ARE KIDS BEING EDUCATED OR INDOCTRINATED?

OUTDOORS, INDOORS; INDOCTRINATION OR EDUCATION?  

ARE "THEY" AFTER OUR KIDS?

By Del Albright

In 2009 I wrote an article about "They're After Our Kids" that still has relevance today.  Although back then, I was little more agitated and faster to launch, the key points I made are just as important now as they were then.

But before I hit a few of those highlights, I have some really GOOD NEWS.

Recently I received word that two close family/friends are reviewing/studying the Vietnam War in public school.  Wow.  Most of my adult life since I left that country in 1971 I've watched the media and the educational system try to deny, avoid, debase or destroy everything about that War. So now to see folks "studying" 'Nam and the war is like a big WOW to me.  My war won't be completely lost to history.

Be that as it may, public schools are laced with opinionated "teachers" who tend to indoctrinate rather than educate kids at every opportunity.  My wife, Stacie and I have seen it first hand for the last 12 years.  Call it brainwashing, call it indoctrination; whatever.  It's not teaching history, facts or truth.  It's pushing an agenda.  We have to be on top of it.

Again, certainly not all teachers or schools are like this.  Many are stellar in their programs and teachings.  But there are enough of the other types to worry me.

Below is a link to the article I wrote in 2009 about bureaucracy and schools being "after" our kids. It stemmed from a National Park Ranger "swearing" in kids to the Junior Ranger Program.  The Ranger had a good heart and thought he was doing good things for kids.  And he probably did more good than harm.  But when you live in a bureaucracy like the National Park Service, you begin to absorb their lifeblood of "protect it" do not "use it."  I speak from 32 years of government service.

The Park Ranger rebutted my article and I still have his letter on my website (in the link).  But after all was said and done, he still did not understand that having 5 to 13 year-old kids raise their hands and SWEAR to PROTECT and CARE for Parks and the earth, while leaving out any mention of "use it wisely" or conserve it or responsible use, is a less than subtle way of saying, do NOT USE IT: just take pictures.

I am adamantly against this type of indoctrination that suggests to kids to not use our lands respectfully, but rather to lock up public lands -- other than those very special places the nation deems significant enough to do so.  And no; not all national parks are deserving of such padlocks.

The only solution is to stay in tune and in touch with our kids and their education. 

Here is the link to the original article and the Park Ranger's rebuttal to my thinking:

http://www.delalbright.com/articles/kids.htm

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Del

• RUN A BETTER MEETING
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• ORGANIZE A CONVOY
• JOIN THE RIGHT GROUPS
• GET VOLUNTEER TRAINING
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Empowering Kids for a Motorized Future

YOUTH IS THE FUTURE OF MOTORIZED OUTDOOR RECREATION

LET'S GET THEM OUTSIDE!

 By Del Albright

Kids in the outdoors -- such a crucial part of the future of outdoor recreation. The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club and about every other enviro/eco organization has a focused youth program designed to get kids outside with an indoctrination towards protecting, preserving but not really "using" our resources. Look but don't really touch. 

Then those of us who love motors and exploring by vehicle have to compete with electronics, video games, ear buds, pods and pads, We have a few OHV groups with great programs for kids, for sure! But I don't think nearly enough. We have to find ways to empower our children to enjoy, use smartly, conserve wisely, appreciate, and yet be able to ensure a future of access for all. 

There is a difference in youth involvement between the various motorized sports.  Dirt bikers get their kids on a machine nearly as soon as the little one can walk.  Hero-worship sets in early for motorbikers too, as their sport is full of champions, races, and heroes.  Plus, the kids can go out and ride before they have a license.

Four-wheelers have a different path for kids.  The kids get to ride; a few might drive under careful supervision in controlled circumstances, but for the most part, for a kid, it's being an "observer" rather than a participant. That doesn't invoke the same commitment and enthusiasm for the sport as a dirt biking kid.

So we have to fin ways to empower our kids, treat them to fun, and show them the excitement, while teaching them our common sense ways of using public lands.    You can good samples of kids programs at http://www.nohvcc.org, http://www.treadlightly.org; and other big associations.  Just do a search and see what you come up with for your kids.

If you were to share a group with a great kids/youth program, who would that be?

KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE IN OHV RECREATION

OHV RECREATION DEPENDS ON WHAT WE GIVE TO AND LEAVE BEHIND FOR OUR KIDS
By Del Albright

Allow them to run freely forever by giving our kids the tools, education, opportunities and good examples they need in their growth.   Don't let unnecessary and silly bureaucratic baloney mess up their chances for fun in life.

Yes, some rules are always necessary, but this society of ours has gotten screwy in some areas when it comes to trying to regulate us and our children.  I've seen freedom of choice battered down to near nothing in some cases.  We should always be able to choose and allow (choose our way of life and allow what we want to happen to us, within reason).

America is founded in freedom.  Freedom means having choices and reasonable decision-making chances.  Our military is strong because individuals are able to act decisively, improvise, adapt and overcome. They got that way from a freedom-based upbringing. Let's keep it that way.

Mis-guided politicians, influenced by well-funded exclusionary elitist groups are taking away chunks of our land, piece by piece (Wilderness, etc.), and chopping away at our freedoms (guns, helmets, choice of schools, riding gear, etc.).  We have to talk to, teach, and guide our kids to grow up to be sensible, thinking adults.  Don't expect your public schools to do that.

What can we do to help our kids maintain our OHV way of life?  First off, make sure you are a member of those groups that are involved in your form of recreation.  Read their literature and share it with your kids.  Get involved in kids programs in your state or regional association.  Be active in getting them involved early.

Secondly, always set a good example.  That means to show the "right way" in driving, camping, attitude, trail ethics, gun use, drinking, campfires, you name it.  Be the example that will help save the future.

And third, correct bad situations on the spot!  Don't let things get worse by hoping they'll go away.  Fix it!

OHV recreation should always be a "kids zone" where they have fun, learn to experience the great outdoors, and grow up doing something besides couch activities.

##  Del