Logging Off and Heading Into the Woods

They learned how to make fires, track animals and stay warm and hydrated in the snow.

These are very different lessons than youngsters will learn next week when they return to school after February vacation.

But they are very important, if only because they require youngsters to get outside into the fresh air and surprisingly strong sun.

Children ages 6 to 14 participated in the Winter Outdoor Adventure Clinic, sponsored by Fin and Feather Sports in Upton and the . The program was held this week from Tuesday through Friday at the Grafton Lions Club property at 68 Brigham Hill Road.

"The outdoors is God's gift,'' said Jeff LeClaire, owner and manager of Fin and Feather Sports. He wants children to understand that by spending time in the splendor of nature.

"Getting them away from the electronics,'' said Phil Dumas, who oversees the property. 

The winter program was created in the wake of a popular summer adventure clinic, where youngsters learned about kayaking and building forts, among other summer pleasures.

Parents and youngsters involved in that program expressed interest in a similar program aimed at winter activities.

Summer and winter activities differ but the theme remains the same: Getting youngsters outside to learn about the natural world around them.

"Our future is our youth,'' LeClaire said. And he believes adults fail the next generation "if we don't provide ways to make them aware of the outdoors.''