Modeling Infections Enthusiasm

The natural world does not judge. It exists. One route to self-esteem, particularly for shy or undervalued children, lies in the out-of-doors.          

–Stephen Trimble

Richard Louv, in his book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, argues that when children and adults lose contact with the natural world, they experience Nature-Deficit Disorder. He links a growing body of evidence to the rise in childhood obesity, attention disorders, and depression. Louv argues that direct exposure to nature is essential for a child’s physical and emotional health and development. He writes, “The health of children and the health of the Earth are inseparable.”

Parents, guardians, and other adult family members are the first line of defense, but informal educators and classroom teachers are important role models for helping children find their place in the natural environment. Louv argues that adults can give children “the gift of enthusiasm” for time outdoors.

This can often be hard for educators who don’t have much experience with the “real outdoors” – camping, hiking, fishing and the like. Many suffer from the belief that something isn’t worth doing with visitors unless it’s done right. If getting kids out into nature is seen as an exercise in perfection, then it’s no more than another chore on the list. The search for perfection defeats the joy of being outside. Louv writes, “It’s a good thing to learn more about nature in order to share this knowledge with children; it’s even better if the adult and child learn about nature together. And it’s a lot more fun.”

            What will stick with program participants is not your vast knowledge about a subject; what will stick is your infectious enthusiasm. Rachel Carson, known as the mother of the modern environmental movement, wrote, “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” There’s no such thing as a grown-up person, and it’s not too late to discover the awe of a child!

            Additionally, spending time with a parent or positive adult is an excellent way to combat boredom in children. Encourage young visitors to disengage from electronics long enough to stimulate their imaginations. Employ animal allies and exploration of the world around you as your helpers towards getting kids excited about the natural environment. John Burroughs wrote, “Knowledge without love will not stick. But if love comes first, knowledge is sure to follow.” If visitors (adults and children alike) sense your genuine enthusiasm for getting outside, they’ll want to emulate that interest and join in the fun!

Nature education is a contradiction of terms, because formal education is where you’re supposed to be, and nature is where you go when you’re truant. 

                                                                –Franklin Burroughs

Learn more:

Connect With Nature: Eartheasy Blog

Eartheasy Blog: Connecting with nature close to home

Eartheasy encourages, inspires and informs people about the benefits of a simpler, less material lifestyle, and the importance of protecting our natural environment as the source of our well-being. It provides a wide range of information about sustainable living from the authors' first-hand experiences.

On Connecting with Nature: An Interview with Mike Cohen

Eco-psychologist Mike Cohen is an outdoor educator, counselor, author, and traditional folk singer, musician and dancer. He utilizes his background in science, education, and counseling as well as his musical expertise "to catalyze responsible, enjoyable relationships with nature in people and places." He has one several awards including the Distinguished World Citizen Award from the University of Global Education.

Compiled by Erin E. Anderson