We of a certain age have fond memories of summer, those long golden days when we played games such as Capture the Flag and Kickball.

We caught fireflies and then kept them overnight in a jar on our nightstands. My parents stood on the front porch and blew a whistle when it was time for us to come home.Of course, we didn't have cell phones then. The phone was in the house and had to be attached to a wall jack. "Text" was something you read when you had homework. The only "post" in the neighborhood where the ones supporting a neighbor's chain-link fence.Ah, the end of the school year approaches, and students anxiously count down the hours. Soon the final day arrives and they rush from school, shrieking with glee. Of course, the world of electronic connection has evolved incredibly in just one generation. But despite the ease of connecting with "another world" through the internet, even the most "connected" child soon feels, well, disconnected. They're bored.Within a few days after the end of the school year, they begin to use the sentence that parents everywhere dread."There's nothing to do."The sure cure for boredom is the outdoors. But, parents and children need a little direction, ideas to get them started.Last summer, when I searched online for a gift for a youngster, I found something called The Outdoor Explorer's Book (available from the Sportsman's Guide for $7.99).This book is filled with 100 activities for youngsters, and these activities can be done in a backyard, park or forest. There are activities for children to do on their own and also activities for groups of children.No special gear is needed for children to accomplish the majority of activities in the book. There are a couple activities where other gear is needed, such as a basic compass or flashlight.Not one of the activities requires the use of a cell phone or I-pad!Memorial Day is a signal that the long days of summer vacation will soon be upon those of school age. Make this the summer that you encourage kids to "disconnect" from their electronics, and instead connect with the outdoors.