Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv (2006, Paperback)

Today's kids are increasingly disconnected from the natural world, says child advocacy expert Louv, even as research shows that thoughtful exposure of youngsters to nature can be a powerful form of therapy for attention-deficit disorder and other maladies. Instead of passing summer months hiking, swimming and telling stories around the campfire, children these days are more likely to attend computer camps or weight-loss camps: as a result, Louv says, they've come to think of nature as more of an abstraction than a reality.

Gathering thoughts from parents, teachers, researchers, environmentalists and other concerned parties, Louv argues for a return to an awareness of and appreciation for the natural world. Not only can nature teach kids science and nurture their creativity, he says, nature needs its children: where else will its future stewards come from?

Very insightful, helpful, and important information. I recommed this book to ALL parents and anyone remotely interested in outdoor activities!