Texas Parks Host Seminars for Parents

Marshall News Messenger – July 06, 2008
By Steve Bandy

Just one generation ago children spent most of their time outdoors. Being called in for the night was the worst thing imaginable.

Today, studies indicate that the average American child spends 45 hours per week indoors looking at either a television screen or a computer monitor.

"Nature Realized: Connecting Your Children to the Land" is a three-part seminar being hosted by the Texas Forest Service at Caddo Lake State Park teaching the benefits of nature in children's lives. It is geared toward "adult family members who are the gate-keepers to children's exploration of their environment" and focuses on the child's physical, spiritual and emotional health.

"Outside playtime for kids is fast becoming a thing of the past," said Angie Soldinger, conservation education coordinator for the Texas Forest Service. "With the rise of popularity in video and computer games, it's no secret that too many children are missing out on the wonders of the outdoors. In his book 'Last Child in the Woods,' Richard Louv argues that this has created a 'nature-deficient disorder' among children — a disconnection from the land."

That is the basis for the TFS workshop being coordinated by Ms. Soldinger and partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife program "Texas Outdoor Family."

Dates for the Caddo Park seminars are July 29, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. "We will be delivering this program state-wide through out the year," Ms. Soldinger added.

"'Nature Realized' is a seminar series consisting of six themes developed for parents, grandparents and adults who impact children ages 0-18," the TFS agent said. "Participants learn how to utilize local resources that provide opportunities for connecting children to the land."

The various themes include:

July 29: Emotional and Spiritual Connection; Physical and mental health.

Aug. 5: Free Play vs. Structured; Time and Technology.

Aug. 12: Dangers and Fears; Plugging into Local Resources.

The seminars for the parents will be held indoors at the Recreation Center at Caddo Lake State Park.

"While the adults are participating in the 'Nature Realized' program, the children will be outside learning and discovering the outdoors with a park interpretive specialist," Ms. Soldinger said.

Participants will all meet at the Recreation Center at the start and then split up.

The children's programs will include a junior angler clinic, camping and camp-fire safety, investigating wood duck nests and planting trees at the park. Children should wear closed-toed shoes.

Following the two-hour sessions each day, families are invited to stay the entire day and enjoy the park's amenities. Families registered for the seminars will receive free admission into the park. Drinks and light snacks will be provided.

"If we can reach the influential adults in a child's life, we can build a conservation ethic in today's children and sustain their excitement for the outdoors, " said Ms. Soldinger.

The workshop fee is $10 per family ($20 after July 20) and registration is limited to the first 30 adults.

For registration information, contact Ms. Soldinger at 979-458-6649; Wes Moorehead, Marshall District Forester, at 903-938-8712; or Michelle Gonzales at 979-458-6650.

Top Stories