Last night I read an article from CNN's SciTech Blog (Children and Nature Network tweeted it) about the new Boy Scout Video Game Badge. Since I had seen the video I am sharing in this post earlier that day I was practically speechless. Someone who doesn't over react like I do pointed to the actual information about the badge.
I know Scouts have badges beyond outdoor experiences but even after reading about the goal for the badge - responsible video game use, selection of more appropriate and learning based games, encouraging game play activities with family and friends - I still wonder whether kids growing up today will see that subtle message or just take away the message that playing games all day and night is ok as long as they do their chores and homework. Children spend 7.5 hours a day in front of a video or computer screen.
On the other side of the coin, a town in California made Happy Meals illegal this week. The rationale: children are rewarded with a toy for making bad food choices. Last time I checked the kids weren't driving or walking (certainly not walking) to a fast food restaurant to plop their allowances down on the Happy Meal. So maybe we are all trying to find a solution instead of getting parents to be parents and teach their children that there are fun things to do outdoors and eating healthy has its own rewards.
This new video from America's State Parks sends a message to the real change makers and I hope they will hear it. Maybe it starts with the family visiting and exploring nature together. If they want an electronic gadget, get a GPS device and go geocaching. Or buy a camera and capture nature to enjoy again and again. State Parks are the close to home destination to explore nature for a day, a weekend or a vacation.
