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?

DATE WITH A PAPER PLATE (ARTICLE)

A Date with a Paper PlateBy Del Albright, BlueRibbon Ambassador


I am convinced our future lies in not leaving our past behind...



NOTE: We must pack it in and pack it out when recreating in the back country and on our trails. We need to set the example and show our kids how to be responsible in our pursuit of motorized and non-motorized recreation.

There I was, lying in the cupboard, minding my own business like any good napkin, when this paper plate starts coming on to me. Oh, she was cute all right, all decked out in flowers and looking good. But like any single male napkin, I played hard to get and not interested.

She kept chatting away, being all flirty, and finally I started to like the way things were shaping up. Hey, you never know, she might be the one.

She kept telling me that we should get together and go on a date. You know how paper plates can be. Pretty soon my resistance waned and I gave in to a date. We decided to give it a shot and I thought that this might just work out great.

Then, old what’s-his-face decided to take us on a picnic out in the woods. He loaded us up in his old truck and off we went.

Next thing I know I’m on this picnic table with a bunch of other paper products and old what’s-his-face has a bunch of his friends gathered around eating greasy chicken. But my date is nowhere to be found. I don’t see her anywhere. Now I figured I’ve been stood up. You know how paper plates can be.


Read the rest of the story on my website here: http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/paper_plate.htm

OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY FROM OIA

Outdoor Recreation Worth Billions!!!

Outdoor Recreation in America is a huge business, bringing BILLIONS of dollars into our economy.

The numbers are in....look what outdoor recreation does for America:

- 6.1 million american jobs

- $646 billion in outdoor recreation spending

each year

- $39.9 billion in federal tax revenue

- $39.7 billion in state/local tax revenue

-  $53 billion on snow sports ($54 billion on internet access)

140 million americans recreate outside.

50 million use OHV’s

This is HUGE news.  Be sure to share with your politicians, newspaper editors, website forum moderators and your club/group.  Shout it from the rooftops!

More details and study results here from the Outdoor Industry Association:

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/images/researchfiles/OIA_OutdoorRecEconomyReport2012.pdf?167

Del