Mosaics – Historic artwork from Chicago’s Marquette Building (MacArthur Foundation collection)
- Music & sheet music
- “Junk Box” – Interesting content that didn’t fit elsewhere
Historical Context: The Driftless Area
Geography matters: Southern and western Wisconsin escaped glaciation, creating the unique “Driftless Area” where valleys remained deep and hilltops stayed rough—unlike the smoothed terrain elsewhere. Native peoples lived here for millennia, creating approximately 10,000 paths, camps, and trading posts across the region.
Recommended Companion Reading
Enhance your learning with these excellent resources:
- Secrets of the Forest (4 volumes) by Mark Warren – Complete survival guide
- The Middle Ground by Richard White – How French and Natives created a blended culture
- Another America by Mark Warhus – Native American cartography and original mapmakers
- 40 Fundamentals of English Riding by Holly McNeil – Connects with HorsesEveryOne.org lessons
Important Notes
Language & Style
The books preserve the unique Wisconsin Fox River Valley dialect—a blend of French, Native American, and multiple European languages creating the Métis (Meh-TEES) communication style. This means:
- Extra descriptive words in sentences
- Careful, precise phrasing
- Culturally rich vocabulary
Keep a dictionary handy! New words will appear and may return later.
A Flexible Learning Experience
Choose your own path through the 16+ products. Start wherever interests you most. Work alone, with family, or in groups. The goal is learning together through discovery and cooperation.
Where to Get River Rats Products
Coming Soon to:
- Amazon.com
- BarnesAndNoble.com
- GoodReads.com
- Direct from: MyNatureAdventures.org
- (Register here to get book, game and map Pre-publication release notices).
Available formats: Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, eBooks, games, and maps
About the Project
Publisher: Horses EveryOne, Inc. (IRS-recognized charity)
Website: HorsesEveryOne.org
All proceeds support the horse charity’s mission. The author grew up where the Fox River begins flowing toward Green Bay, bringing authentic regional knowledge to this educational adventure.
Get Started Today
You’re receiving advanced notice! These books aren’t published yet—you’ll be among the first to purchase and experience this innovative learning system.
Ready to become a River Rat? Dive into nature-based learning that combines history, survival skills, adventure, and teamwork. Perfect for families, homeschoolers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who believes the best classroom is the natural world.
© 2025 Horses EveryOne, Inc. and/or Donald J Geldernick