In 2005 Richard Louv wrote a book called “Last Child in the Woods.” It’s an excellent read, and the main thesis is that children these days are so caught up in computer games and the Internet and minute-by-minute daily schedules that they essentially don’t go outside. If they don’t get to just run around and explore the natural world they won’t understand it, won’t care about it, and will have a more difficult time "getting" various scientific concepts. In the longer term it bodes ill for natural parks and wilderness areas--preservation in any form--as these kids come into power because their worldview won’t include an appreciation of all nature is and does.
It’s a frightening thesis, to be sure, but Louv backs it up with copious data demonstrating its truth. As parents it’s up to us to turn this trend back. I don’t mean eliminate computers and revert to the 19th century, I mean we must consciously reinstate free time in nature. Count me as not a fan of the “Tiger Mom.”
So, one could just bring the kids down and cut ‘em loose in our parks, but what with school and all those other demands on kids’ time—perhaps it’s better to get it solidly on the agenda. This spring and summer presents a great opportunity to immerse them in nature.
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This incomplete list can help. Granted, none of these programs allows unregimented natural exposure, but the kids will be outdoors, at least!
The Washington State Ecology Youth Groups pick up trash in parks and roadsides. Not romantic, but very useful. These are actual jobs for older youths.
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Earth Corps’ programs include a full range of habitat restoration projects. This is the real get-your-hands-dirty work with direct, visible results.
The National Park Service has a lot of opportunities in our national parks. Can’t beat the scenery!
The ‘Y’ is legendary for its summer-in-nature offerings. The Wilderness Awareness School… well, with a name like that you know what they’re about.
The Nature Kids Preschool at Discovery Park is a regular preschool--it goes during the school year--but the kids are making art in the park every day!
The Campfire Girls Youth Volunteer Corps runs many programs for girls in a wide age range, including the following "S.O.S.--Save Our Salmon Urban Forest Restoration", "Earth Day Extravaganza", and "Celebrate Earth Day" on various dates, from April on.
These sites have compiled lists of summer camps in the area, not all of which are nature-oriented.