RADFORD -- Fred Pierson is concerned about a trend he sees among teenagers he calls NDD -- nature deficiency disorder.

"With all the technology that we have, kids aren't playing outside like they used to," said Pierson, director of Radford University's Recreation, Parks and Tourism Experiential Learning Laboratory.

He is co-directing a camp this summer called Teens Outside, in which people ages 12 to 18 participate in team-building outdoor activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, caving and camping.

The weeklong day camp was offered twice -- the first was in June and the second is this week.

"It's fun, and I like being outdoors and doing activities," said camp attendee Cody Wright, 13, of Dublin.

Eight teenagers are attending the camp, and Pierson said the small number is ideal for mentoring purposes. Five Radford University students majoring in recreation, parks and tourism will serve as instructors.

The camp meets at Radford University's West Campus, but the teens will go canoeing on the New River, caving in Giles County and camping in West Virginia later in the week.

Pierson said his goal for the participants is "for them to be able to gain some skills or to become interested in the outdoors that's available to them locally."

The Teens Outside program is a national initiative sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association. Twenty sites, including Radford University, were chosen by the association as partners in the program. It launched in 2006, though Pierson said last year's program didn't draw in many participants.

But this year is different.

"We have canoes and rafts, and we're able to do more," Pierson said.

A $750 grant from the Outdoor Industry Foundation paid for transportation to the outdoor sites, Pierson said. Each camper also paid a $75 registration fee.

The city's parks and recreation department partnered with the university and handled advertising and registration for the camp.

Pierson said he expects the program to become even larger next year, with more sessions and activities.