Getting ‘unplugged’ at PEEC

Doing something about ‘nature deficit disorder’

By SANDY LONG

DINGMANS FERRY, PA — “Our goal is to get them outside,” said Maria Poff, communications specialist at Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) as she gestured toward a pair of young teens working together to maintain balance on two ropes strung between trees on PEEC’s forested campus.

“So many of our children today are plugged into electronics for hours each day. Many of them are slowly losing touch with the outdoors and all of the amazing things that nature has to offer. Today, children would rather stay inside and play video games, watch TV, type on the computer or talk on the phone than venture outside,” explained Poff. “At PEEC, our goal is to show children that learning about nature can be fun and to teach them how to be stewards of our earth.”

The disturbing trend described by Poff has been captured in the phrase, “Nature Deficit Disorder,” coined by Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods,” which links various physical and psychological problems in children with an absence of nature in their lives. An increasing number of local, statewide and national movements are underway that focus on this initiative.

Although the label is relatively new, the remedy is not. PEEC has been offering nature education since 1972 to keep kids connected with the natural world. But in recent years, the non-profit organization has stepped up its efforts. “These children will some day be responsible for taking care of our environment,” said Poff. “We hope to ‘unplug’ them long enough to show them how important it is to preserve our open space and protect our wildlife.”

Unplugging—and tuning in

Students are asked not to bring electronics with them to PEEC, and cell phone reception is limited. “We hear a lot of grumbling at the beginning of their trip that they will not be able to watch TV or play games, but as their trip continues, more often than not, we see them enjoying themselves,” said Poff.

A case in point is fifth-grader Noah from New York City, who complained about not being able to watch his favorite show while at PEEC. He predicted being bored, but the following day during a pond study was spotted running around with friends and getting excited about a tadpole he scooped out of the pond with his net.

As the PEEC instructor talked about the importance of clean watersheds to the well-being of animals like the tadpole, Noah proclaimed that he would make sure people didn’t litter in his neighborhood so he could look for tadpoles in the park near his home.

“This little boy was a prime example that PEEC, and other environmental organizations like it, can help show children and adults the importance of environmental stewardship and that many of life’s pleasures can’t be found indoors,” said Poff.

For nearly 30 years, E.T. Richardson Middle School in Springfield, PA, has been sending its students to PEEC for meaningful outdoor experiences. Al Carocci, a retired science teacher from the school, has chaperoned the trips and seen many positive outcomes over the years. “Some of the kids have never even been away from home,” said Carocci, who helps students understand their experience in the outdoors.

The students have a full schedule of day and evening activities, including things like canoeing, hiking, orienteering, outdoor living skills, pond study, wildlife study, creative journaling, campfires, environmental issues and sensory awareness.

“Our former students come back to visit the school and they’re still talking about the trip they took to PEEC. We’ve done it so long that I don’t know what we’d do if it weren’t to happen,” said Carocci.

Home School Adventures

To expand PEEC’s outreach to new groups outside the public sector, PEEC began a home school adventures program two years ago. “While we have been very successful at educating public school children, we hoped to introduce ourselves to an entirely new group of children and adults that would benefit from a fun, educational experience in the outdoors,” said Poff.

Responding to parents who described the difficulties encountered in meeting science requirements for their home-schooled children, PEEC developed its program to provide a chance for such children to connect with other students and to enjoy hands-on nature experiences.

The monthly adventures highlight specific themes such as astronomy, mammals and soil study. The program targets children ages six through 10 and tackles topics like winter ecology, migration and green living practices.

In addition, family nature weekends are also available to those who wish to enjoy PEEC’s beautiful setting, or participate in scheduled nature activities such as guided educational hikes, family challenge course, animal tracking, orienteering, multiple outdoor sports and nature crafts. A Summer Nature Study Day Camp program is also offered from June 18 through August 17.

PEEC’s 38-acre campus—located on the former site of “Honeymoon Haven”—rests within 70,000 acres in the National Park Service’s Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. For more information about its programs for schools, scout groups, families and organizations, visit www.peec.org or call 570/828-2319.

PEEC’s 12th Annual Earth Day Family Festival

Sunday, April 22, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission: $5 per vehicle

• Live animal presentations

• Nature hikes

• Eco-friendly crafts

• Tips from a master gardener

• Educational displays

• Pond exploration