Sustainable activities for children

My son announced yesterday that he wants to compete in the 6th grade Cross Country race in October. We have some impromptu training to do, it looks like, lol. But I'm very proud that he expressed an interest in a healthy, active sport. =)

being more urban then rural, my husband and I have accepted the fact that our little savages will be attracted to certain interests we rather they didn't. We're always on the lookout for activities to provide a counterbalance, instead of constantly fighting these influences. So far, we've come up with soccer and Scouts. We try to get them out in nature as many times as possible... camping was a huge success! They're interested in my gardening. ( My 8 year old girl-child is more fascinated by the buggies then anything else, heehee!).

This holiday season, we were thinking about volunteering at the local Rescue Mission. Those places always need the extra help around November. 4-h and martial arts are on the list, as well.

Does anybody have any other ideas on how to re-direct kids towards sustainability? At these ages, it's best not to lecture too much or else a full-scale rebellion could incur in a few years. I remember being against pretty much *everything* my mother had to say when I was 13, regardless of whether she was right or not! It can be a fine shaky line for parents sometimes, between not pushing and wanting to instill good healthy lifestyle habits.