I was not always an outdoors enthusiast.  Sure, I loved being outside playing catch or going for a swim, but when it came to going on a hike to an overlook or kayaking in the bay I began thinking of excuses for why I “couldn’t go.” If I’m being honest it wasn’t for a lack of motivation, it just didn’t really sound fun.

Fast forward a few years and I am in high school.  I had various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and noticed my friends posting amazing pictures and awesome things in the outdoors.  So that Christmas I asked for a GoPro.  An indestructible camera that magically motivated me to go explore and seek out the next post for my Instagram.  Many of you who are reading this may have experienced this same drive. I found myself seeking the next adrenaline rush simply to capture the video or picture.  Regardless of whether the desire was for status or for excitement, I wasn’t exploring to appreciate God’s incredible creation. I just wanted to snap the perfect photo.

Looking at the pictures I have taken over the years, it was clear that I broke many rules to capture more than a few of them.  I was oblivious to the “No Trespassing” and “Danger” signs that are posted, much like many other adventurers.  But why do we lose our ability to process risk?  Are we trying to better appreciate God’s creation?  Or are we just trying to gain social clout?   The reason I am writing this blog is to call many of you out, as I wish somebody would have called me out years ago on my ego-driven, dangerous, “gram-worthy” decisions. Pictures circulate the internet of people cliff jumping, sitting at the top of waterfalls, and hanging off cliffs.  All of these are extremely dangerous and often illegal.  By posting them yourself, you are encouraging others to take these unnecessary risks as well.

Recently the National Park Service has been conducting research to determine why so many young people are dying in the outdoors and one of the main reasons is to take pictures.  Nearby us at Liberty University they have been doing this same research at Crabtree Falls which continues to see a high rate for incidents.  The 1,200 ft waterfall is infamous for the many lives that it has claimed.

Next time you want to #betheadventure, leave the camera at home.  Appreciate creation for its beauty, not for your own fame.  Enjoy the moment and process the experience.  A story for your close friends carries more weight than a hundred momentary likes.  There is no need to put your life in danger for a few followers on your account.

Stories continue to surface of hikers climbing the fences to capture a one of a kind pictures, but at what price?  In my opinion, this epidemic needs to stop.  It’s not just a problem at Liberty, it’s a problem everywhere.  So, let’s create awareness, at Liberty we are starting a “Safe Hiking” campaign where we are featuring some of the most popular hikes in the area and giving detailed instructions on how to be safe and enjoy God’s creation.  Join us in communicating this culture and help us promote the #hikesafe mentality.  I would encourage everyone to leave the camera at home next time you enjoy this amazing world we live in.

National Park Service on reducing the impact of social media