a strong connection between older and younger generations is imperative
A nagging thought runs through my mind: many people lack a connection with nature. The desire to be outside, to see what exists there and to take the next step of trying to learn more about whatever they might see just doesn’t seem to exist for those people. But, a connection with nature helps us mentally, spiritually and to become better citizens–that is my opinion.
At the same time, it appears that it is increasingly difficult for older generations to make and keep connections with younger folks. Old geezers like me attribute several culprits to these changes—television, the internet, cell phones, drugs. Maybe there are more factors. We of the older generations need to accept much of the blame—for allowing youngsters to get immersed in these ever-present and consuming culprits. Maybe the blame needs to be shared.
I firmly believe that a strong connection between older and younger generations is imperative. For the entire existence of humanity older generations have protected and educated younger generations. In turn, younger generations have protected and cared for older generations, when it was time. Both age groups benefited from this relationship. In fact, the cooperation of the age groups is something that makes humans humans.
Through the years, I have seen and been part of the efforts to keep youths active–sports or school activities are examples. Keeping young people busy might help keep them out of trouble—there is some truth to that notion. However, it is a farmed-out process where school employees or youth league volunteers take over the role of guides. It seems to me that older generations have relegated much of their traditional roles in youngster’s social development to third-parties. So much for my geezer rants, I will make some suggestions:
From an early age, I suggest that older generations help youngsters connect with nature. This would “kill two birds with one stone.” Youngsters and older family members would build relationships with nature while strengthening family bonds.
Take a youngster fishing or hiking: they will remember the outings for the rest of their life. Teach them about the trees and animals they see: this knowledge will give them a feeling of connection with other living organisms. Take them out to a ranch: they will learn where their hamburger comes from. Help them start a photographic collection of butterflies: they will be amazed at the beauty just outside their door. This process needs to start early in a young person’s life, before they become inundated with digital and human babysitters.
I suspect that technology will (and should) be part of every youth’s life–those deprived of that knowledge will surely fail as adults. Electronic devices and their programs are compelling for youngsters. So, perhaps we can creatively introduce young people to nature by using mobile device applications (apps). In many ways, websites, cell phones and apps have replaced old-style guidebooks regarding nature. Apps exist that let a person take a picture of a leaf or flower and learn which species it is. Merlin is a wonderful app for birds. It allows the user to listen to bird calls and identify the species. It can also be used to learn where that bird lives, its preferred habitat and more.
Other apps allow a person to identify minerals and rocks by taking their images. Each one of these computer aids, if the older person helps guide the youth, provides information that might encourage the young to stretch their curiosity.
I have pondered the question and irony of whether nature-based technology should be used in the war that parents or grandparents face in trying to get youths away from their rooms, social media and computer games. My opinion is that, yes, anything is fair in love and war. Youngsters love technology! In my mind technology is not evil but using technology in hurtful ways is. Probably most youths will get hooked on some forms of technology, as if a drug. If that is true, perhaps it is best to introduce positive and helpful alternatives to counteract the negative ones and to teach children the difference between helpful and hurtful technology?
I am getting sidetracked with philosophical ideas when I wanted to express my opinions about making and keeping connections. Each of us need connections, even if making and keeping them is difficult. We live in an amazing area where nature is found everywhere. Take some easy trails in the mountains and bring lunches. Try Greenhorn Park in Yreka; Juanita Lake’s loop trail, near Macdoel; the multitude of trails in south county; the Russians and Marbles in Scott Valley and the huge expanse of wild areas in the Klamath and Salmon River drainages. Get the kids outside and start early. It might be a way to make each of us, our country and our families stronger and healthier.
