Think back to your childhood. It’s a warm, sunny, summer day. The morning birds are chirping, the air smells like freshly cut grass, and all the kids in the neighborhood are out enjoying the beautiful weather. It seems that today’s youth have lost that connection with nature and the enjoyment of being outdoors. But why is that? Most people would argue that the introduction of social media, video games, and screens has deterred our kids’ desire to enjoy the outdoors. If that is the case, then how can we change this or make it more appealing for our kids to go out and enjoy nature or play outside?
Summertime is swimming time. For those who are saying, “My child doesn’t know how to swim,” Governor Hochul has addressed that by incorporating free learn-to-swim lessons for children aged K-5 at NYS Park pools and beaches for anyone interested. Last summer, I helped administer and direct swimming lessons at the Thompsons Lake Campground, as the Assistant Chief Lifeguard. The program is Red Cross certified, and the curriculum is directly implemented from the Red Cross Learn to Swim course. Students who enroll possess a variety of skills and abilities. Throughout the lessons, students’ progress through different skills and techniques to not only make them better swimmers, but to make them more comfortable in the water. By the end, every one of the students left a better swimmer than when they arrived. If you, a friend, or a family member, are trying to get outside more and enjoy nature, then the NYS Learn to Swim program is a great choice. More information can be found here: Event Search Results – NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. Swimming lessons start July 31st and are available at State Park’s throughout the Capital Region.
Part of the “I Love New York” campaign includes many different ideas for children and adults. The campaign offers 34 things to do this summer, which you can find by clicking on the link. There are so many activities that can get children engaged and excited to get off screens and outside. But mainly, this has to come from us as adults; we have a crucial role in paving a path for our kids to follow. This is called behavioral modeling, a learning process where individuals learn behaviors by observing and imitating others’ actions. During a child’s development, they are like sponges, soaking up all the knowledge they can through their senses, the primary tool they know how to use. Everything they see, hear, and feel is a learning opportunity for them. This has been proven in psychological studies many times, like the “Bobo Doll Experiment,” where children who observed an adult being aggressive toward the doll were also aggressive, and children who observed an adult being kind to the doll showed kindness. The same can be said about adults showing kids the value and enjoyment of being outside. If we want to encourage our children to go outdoors, then we must go outdoors. By going outside and enjoying the day, whether it’s just going for a walk, playing a sport, gardening, or going to a park, we can show our children the value of spending time outside.
Next time you are free, or find yourself sitting on your phone, or your child is spending time on a screen, offer them the option to join you in going outside. Because if they see you doing it, they will likely follow suit.
Ian Owens is a NYS Certified Teacher in Health and Physical Education, as well as a certified swim instructor. He teaches in a K-6 elementary school in Buffalo, NY.
Works cited:
“Governor Launches ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ Campaign & Free Pool Access at State Parks this Summer.” iLoveNY.com, 2 Jul. 2024, https://www.iloveny.com/thebeat/post/governor-launches-get-offline-get-outside-campaign-free-pool-access-at-state-parks-this-summer/.
“Modeling of Behavior.” The Decision Lab, https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/modeling-of-behavior. Accessed 15 April 2025.
“Behavioural Modelling in Children.” Child Development Clinic, https://www.childdevelopmentclinic.com.au/behavioural-modelling.html. Accessed 15 April 2025.