Concerned about how little time today's children are spending outdoors, AMC volunteers are taking action. "As I look around at the 300 students I have each year, it's obvious that many are not getting enough outdoor physical activity," says Barbara Dyer, the chair of the Worcester Chapter Families Committee and a teacher who participates in AMC's A Mountain Classroom program. "When I bring the students to local conversation areas, even though they live in the town, they've never seen that section of the outdoors."

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To find a list of upcoming chapter family programs, visit trips.outdoors.org and under Activity select "Family."

After 20 years of involvement with AMC, Dyer took the role as families chair only two years ago. Her new responsibilities include monthly chapter activities such as sledding and excursions to local parks and hiking trails. While Dyer says she's had modest turnouts, she also expresses frustration that many children seem "overscheduled" and are not making time to participate in regular outings. A Mountain Classroom, a nature-based program that AMC offers to public and private schools, has been a great way to expose middle and high school students to outdoor recreation and hands-on natural science, Dyer says.

Other chapter leaders also see an urgent need to get children outside. Last year, Richard Barcia, Harold Petzold, and Merle McEldowney organized the New York-North Jersey Chapter Youth Program for children who would not normally have access to green space near their homes in New York City.

After one recent outing, Barcia returned to his office and jotted a few notes about how the trip went before a meeting with a person from a financial institution. The man sat down across from Barcia, and they made small talk. Barcia told the man about the Chapter Youth Program and was surprised to hear the man say his company could offer financial support. Barcia plans to use the unexpected donation for "items that we take for granted," like backpacks and water bottles that the children can use during outings. The chapter's budget also provides vital funds for the program's activities.

Other chapters have discovered a little fun can go a long way towards getting kids excited about going outside. Eric Stones, co-chair of the Family Activities Committee for the Connecticut Chapter, recalls advertising a generic, family canoeing trip on the chapter website. Nobody signed up. When Stones later advertised a local walk on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection website followed by an ice cream treat, not only did they have a great turnout, but every family stayed for the ice cream even though they had all been out for several hours.

"That's the clue to this whole thing," comments Dave Passios, chair of the New Hampshire Chapter's Family Groups since 1990. "Just about everything has to be geared to the kids." His advice is sought when the challenges of getting kids outside overwhelm other AMC chapter leaders. Passios says to start early. According to his experience, it's fine to take children as young as three years old for walks and other short outings, just be prepared to carry them. And as children become teenagers, Passios stresses the importance of the 'birds-of-a-feather' phenomenon; children are more likely to take a trip if they can bring friends. Also, Passios remarks that his chapter family group — which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year — finds annual or seasonal events to be vital for making outings habitual. For instance, every Martin Luther King weekend, Passios' Family Group gathers at The Highland Center at Crawford Notch to enjoy winter activities. In the spring, they meet at Mizpah Hut and in the fall they congregate at the Cardigan Lodge.

Passios admits that it is "virtually impossible" for outdoor activities to compete with the academics and extracurricular activities that weigh heavily upon children as they grow to young adults. Passios' realism, however, is not meant to diminish his efforts with the AMC. Rather, he speaks of long-term goals of his work. "Hopefully we will create positive lasting memories and friendships that will bring the kids and parents back for more."