04/28/2026
"Are you going to sign them up for sports?"
Respectfully, no.
I played just about every sport there was during my entire childhood. In that time, my only takeaway was that some people had more money than others, and some parents cared more than others. Also, if you're not good enough, the other kids won't respect you. Children's sports are all about consumerism and popularity.
Being in nature, though... that's where I found myself and found love for the planet that we live on. That's where I've had all of the most fascinating and memorable experiences of my life. Where I've found true friends and purpose.
The experiences I want my kids to have...
-A 3-mile hike to a hidden fishing hole where they will discover something so pure, so fascinating, that they are willing to fight development and consumerism to keep it safe.
-Spending 2 hours talking back and forth with a live turkey to finally get it within that 30-yard range. Then packing it out over their shoulder straight to the family freezer. A trophy that provides sustenance and an understanding of life and death. A meal that didn't require mass production or a heavy carbon footprint.
-4 hours of stalking a big buck through the snow, carefully, attentively. Just to have it flag and spook once they finally get within reach. A lesson learned about how wise and powerful nature can be.
Now, if they ask specifically to explore a sport, we won't say no. They have the freedom to chase whatever they please with our support. We are always happy to watch other kids we know play as well.
My hope is simply that the planet calls to them in a way they can't resist, because if we don't start teaching our children about the real living things and ecosystems that we are coexisting with...we as a society may see a day when we have taken more than she has to give.
