In this column series, O'Reilly Network editor Stephen Figgins explores the similarities and discusses an effort to boost programming literacy Sometimes seemingly unrelated interests in my life overlap. At the time, I had been listening to some insights Jon Young had into how tribal people teach their children the vast amount of knowledge they have about their environment. Jon Young is one of the founders of the Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall, Washington. He was the first student of Tom Brown, Jr., the author of The Tracker . Young's special area of study is how tribal cultures teach tracking, a very complex art that engages all the senses.
Tracking is the ultimate expression of the naturalist.
It is a demanding skill that involves mental acuteness, craft, and concentration. Some cultures are more successful than others at teaching their children. Young wanted to know why, and he wanted to take those teaching techniques and apply them within his own school. So he made this the focus of his studies in college and continues this study today. Young wants to teach basic ecology for everybody.