No child left inside

It wasn't uncommon when I was a child for exasperated mothers -- and mine seemed to occasionally fit into that category -- to direct their kids to: "Put down that book and go play outside."

We obeyed.

But not all kids today have the opportunity and the encouragement it takes to get out and explore the natural world. Happily, there's a new movement afoot to encourage just that. It's called various names by the various organizations involved, but the one that seems to be catching hold is "No Child Left Inside."

Great name for a great concept.

It apparently started gaining impetus back in 2005 with a book by Richard Louv, called: "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder."

I've only read excerpts, but the message seems clear: kids that aren't exposed to the natural world develop unnaturally. The bits I've read seem to clearly argue that at the very least, children exposed to the great outdoors develop self confidence, independence, observational powers and the ability to focus.

My own experience leads me to believe that this is probably true.

The very small town in New Hampshire's hill country where I grew up provided infinite opportunities to explore woodlands, fields, meadows, streams and ponds. Even all these years later, I'd rather put down my book, turn off my TV, laptop or cell phone and go play outdoors. 

My own sons got their fair share of outdoor time growing up. They can still identify most tree species at a glance, still know how to set up a comfortable camp and how to spend a night in the woods.

How can today's parents, both of whom are likely to be working full-time, introduce their children to the natural world? Can a simple nature walk be made more alluring than computers, cell phones, TV, video games, iPods and a host of other technological distractions -- especially if the parents themselves only have limited contact with the great outdoors?

There are ways. Most weeks I write about something adults and children can do together that will get them outdoors and moving.

If you already have an outdoor activity you like, this season try sharing it with a youngster. It doesn't have to be a big deal. If you take a child out on a hiking trail, or up a mountain, or put them in a canoe, they almost always respond positively.

It may take a bit of time to wean them from the cell phone or the iPod and actually get them to see and hear what's around them. But it happens. Ad when it does, it's usually magic.

I've seen it happen over and over again, especially at places like the Appalachian Mountain Club lodges, huts and camps, where outdoors-oriented folks of all ages tend to gather. I've also seen it happen at Smuggler's Notch Resort which after ski season becomes a sort of family summer camp.

If you put kids in the outdoors and loosen the shackles just a bit, it usually doesn't take long for them to figure out that there's a whole world to explore. All it takes is one child to get fired up and the rest of the pack seems to follow.

The reward is great for all involved, including the adults. We all want to see our children grow up to be fit, motivated, self-confident adults. Being outdoors is one way to encourage that to happen.

State park pursuits

Many adults don't have the experience, knowledge, and self-confidence it takes to just plunge into something as big as exploring all outdoors. Nor do they have time to learn before passing it on to their kids.

So some of the agencies that run the wonderful state parks systems in New England are jumping on the idea of getting kids into nature. Sure, you could cynically say that this initiative is coming at a time when most state parks are in need of the revenues that come from more visitors. So what? If it gets kids outdoors, it's good.

Connecticut took the lead last season with their "No Child Left Inside" initiative in their state parks. The programs had teams of adults and children competing for points and prizes by following clues to visit various state parks. Several hundred teams took part last year, and more are expected this year.

New Hampshire is following Connecticut's lead this year with its Great Park Pursuit. Up to 100 teams will compete in three activity-driven events on May 19, June 9, and June 23. There will be three self-guided challenges on Memorial Day weekend, June 2, and June 16. The kick-off event at Bear Brook State Park on Saturday, May 19.