exposed to nature...

I first ran across this quotation from African environmentalist Baba Dioum displayed on a large wall in the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. I realize that most of us have become dependent on our technological devices to the point of addiction and we need constant reminders that there is a real world out there.

As we spend more and more time attuned to screens of whatever size, we attend less and less to the real world that surrounds us. For that reason we must develop means to attract young people and young adults into the wilds so that they become more deeply engaged in the real world. The consequences of carelessness are dire.

What does it mean to be "taught?" In the classic school model, a professor stands at the head of the class and lectures at his kids: what they are to know and who or what they are to become. True love does not come from being preached at. It comes from volitional engagement.

So that's why we are building boats. It's not just about development of skill or proficiency in math. When the boats are finished they will be put on the water in the real lake, and each child will have further experience leading them toward deeper understanding. The high school and middle school children will learn to row and control the boat. The elementary school students will have a chance to ride out into the water. All will experience a deeper sense of engagement in the natural world.

Does this make sense? If we are to live, we must learn to protect the world in which we live. In order to do that we must learn to love the wild places and the nature upon which we depend. If you don't understand that, put down the iPhone, look around and think about it.

First copies of my new book, The Box Maker's Guitar Book will arrive from the publisher today.

We have about 6 making days before Christmas. Lovely handmade gifts are appropriate at any time.

Make, fix, and create....