While spring has taken its time in coming this year, with crossed fingers we’re all hoping warmer weather may be on its way — an added incentive to turn to outdoor activities. Many young people — and others not so young — have spent much of their time in recent months with their eyes focused on their computers, televisions or gaming devices.

Maine’s outdoor recreational activities are endless, with something for everyone. Hiking, white water rafting, kayaking or canoeing, sailing, mountain climbing, fresh water or salt water fishing, ATVing, cycling, swimming — you name it, the Pine Tree State provides it.  While hunting may not be for everyone, depending upon the season, there are many hunting opportunities, including deer, moose, bear, turkey, rabbit, partridge, wild ducks and other species. 

We consider it a downright shame for youngsters growing up in Maine not to learn to appreciate outdoor activities, but sadly there are many who are never introduced to any of them and they grow up missing out on them. Even our winter months have much to offer, with downhill or cross-country skiing, skating, snowmobiling. It’s sad to see kids become couch potatoes no matter what the season, fixed on iPads or smartphones, too busy playing games or texting their friends to take time out to discover life on the other side of the front door.

As the school year draws to a close, we hope to see more and more young folks breathing in the clean air and soaking up the sun, blissfully unaware of how lucky they are to live in a state which has so much to offer.

If you’re the parent of a youngster who has yet to “find’’ an outdoor activity  of interest, take the lead this spring and point the way.  Teach them a whole new world awaits them.