Forgetting the Outdoor
In today’s society being a kid is a little different from 20 or even 10 years ago. The long summer night camping out in the woods or in the back yard is rarely practice. Running to the local swimming pool, pond, or lake is no longer a religion. Kids are no longer seen outdoor playing b-ball or hide-n-seek. In today’s world, it’s all about the number of friends you have on Facebook or searching for treasures in the world of War Craft. The current generation has been brought up on television and films that makes me dizzy with only couple of hours. Cell phones are a must have and video games are conveniently portable generating a constant media stream. Nearly all of their activities are inside instead of outdoor. Common neighborhood parks and hot spots are no longer around, and kids who grow up in suburban and cities don't play hide-and-seek or capture the flag like in the past. I spoke to a kid the other day about Outdoor Education. I ask if he knew what local plants are editable and which plants to avoid. If one may stray into poison ivy or oak, what should one do? The kid simply replied “I don’t go play outdoor, how would I know?” The lack of an Outdoor Education can lead to a lack in leadership and imagination. Kids stay inside playing their video games don’t get enough exercise and have weight issues.