Young folks taking an interest in outdoor skills

Maine_JMW

Maine_JMW

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Mar 27, 2008
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This is an article I saw today in the Maine Sunday Telegram.

http://maineoutdoorjournal.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=275237&ac=Outdoors

The article discusses "Junior Maine Guide Camp" for 14-16 year olds. It's nice to see some kids (and the folks that run the camp) taking an interest and actually understanding that skills like wet condition fire starting and improvised shelter building are important.

My favorite quote from the article is by the director.

"But Junior Maine Guide Camp is not about being on "Survivor," as its director Moose Curtis will tell you.

It's about living comfortably as well as safely in the woods, and being able to guide others there. We're hoping they will take people out in the woods, take their families out," Curtis said. "The confidence you give a 16-year-old – building their encampment, making decisions on their own – kids feel good about themselves."

Not only does this match my take on survival skills and preparedness, but IMO, building kids' self-confidence is one of the best ways to help them stay on the right path.
 
This is a nice story to read. And I too totally agree with you about what you quoted.
Thanks for sharing.
 
The future of the outdoor life that we all enjoy rests totally on these young folks continuing the tradition, our national forest, parks and public lands can only last as long as there is a need for them. Same goes for all of the businesses that depend on equipping them. Take a youngster out and pass it on to them, to the younger guys that are already into this life style, help the older guys continue it as long as they can. The older you get, the more work it gets to be.
 
Good article. I like the emphasis on the fact that there is a high failure rate. There just seems to be too much kumbaya in todays society. Kids get pushed through school grades without learning, they get ribbons for being in 30th place etc. Not that being totally focused on winning is all that great either, but when there is a high bar to be met, and the kids know that, the prize is always so much better.

I guess I sort of understand the dig on the survivorman comment, but at the same time, it also shows that Les, even that crazy running bastid who is always in a hurry, do serve as role models to some extent. They do make people appreciate both the outdoors and provide a testament to the fact that enjoying the outdoors does mean that skills and training is involved.

I just got back from Minnesota and was so sickened by my walk through of Gander Mountain. Its an okay store, much like Cabelas, but the whole 'technology as a means of avoiding nature' thing really brings you down. They've got hunters seats that are more comfortable than lazyboys that include incorporated drink holders. Well, you guys know what I mean ;)
 
udtjim said:
The future of the outdoor life that we all enjoy rests totally on these young folks continuing the tradition, our national forest, parks and public lands can only last as long as there is a need for them. Same goes for all of the businesses that depend on equipping them. Take a youngster out and pass it on to them, to the younger guys that are already into this life style, help the older guys continue it as long as they can. The older you get, the more work it gets to be.
Click to expand...

Yes!

One of the reasons I am drawn to this forum is the number of fathers (and mothers) of young families who take their kids out of doors.

I have three young kids, and the youngest is now walking. The fall should have plenty of good opportunities for us.
 
i did like this article. kids should be outside. my son is only 7mo but has been on hikes with me he LOVES trees and i want to continue that.
 
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