As we make the final preparations for opening day of deer season in Maine, we know all too well that with that, comes Thanksgiving, and then, you know what's right around the corner... I always wished we could slow down time and enjoy more day in the deer woods, but it is simply inevitable that Christmas will be upon us.
The timing of this post is intentionally early, because all too soon, the malls will be full of people and the onslaught of advertisements will begin. One thing that I've heard over and over, all year long from friends, parents, and guests "All my kids do is play on the computer!" "They never want to do anything outside..." We know it's true, we know it's a problem, and we know that it is adding to the childhood issues such as obesity, ADHD, and the continued disconnection to the natural world.
My first question: "What did the kids ask for Christmas?" Or "What did you buy them for Christmas?"
Things like tablets, I Pads, X boxes, and Playstations are on the top of the list, among all sorts of other technology gadgets, gizmos, and distractions. OK, so maybe the Wii allowed kids to actually move around a bit while playing, but it's a "virtual" experience.
I encourage you to take a moment and think about what may spark passion in something new. Take a quick look through the Cabela's catalog and you'll soon find not just gift items but opportunity for adventure! X Box you say? How about a pair of snowshoes. I pad maybe? How about your first .22 rifle? I can go on and on, but we as adults have so much impact on the future of our youth, all of our youth that we can make change! Some great ideas that will not only get kids outdoors, but you may even find that you might spend more quality time together. Check out the Genesis Bow to get started in archery, maybe some ice fishing traps, a pellet rifle or .22.
We need to stop this trend of "screen time satisfaction", and get kids back to being adventurers, explorers, and outdoors people. Buy them a subscription to Outdoor Like, Field and Stream, or some other magazine. Remember when you'd get a magazine? You'd read about adventures, far off places, and exciting people, and every month you'd look forward to the next issue.
In a world of "play dates", theme parks, and manufactured experiences, our children are only a generation or two removed from what was an amazing way to grow up. It's our choice, our responsibility, and our challenge to reconnect our young people and ourselves to the outdoors. There are still wild places to be explored, even in your cul de sac or neighborhood. We can collectively make change for the good. You are not a bad parent for setting limits, for buying your child a BB gun, or for helping to educate them to what may not be as mainstream as it was, but we are the only ones that can do this. To the contrary, your child may just find a passion for something that they didn't know existed. It's also important that we give them the gift of our undistracted time. Mentor them or find someone that will help do so. There's lot's of ways to learn more about outdoors activities.
I'm sure this will offend some folks, but I hope that it will at least invoke some thought. I'm committed to providing outdoors experiences and I would be happy to assist anyone in their search for ideas, or guidance in purchasing outdoors equipment.
The timing of this post is intentionally early, because all too soon, the malls will be full of people and the onslaught of advertisements will begin. One thing that I've heard over and over, all year long from friends, parents, and guests "All my kids do is play on the computer!" "They never want to do anything outside..." We know it's true, we know it's a problem, and we know that it is adding to the childhood issues such as obesity, ADHD, and the continued disconnection to the natural world.
My first question: "What did the kids ask for Christmas?" Or "What did you buy them for Christmas?"
Things like tablets, I Pads, X boxes, and Playstations are on the top of the list, among all sorts of other technology gadgets, gizmos, and distractions. OK, so maybe the Wii allowed kids to actually move around a bit while playing, but it's a "virtual" experience.
I encourage you to take a moment and think about what may spark passion in something new. Take a quick look through the Cabela's catalog and you'll soon find not just gift items but opportunity for adventure! X Box you say? How about a pair of snowshoes. I pad maybe? How about your first .22 rifle? I can go on and on, but we as adults have so much impact on the future of our youth, all of our youth that we can make change! Some great ideas that will not only get kids outdoors, but you may even find that you might spend more quality time together. Check out the Genesis Bow to get started in archery, maybe some ice fishing traps, a pellet rifle or .22.
We need to stop this trend of "screen time satisfaction", and get kids back to being adventurers, explorers, and outdoors people. Buy them a subscription to Outdoor Like, Field and Stream, or some other magazine. Remember when you'd get a magazine? You'd read about adventures, far off places, and exciting people, and every month you'd look forward to the next issue.
In a world of "play dates", theme parks, and manufactured experiences, our children are only a generation or two removed from what was an amazing way to grow up. It's our choice, our responsibility, and our challenge to reconnect our young people and ourselves to the outdoors. There are still wild places to be explored, even in your cul de sac or neighborhood. We can collectively make change for the good. You are not a bad parent for setting limits, for buying your child a BB gun, or for helping to educate them to what may not be as mainstream as it was, but we are the only ones that can do this. To the contrary, your child may just find a passion for something that they didn't know existed. It's also important that we give them the gift of our undistracted time. Mentor them or find someone that will help do so. There's lot's of ways to learn more about outdoors activities.
I'm sure this will offend some folks, but I hope that it will at least invoke some thought. I'm committed to providing outdoors experiences and I would be happy to assist anyone in their search for ideas, or guidance in purchasing outdoors equipment.
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