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American Way – March 01, 2010
Despite Competition, Camps More Popular Now
By Winton Ross
Attendance at camps across America isn't shrinking, despite studies showing that the average young person now spends nearly eight hours a day plugged into some sort of electronic media. In fact, attendance at camps nationwide has grown by an average of one to three percent per year over the past several years.
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Access | Legislation/Policy
Department of the Interior – February 08, 2010
Salazar Unveils New “Youth in the Great Outdoors” Initiative
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar emphasized the importance of connecting young people with nature when he proposed significant expansion of the Youth in the Great Outdoors initiative. “The future of America’s treasured landscapes depends upon the next generation’s understanding of and connection to the great outdoors," said Salazar. As part of his FY 2011 budget proposal, Salazar is requesting large increases in education and recreation programs that engage youth of all ages. [+]
Legislation/Policy
Gotham Gazette – November 30, 2009
Congress Considers Federal Funding for City Parks
By Anne Schwartz
Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would provide federal funding for urban parks and recreation for the first time in eight years. Among the benefits cited by those supporting the funding: improving and increasing the number of places where children can play outdoors, get involved in sports, and experience nature.
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Education | Campaign/Initiative
National Parks Traveler – October 24, 2009
Rocky Mountain Video Asks, Who Will Care for Parks Tomorrow?
By Kurt Repanshek
A new video produced by the Rocky Mountain Nature Association is part of a $10 million campaign to create a next-generation endowment that will fund in perpetuity education programs in the park. Narrated by Bill Kurtis, the video introduces viewers to the park and raises an important question: Who will care for Rocky Mountain National Park, and the other parks, after the Baby Boomers fade away?
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Commentary | Media & Culture | Resource
Vancouver Sun – September 22, 2009
Ken Burns National Parks Documentary Series Premieres on PBS
By Alex Strachan
The National Park’s: America’s Best Idea, a six-night documentary series by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, airs on PBS starting September 27. Burns hopes the series will encourage more city dwellers and rural residents alike to visit their national parks and to revisit that part of them that resides in nature.
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Access | Campaign/Initiative
The White House – September 25, 2009
Obama Declares September 26 National Public Lands Day
President Obama has signed a proclamation declaring September 26, 2009, National Public Lands Day. In the words of the proclamation, this is "an opportunity for all Americans, young and old, to celebrate the majesty of our open spaces and devote our collective efforts to conserving our Nation's unique landscapes." And, "Today, we affirm our resolve to conserve these cherished spaces for our enjoyment and for that of future generations." [+]
Campaign/Initiative
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – September 10, 2009
Take a Child Outside Week Starts September 24
Take a Child Outside Week, a program designed to help break down obstacles that keep children from discovering the natural world, takes place this year starting September 24. The program is an initiative of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and is held in cooperation with partner organizations across the U.S. and Canada. [+]
Education | Campaign/Initiative
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – August 27, 2009
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Launches Video Game for Kids
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has launched a new online video game that aims to encourage kids to go outside and learn about the environment. Designed for children ages 8 to 11, Neighborhood Explorers features information on planting gardens, backyard birding, urban wildlife, endangered species, and conservation. It also rewards kids for documenting environmental projects and local wildlife in their area. [+]
Access | Resource
Washington Post – August 18, 2009
Washington Post: The Good Side of “Glamping”
By Lori Aratani
As the Washington Post reports, retailers and park officials across the country are scrambling to make camping easier and more comfortable for those unaccustomed to roughing it. But rather than criticizing such efforts, the Children & Nature Network’s Cheryl Charles says they should be encouraged. “I would not be critical of ‘glamping,’ ” she tells the paper. “There’s not one right way to reconnect with nature.”
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Health | Resource
ScienceDaily – August 29, 2009
Study: Active Preschoolers Healthier Later in Life
Being active at age five helps kids stay lean as they age even if they don't remain as active later in childhood, a new University of Iowa study shows. The implication, according to the study’s lead author, is that “even five-year-olds should be encouraged to be as active as possible because it pays off as they grow older.” [+]
Education | Health | Resource
Children, Youth and Environments Center for Research and Design – July 28, 2009
Fact Sheet Summarizes Benefits of Gardening for Children
Third- to fifth-grade students who participated in a one-year gardening program showed a significant increase in self-understanding and the ability to work in groups compared to nonparticipating students. That’s one of the many findings summarized in a new fact sheet on the benefits of gardening for children published by the Children, Youth and Environments Center for Research and Design at the University of Colorado at Denver. [+]
Education
Targeting “tweens,” the U.S. Forest Service and Ad Council launch national campaign
The campaign primarily aims to reach "tweens" (children ages 8-12) and their parents. The goal is to encourage children to get outside and experience nature first-hand, instilling a life-long love for nature by fostering a connection with urban and national forests. [+]
Media & Culture
Good Housekeeping – April 23, 2009
Good Housekeeping: How to Get Kids Outdoors
By Meagan Frances
The most recent issue of Good Housekeeping magazine offers parents helpful solutions for overcoming some of the most common barriers that keep children indoors. Among its recommendations: set clear limits so kids know what’s safe, challenge your children, and prioritize outdoor playtime.
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Allies | Campaign/Initiative | Legislation/Policy
America's Great Outdoors – August 30, 2010
COMMENT & VOTE ONLINE: Participate in America’s Great Outdoors Conversation
Voting tool helps everyone join conversation on America's Great Outdoors. Report to go to Pres. Obama. [+]
Allies | Health | Campaign/Initiative
Outdoors Alliance for Kids – July 01, 2010
Outdoors Alliance for Kids Makes Recommendations, Seeks Public Input
Listening Sessions hosted by U.S. Depts. of Interior, Agriculture to be held around the country this summer.
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Education
Lincoln Journal Star – June 19, 2010
Connect with Nature the Local Way
Nature Explore outdoor classrooms, now in 16 states, help connect children to natural world. [+]
Allies | Health | Campaign/Initiative | Legislation/Policy
U.S. Dept. of the Interior – June 17, 2010
NPS Kicks off “Let’s Move Outside” Junior Ranger Program in 20 Parks
The National Park Service kicks off "Let’s Move Outside" Junior Ranger program in 20 parks as part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let's Move Outdoors" campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation. [+]
Allies | Campaign/Initiative | Leadership
– June 14, 2010
Natural Leaders at Outdoor Nation Youth Summit in NYC June 19-20
C&NN Natural Leaders will be at the Outdoor Nation Youth Summit and Festival June 19 & 20 in New York's Central Park. [+]
Allies | Campaign/Initiative | Legislation/Policy
– June 01, 2010
President Obama and State Governors Proclaim June Great Outdoors Month
By American Recreation Coalition
President Barack Obama and nearly all of America’s governors have proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month.
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As part of our ongoing efforts to build the movement, the Children & Nature Network has published two new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels:
