I sadly read an article about a new problem now being diagnosed in children called nature deficit syndrome. I couldn’t believe it! There is now actually a syndrome given to those who rarely go outside and never connect with nature. The cure is simple…go outside. Take a hike in the woods, read beneath a tree, picnic by a lake, play capture the flag. Go anywhere or do anything as long as it is in a natural place where plants and animals are living and growing. The problem is that some with this syndrome either simply don’t want to and aren’t at all interested, or they are afraid. Afraid of nature? How could this be? This fear is, of course, more about a fear of the unknown. This disconnect between man and the natural world is growing, and it’s making people sick. How horribly sad!
The good news is that it is easily preventable and curable. So, my giant piece of advice to both kids and adults is simply this: go outside and play! Parents, make sure you take your kids outdoors, make sure they are not “afraid” to be in the woods among the birds and the bees and the trees. Make sure you teach them a few outdoor skills like how to paddle a canoe or fish or put up a tent. If you don’t know yourself, take the time to learn together by going to a family camp or a nature center, or spend some time with friends who are willing to share some skills with you.
People are busy these days, I know, and the pressures of raising kids are difficult and complicated. Give yourself a break and think of the time spent among the trees as a special, healthy and relaxing time for you and your family. My favorite memories of my childhood are making a fort in the back yard, helping my dad in the garden, and weekend car camping trips with my family to nearby parks. Keep it simple and it is much more likely to happen.
Predator & Prey
Here is a simple but very fun outdoor game called Predator/Prey that was shared with me by one of our outfitters up the Gunflint Trail. All you need is a natural area of any kind and some people (at least 3) of any age. The more people, the larger the area should be. Choose a determined area such as a back yard, space in the woods, or a park. This game works best in places where there are lots of trees and bushes for hiding. One player acts as the prey. All others are the predators. The person who is the prey does not hide, but stands or sits in a specific spot, closes his or her eyes and counts to 50. This gives the predators some time to spread out. After the count and the prey has opened his or her eyes, the predators try to find ways to sneak up on the prey without being seen. When the prey player spots a predator, the prey calls the predator’s name, and that person has to stand up where he/she is. After about 10 minutes, the prey calls out time and all of the predators have to stand up in their spots. The one who has come the closest to the prey wins. Take turns being predators and prey. Both roles provide good lessons and practice in listening, looking, and feeling the woods.
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