New, family-run website offers virtual tours of the jungles of Costa Rica

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With just the click of a mouse, virtual travelers can enjoy the sights and sounds of Rica’s tropical rainforest. The Web site, www.supernaturaladventures.com , features fun, educational videos about nature created by the Jacobus brothers — Ryan (14), Michael (11) and Will (10) — who moved with their parents from the suburbs of Milwaukee, WI to the jungles of Costa Rica in 2005.

The family made the move three years ago seeking a simpler life, closer to nature.

The new site allows the family to share their experiences throughout the world, inspiring kids everywhere to connect to the natural world. Viewers are encouraged to head outside and have their own Super Natural Adventures, which they can document and submit to the site.

"As a parent, I know kids need fun, constructive things to do on break," said Maggie Jacobus, the boys’ mother and the creator of Super Natural Adventures. "Super Natural Adventures is a safe site that parents can feel good about their kids spending time on. Not only are the videos entertaining, the kids will actually learn something! It’s a site the whole family can enjoy together."

On the site, children can follow the Jacobus brothers along on their explorations. Whether it’s Michael tracing the history of chocolate, Will searching for the sloths of Costa Rica or Ryan’s volcano adventure, the site is certain to transport its visitors to another world.

But this isn’t a passive Internet travel experience — visitors to SNA are urged to head outside and explore their natural environment. Kids are invited to share the results of their adventures on the SNA site via videos, photos and essays of their own with SNA kids across the world.

"The best present we can give our families is time together to re-connect with our natural surroundings," said Jacobus, who produces and directs her sons’ video entries. "Given the opportunity, kids will connect with nature on a very organic level. From that connection comes a very instinctual desire to be a caretaker of their environment."

"While the tendency might be to huddle inside in the winter months, the season is actually a wonderful time to explore the outdoors," Jacobus added. "Animal tracks are often left in snow and because many trees are bare, some wildlife is easier to spot."

The SNA site also has information for parents and educators, including a blog from Jacobus, aka Jungle Mama. There are also links that provide additional opportunities for learning and environmental exploration.

For more information, please visit http://www.supernaturaladventures.com .

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