First Thanks to Alan warren for trying to make a difference todays world of ignorant anti hunters.
"Thank you for your interest in Outdoor Education.
I sincerely believe the single biggest threat to fishing, hunting and conservation is the apathy and ignorance of a majority of young people. This is neither good nor bad. It is simply the TRUTH.
There are tens of millions of teenagers today who have never been in a boat, never caught a fish, never seen a shooting star, never been on a camping trip nor have they ever even seen a deer (and they don't care to)!
Why would kids want to do these things?
They don't know anything about them!
On a personal level, I believe that human beings who have been exposed to Nature, those who have a "connection" with Nature... are more grounded as individuals than those with no knowledge or personal relationship with the outdoors.
In general, Nature lovers (anglers and hunters) have first hand knowledge of the NATURAL world (away from computers, video games and the internet). They know that meat comes from an animal dying and not from a Styrofoam package at the grocery store.
A relationship with nature is not a virtual relationship. It is REAL. Things really live, they really die and there is no "reset" button (to start over).
While technology is a wonderful thing that has certainly made our lives better, it has also served to isolate young people from the outdoors.
Do you see many kids playing outside in your neighborhood? I don't. Do you see them building forts, riding bikes, climbing trees? I don't.
What are they doing in the afternoons???? In general, it is NOT spending time outdoors.
If we want to preserve fishing and hunting for future generations, if we want to protect fish, wildlife and the environment, it is imperative that young people have some exposure to nature and the outdoors.
Exposure to nature is what Outdoor Education is all about. The purpose is NOT to make them anglers. It is NOT to make them hunters. It is not to teach them what to think. It is to teach them HOW to think.
It is to EDUCATE them and provide a "spark" that could ignite a young person's true interest in nature. Will they become hunters or anglers? Personally, I don't care.
But I do care that our youth knows something about nature and the outdoors. They can best learn this by first hand experience (NOT by playing video games).
According to most educators that I know, the vast majority of schools today are focused on getting their students to "pass the State test"; NOT to teach them critical thinking skills that will stay with them their entire life and it is certainly NOT to teach them about things such as nature.
Like it or not, "Man" is a part of nature but technology and today's affluent lifestyle have insulated our young people from the very place from which mankind evolved.
Without a first hand knowledge of nature, without "experiences" in nature, it is impossible for someone to love nature.
The goal of Outdoor Education is to provide students with a glimpse into nature and to encourage them to explore the great outdoors.
Many programs are available across the country and I work closely with groups that are committed to making "Outdoor Education" curriculum and classes available nationwide.
If you believe that young people will benefit from an Outdoor Education, by developing a relationship with nature and from their own personal outdoor experiences, I invite you to join my growing army of supporters.
We have thousands of "troops" in every corner of this country and we are laying the groundwork for a movement that will bring the importance of Outdoor Education to the attention of educators everywhere.
We are working to produce curriculum as well as a Start-up Kit and DVD's that will help you better understand the dynamics of the education system. It will help you with some of the dos and don'ts regarding the "approach" you may want to take in contacting and presenting Outdoor Education to your local educators.
Outdoor Education is not about selling fishing tackle and hunting equipment. It is NOT about catching bass nor is it about shooting a big buck.
This movement is about taking our kids back and reconnecting them with nature. With your support, we'll do it.
So what can you do right now? Send me an email, let me know something about you and your connection to your area schools.
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Would you be willing to meet with others in your area who are similarly interested in getting an Outdoor Education curriculum in their schools?
Would you be willing to take materials provided to your local school and present them to teachers, administrators or the PTA?
Some people think that the future of our country is in jeopardy. They don't see a need for people to be connected to nature.
I disagree. I am optimistic about our young people and about nature (including fishing, hunting and conservation of our renewable resources).
For me, nature sooths my soul, it provides me with a spiritual connection with my Creator. It is not about religion. It is about being "grounded" and recognizing that there is something much bigger (than man) that is "out there".
I believe that the future of fishing and hunting is in OUR hands and that Outdoor Education is the best way possible to build stronger and better educated young people. "
If you wish to help out, just send a blank e-mail to awo@aweber.com to join the mailing list.
"Thank you for your interest in Outdoor Education.
I sincerely believe the single biggest threat to fishing, hunting and conservation is the apathy and ignorance of a majority of young people. This is neither good nor bad. It is simply the TRUTH.
There are tens of millions of teenagers today who have never been in a boat, never caught a fish, never seen a shooting star, never been on a camping trip nor have they ever even seen a deer (and they don't care to)!
Why would kids want to do these things?
They don't know anything about them!
On a personal level, I believe that human beings who have been exposed to Nature, those who have a "connection" with Nature... are more grounded as individuals than those with no knowledge or personal relationship with the outdoors.
In general, Nature lovers (anglers and hunters) have first hand knowledge of the NATURAL world (away from computers, video games and the internet). They know that meat comes from an animal dying and not from a Styrofoam package at the grocery store.
A relationship with nature is not a virtual relationship. It is REAL. Things really live, they really die and there is no "reset" button (to start over).
While technology is a wonderful thing that has certainly made our lives better, it has also served to isolate young people from the outdoors.
Do you see many kids playing outside in your neighborhood? I don't. Do you see them building forts, riding bikes, climbing trees? I don't.
What are they doing in the afternoons???? In general, it is NOT spending time outdoors.
If we want to preserve fishing and hunting for future generations, if we want to protect fish, wildlife and the environment, it is imperative that young people have some exposure to nature and the outdoors.
Exposure to nature is what Outdoor Education is all about. The purpose is NOT to make them anglers. It is NOT to make them hunters. It is not to teach them what to think. It is to teach them HOW to think.
It is to EDUCATE them and provide a "spark" that could ignite a young person's true interest in nature. Will they become hunters or anglers? Personally, I don't care.
But I do care that our youth knows something about nature and the outdoors. They can best learn this by first hand experience (NOT by playing video games).
According to most educators that I know, the vast majority of schools today are focused on getting their students to "pass the State test"; NOT to teach them critical thinking skills that will stay with them their entire life and it is certainly NOT to teach them about things such as nature.
Like it or not, "Man" is a part of nature but technology and today's affluent lifestyle have insulated our young people from the very place from which mankind evolved.
Without a first hand knowledge of nature, without "experiences" in nature, it is impossible for someone to love nature.
The goal of Outdoor Education is to provide students with a glimpse into nature and to encourage them to explore the great outdoors.
Many programs are available across the country and I work closely with groups that are committed to making "Outdoor Education" curriculum and classes available nationwide.
If you believe that young people will benefit from an Outdoor Education, by developing a relationship with nature and from their own personal outdoor experiences, I invite you to join my growing army of supporters.
We have thousands of "troops" in every corner of this country and we are laying the groundwork for a movement that will bring the importance of Outdoor Education to the attention of educators everywhere.
We are working to produce curriculum as well as a Start-up Kit and DVD's that will help you better understand the dynamics of the education system. It will help you with some of the dos and don'ts regarding the "approach" you may want to take in contacting and presenting Outdoor Education to your local educators.
Outdoor Education is not about selling fishing tackle and hunting equipment. It is NOT about catching bass nor is it about shooting a big buck.
This movement is about taking our kids back and reconnecting them with nature. With your support, we'll do it.
So what can you do right now? Send me an email, let me know something about you and your connection to your area schools.
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Would you be willing to meet with others in your area who are similarly interested in getting an Outdoor Education curriculum in their schools?
Would you be willing to take materials provided to your local school and present them to teachers, administrators or the PTA?
Some people think that the future of our country is in jeopardy. They don't see a need for people to be connected to nature.
I disagree. I am optimistic about our young people and about nature (including fishing, hunting and conservation of our renewable resources).
For me, nature sooths my soul, it provides me with a spiritual connection with my Creator. It is not about religion. It is about being "grounded" and recognizing that there is something much bigger (than man) that is "out there".
I believe that the future of fishing and hunting is in OUR hands and that Outdoor Education is the best way possible to build stronger and better educated young people. "
If you wish to help out, just send a blank e-mail to awo@aweber.com to join the mailing list.