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by Sandy Kellogg

Aquatic Operations Supervisor, Mount Vernon RECenter

Fairfax County Park Authority

VRPS Aquatics Resource Group 2016 Chair
VRPS 2016 Awards Co-Chair

We all joined parks and recreation for a reason. Some of us chose it in college, thrilled there was actually a major for something we loved. Some of us drifted in, one stop along the way for county government, state positions or Rec center promotions. One thing I hope we all share, however, is the experience of being out there, of the trails and the views, the peace and beauty, the sense of catharsis and calm that only nature can bring.

Lock along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Our world has gotten so much smaller. There are so few times when we are completely unplugged. Our devices go with us everywhere, and NO SERVICE is becoming harder and harder to find. Even when we are cut off from the Internet and our world most people I see out on trails are still plugged in. Music, podcasts, even the search for the perfect selfie to be uploaded as soon as we are back in technology cuts us off from the experience. We completely lose the sense of oneness, the sound of approaching rapids, the birds and squirrels, the breeze. 

I see it in our youth when we take them outside. Next time you have a group outdoors have them leave all technology behind. Sometimes it can take several hours, but eventually they give in and start looking around, breathing deeper and even talking to one another! Real words too, not just texts or emojis. Deep conversations, not limited to 140 characters.

Ironically, I'm writing this sitting on a rock overlooking Great Falls, on the incredible Billy Goat Trail. Time to power down, unplug, and get hiking. See you on the trails! Hopefully you will recognize me, I'll be the one without headphones.

Great Falls Park