I got home yesterday after doing a lesson for 16 children from a vacation care group in Mosman. I realised afterwards how much harder our lessons have got over the years.
The age group of this class was 10-12 year olds. ONE of these children out of 16 had been fishing in their whole life. Over the last five years the average percentage of children that we have taught that had been exposed to this or any outdoor recreation has reduced dramatically. NONE of these children had ever been camping or from our discussions just relaxed or hung out in the great outdoors let alone climbed a tree or built a cubby house.
What does it matter? These children yesterday, throughout the first hour of the lesson, were hesitant to sit on the ground which was grassed, were distracted when required to listen, were unable to name one fish that lived in Australian waters and did not know the difference between freshwater or saltwater. They fiddled, they moved around, they interrupted and in general were having trouble focusing their attention. When required to perform a physical activity that required focus, most stood there without any attempt to even try,stating they didn't know what to do (after 30 mins of instruction).Their lack of adventure and of initiative was astounding. They did not interact well as a group or in most cases at all.
After one hour there were signs of improvement. Not just in their ability but more importantly in their focus, their enthusiasm, the way they interacted socially as a group. They had a sparkle in their eyes and wanted to know more. At the end of the three hours, they were dirty,they were wet, they were exhausted BUT most importantly they had built friendships and their behaviour was more relaxed and less anxious.
Children today are not interactive with nature in activities and it is hurting them. Scientists are predicting for the first time that our children's generations will be the first to have their life expectancy reduced from generations before. ADHD, Obesity, Diabetes,Anxiety Disorders they are all well know epidemics around the world today that weren't around 30 years ago. What are we doing differently............
