outdoorsy

i just finished reading this book that I had heard about from a friend. It's called, "Last Child in the Woods". It's basically about how nobody is bringing their children outside anymore. By outside I mean into nature.

I am not a full member of the tree hugger establishment but I do think a lot of the whole global warming debate that is going on. I wasn't introduced into the wild world of nature until my mid teens and I keep exploring as much as I can to this day. My soon to be ex seemed to be onboard with going on hikes and going out and exploring the outside world. Seems that the "new dude" is a skateboarder with his own ramp in his yard and has very little interest or knowledge of the outdoors. By no means am I brainiac of the outdoors but I can tell you what some trees are by the leaves and what kind of fauna is along the trail. I have encountered many animals in their elements...ranging from moose to groundhogs. Not to mention I can make a campfire with 1 match.

Anyway, this book discusses how people especially of my generation that have kids are not going outside anymore. Everybody is so tied down to technology and the creature comforts of air conditioning. While I was reading this book I had taken my son to the park a few times and my son was more into turning over rocks to see what lay beneath. He had asked a few other boys if they wanted to join him on an insect hunt. They replied with, "ewwwww". As far as the state of the planet is concerned I think it would be good to get your kid involved and have a love for the outdoors. That way when they are older we can have stewards for this crazy eco-system. Just my opinion anyway.

The book also went on to tell about how good it is for children to go out and explore the local woods. It stimulates creativity. Also has been known to help children with A.D.D.

I went fishing with my son again this afternoon and he fished for about 10 minutes and went exploring. He found some dragonflies and he came up to me with two of them on the sleeve of his shirt. Not to mention when I would hook a fish I would have him reel it in and once on shore he would ask me a dozen questions about the fish. I taught him how to hold a bluegill and bass. All I could do was smile.