Cure Nature Deficit Disorder

February 05, 2018

Nature-deficit disorder is not a formal diagnosis, but a way to describe the psychological, physical and cognitive costs of human alienation from nature, particularly for children in their vulnerable developing years. Consider the 2008 Recreation Participation Report," based on a survey of more than 60,000 Americans, covering 114 different outdoor activities; it represents a collaborative effort by The Outdoor Foundation, Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association, and other outdoor recreation groups. Among its findings: adult participation is up slightly -- very slightly. But the survey also found a decline of more than 11 percent of participation in outdoor activities among young people age 6 to 17, with the sharpest decline among youngsters ages 6 to 12.  We already knew that kids were becoming more disconnected in nature in recent decade -- but that's an additional 11 percent decline in a single year.

Consider, too, the decision by the publisher of the Oxford Junior Dictionary to replace dozens of nature-related words like “beaver” and “dandelion” with “blog” and “MP3 player.” As noted wildlife artist and conservationist Robert Bateman observed, “If you can’t name things, how can you love them? And if you don’t love them, then you’re not going to care a hoot about protecting them or voting for issues that would protect them." In a few words, literally, this story illustrates the urgency to connect children directly to the natural world, and our ultimate goal – deep cultural change.

Little Harbor Boathouse offers your local summer season cure!  Nine weeks of top-notch Kayak and Standup Paddle Boarding Paddle Adventure Programs for kids ages 8 to 14 take kids off-screen and on-water!  Paddle Season Passes give Families, Couples and Singles the best deal for direct on-water access, all kayaks/boards/equipment provided with valet service directly to our pristine Little Harbor Beach launch by our friendly and helpful crew.  When it comes to the human connection to nature, Little Harbor Boathouse has you and your family covered!