Nature and RVs tend to go hand in hand. RV owners generally spend some of their travel time in National Parks, National Monuments or National Forests. RV travel in the past has tended to foster an appreciation for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking and more. However with the technology age upon us, many kids would rather sit in the RV on computers, watching movies or playing video games than getting out and exploring. For some parents letting their kids entertain themselves is an easy solution. A connection to the outdoors drives healthier bodies, increased self-esteem and fosters education of basic survival skills. Every person should have the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature. To foster a love of nature, consider the following tips:

* Expose kids to nature when they are kids. Whether that’s encouraging them to get out in the backyard, or taking vacations that are based in nature, parents set the example. Kids may not always like it, but what you teach them as kids they take into adulthood. Their love of nature may not appear for another twenty years, but you are planting a seed that can grow.

* Make it affordable. Loving nature doesn’t mean staying in the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite. RV Owners should consider camping under the stars or utilizing affordable campgrounds. Traveling close to home cuts fuel bills.

* Let explorations happen. Many parents have schedules. It helps at work, it helps to organize, but on a nature trip, allow for time to just have fun. Sit in a meadow for hours if kids are entertained, or there’s a wildlife watching opportunity. Let things unfold naturally. Continue the conversation after the trip is over. Use the Internet to help kids learn about the place they have been, where else there are pine trees, or Columbines. How do they grow, where do they grow, do they help heal wounds? Keep kids engaged.

* Find a way to share. One way to keep children interested in the outdoors is to let them share what they’ve seen with friends. This can be done through a camera, camera phone, blog, video camera or Facebook page. Let kids get creative. Maybe they could put together a movie for family and friends from footage taken, or they could create a Photo book with pictures taken on their adventures.

* Give kids independence. It is crucial for kids to be able to play unsupervised. This doesn’t mean dropping them off in the forest alone, but let them play in the backyard or Local Park if it’s safe. Let them get dirty, catch a frog or swim in a lake. Teach them safety first and then trust them. It will do wonders for their self-esteem and sense of who they are.

Technology is creating a world we could hardly have imagined fifty years ago, or even ten years ago. However incredible technology is, we need to remember the beauty and inspiration that comes from nature. Airplanes were designed from watching birds, dams from watching beavers. Every child should be given the chance to experience nature on his or her own terms. They will have a lifetime of sitting in front of a computer, or being attached to a cell phone.

Learn more about RVs and motorhomes. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.