Outdoor Adventures: Nostalgic Memories and the Value of Play
As a childhood, our lives were filled with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. From playing games of kickball and capture the flag in our backyard to hiking down steep cliffs and wading in creeks, these experiences are still vivid in memory. Let's delve into the joys and adventures these simple outdoor activities once brought us.
Outdoor Play in Childhood
Throughout my youth, I indulged in a myriad of outdoor activities. I remember playing kickball, basketball, and football with friends, although my love for the game of baseball was not as strong. At 50, I maintained my homes and properties, and cutting the grass became a regular part of my routine. While baseball might not have been my forte, I recall trying to keep up with an all-state pitcher, but it was simply too late in life. These activities not only kept me physically active but also fostered a sense of community and responsibility.
Childhood Games and Experiences
Building Forts and Gardens: As kids, we enjoyed playing capture the flag, and one of my fondest memories involves going to an open field to pick wildflowers. Building forts was another favorite. My fondest memories involve coming home on top of a hay-filled trailer being hauled by a tractor. Swimming in the saltwater of the Chaleur Bay, one of the world's most beautiful bays, was another cherished experience. Summer picnics and cook-outs at the family’s camp, with my mom hauling all the pots, pans, and food, remained a highlight.
Mining and Crafting: We would go down a rocky 150-foot cliff behind our house to swim at the beach below and then walk two miles down the beach to get a "passageway" up to the top of the bank, walking another two miles back to our house. These events are remembered fondly, despite the risks. We would also pick buckets of wild strawberries and ice-skate on a spring-fed pond. Mowing lawns, using a push mower and an old, heavy piece of machinery, was also a regular activity. Snowmobiling in the winter was a thrilling experience, especially when we had two snowmobiles, allowing us all to have our runs. Snowboarding was a collaborative activity, not just between friends but also between me and my parents, who both had their machines.
Ranching and Wildlife Interaction: We would occasionally help herd cattle from one pasture to another, a task that involved a lot of walking and dealing with cowshit. Gardening was supposedly part of the chore, but it typically involved pulling out weeds that we could throw at each other. These activities were far from your typical garden or ranch tasks, but they provided immense enjoyment and a strong bond with nature.
Modern Day Outlook
As we look back, the world has changed, and children today spend less time outdoors playing and more time engaged in indoor activities or participating in team sports. While I don't disapprove of team sports, I firmly believe that children need the freedom and time to play outdoors to fully develop their imaginations. There's a growing need to balance structured activities with unstructured play to ensure children grow up well-rounded and healthy.
Conclusion
Our outdoor adventures during our childhood left us with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. These days, the concept of playing outside has almost become a rarity for many children, and it's important that we find ways to reintroduce it into their lives. Emphasizing the importance of physical activity and outdoor play in childhood not only benefits their health and well-being but also stimulates their creativity and imagination. Let's ensure that future generations don't forget the value of these timeless outdoor activities.