How many of you frequently played outdoors as children?

Unfortunately, an increasing number of children today are

afflicted with nature-deficit disorder.

My Natural Development

• Camping and playing in nature since birth

• “No TV” rules encouraged outdoor activities.

Nature Deficit Disorder Defined

• Nature Deficit Disorder is defined as:– The trend of children

spending less time outdoors

– The host of behavioral problems that accompany this trend

Causes of the Deficit

• Magnetic pull of indoor technologies

• Increasingly scheduled lives

• Parental fear

Symptoms

• Decreased creativity• Decreased

cooperation• ADD exasperation• Obesity• Less drive for

exploration

Luckily, Nature Deficit Disorder is easy to avoid…

If you spend time outdoors, you will reap all of the benefits nature has to offer while avoiding NDD!

Nature provides opportunities for unexpected excitement…

Nature reminds us of how small we really are…

Nature Releases Creativity

• Plenty to do in the wilderness, but one has to seek it out or think it up. – Fort building– Trolls

Nature Encourages Independence

• Forces problem solving, giving one the confidence necessary for independence.– Callahan’s Island

• Gives you tools to survive – Fire building, shelter, water

sources– Backpacking water

dilemma

Re-embracing Nature

• It is easy to get out into nature!

• Day hikes = almost no planning, equipment, or time commitment.

Harris Park

• Located just outside of Milton-Freewater

• 45 min from Walla Walla

• Beautiful trail along the Walla Walla River

Umatilla Wilderness

• Located south-east of Walla Walla

• About 1 hour away• Camping, hiking,

swimming opportunities

For More Extended Trips…

• Talk to people! • Rent equipment from the

OP• Buy a map– they always

make trips more enjoyable

• Wallowa Mountains are a great weekend trip.

Our Future Children

• Set an example for our children and the children of our friends. – My parent’s impact – Resist kicking and screaming protests

• Make the indoors uncomfortable. – Chores vs. sprinkles

Nature is Necessary

• Nature is not something we can evolve beyond.

• Wilderness experiences play an important role in our development.

• Removing the power of technology and reaffirming the power of nature is the natural thing to do.