Leadership News
State | Event
First Ever Youth Congress on Children and Nature Held in Wyoming
The First Wyoming Youth Congress on Children and Nature was held at Teton Science Schools in Jackson, WY on October 15-18, 2009. Students representing Wyoming’s 48 school districts were invited to convene in a structured setting to voice opinions, share visions, and identify new ideas related to their connection to the outdoors. These youth leaders were empowered to effect change across the state of Wyoming by inspiring other youth, parents, teachers, and decision-makers to take action.
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State | Access
The (Connecticut) Day – September 10, 2009
Connecticut Appointee Vows to Continue No Child Left Inside Efforts
By Judy Benson
Amey Marrella, nominated by Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell to be the state’s new commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, has vowed to maintain a commitment to state parks and to the No Child Left Inside Initiative begun by her predecessor, Gina McCarthy, to foster a love of the outdoors and outdoor activities among young people.
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Commentary
The Passing of Thomas Berry
On June 1, 2009, Thomas Berry, whose philosophy helped shape the way we perceive the human relationship with nature, died. He was a great supporter of our work, and served on the C&NN advisory board. Andrew Revkin of the New York Times wrote a perceptive and sensitive obituary. In addition, Revkin wrote a wonderful entry about the remarkable Berry legacy on his Dot Earth blog for the Times. Both pieces include a video clip of a 2006 interview with Berry. We hope you’ll read Revkin's story and blog, and watch the inspiring video. We believe that Berry will be remembered as one of the great thinkers of the 20th century, and we will miss him. Visit our own C&NN blog to read an updated essay about Thomas Berry by C&NN Chairman Richard Louv.
Local | Access
C&NN BOD member Brother Yusuf is Honored by Albany’s Commission on Human Rights
Children & Nature Network board member, Brother Yusuf Burgess, was presented with the award for his work in supporting diversity, tolerance and understanding in the Albany community. Yusuf was honored by the City of Albany's Commission on Human Rights at their first annual celebration held February 4 at City Hall. Brother Yusuf's Camps Diversity Program provides outdoor and natural resource experiences to youth, especially from urban areas, who would not otherwise have such opportunities. Through a comprehensive program of pre-camp activities, one week at DEC summer residential camp, and post-camp activities, the expectation is that some who attend will one day seek higher education and careers in environmental fields.
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Allies | Media & Culture
BassPro Video Game Trade-in; 15% off to Get Kids Out
By BassPro
BassPro announces one of the most innovative strategies we've seen to date for getting kids outdoors. This week, all around the country, kids and adults will be turning in their video games for a 15% discount off fishing gear, water sports items, tents, sleeping bags and footwear.
"One of the most exciting and invigorating places to go this summer is just beyond your front door," said Larry Whiteley, Bass Pro Shops Manager of Communications. "Bass Pro Shops is committed to helping adults and children across the nation put away their laptops, video games, PDAs and cell phones this summer and head outdoors.
Allies | Health
Grist – December 18, 2007
REI Chief Bemoans Overscheduled Kids
By Sarah Van Schagen
Sally Jewell, the head of outdoor-equipment retailer REI, says in a recent interview that children spend far too much of their time in front of computer or television screens. She credits Richard Louv with putting into words her concerns about young people today. The challenge, she says, is getting technology and nature to work together for their benefit.
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Commentary | Health
New York Times – August 01, 2009
Nicholas Kristof: Let’s Get Kids Awed by Nature
By Nicholas Kristof
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, writing on the growing disconnect between children and nature, believes that getting kids awed by nature is as important as getting them reading. “Children for 1,000 generations grew up exploring fields, itching with poison oak and discovering the hard way what a wasp nest looks like. That’s no longer true.”
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National | Media & Culture
C&NN’s Natural Leaders Day: Get Outside & Play!
On Saturday, April 4, 2009, hundreds of youth all across our nation joined together to celebrate Natural Leaders Day: Get Outside & Play! Youth leaders from Puerto Rico to Los Angeles and everywhere in between reached out to their communities, friends, and families to reconnect all youth with nature.
Commentary
C&NN Natural Leader, Maya Quintana, Shares Her Thoughts on the Benefits of Time Spent in Nature
By Maya Melissa Quintana
Maya Quintana, a Native American from the pueblos of Cochiti and Zia, shares a transformational experience that helped her understand the benefits of time spent in nature. Maya attended the 2008 C&NN Grassroots Gathering in Nebraska as a founding member of C&NN's "Natural Leaders."
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National
the National Wildlife Federation – May 30, 2008
New Report Aims to Save Kids from Indoor Summer
The National Wildlife Federation recently released a report, "Connecting Today's Kids with Nature: A Policy Action Plan," which is especially timely as summer approaches. Most adult Americans associate summer vacation with the phrase "Go Outside and Play," but today's kids rarely hear those four little words. Recent research indicates that many children are actually gaining weight during the summer, a time that used to be characterized by vigorous outdoor activity. This guide outlines policy solutions for parents and policymakers, including connecting kids to nature through environmental education, advocating for better community design for natural play areas, and encouraging parents and kids to engage in a daily Green Hour.
Commentary | Media & Culture
(Tacoma) News Tribune – March 13, 2008
Novel Ideas for Funding Nature Education
By Jeffrey P. Mayor
A conversation with Richard Louv prompted a Washington State journalist to consider new ways to fund nature education. One of methods proposed by columnist Jeffery P. Mayor is earmarking a portion of the fees generated by specialty license plates for a Washington Nature Education Fund. Another proposal would provide REI members with a simple way to donate all or some of their annual dividend checks to the education fund.
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National
National Audubon Society – January 24, 2008
Richard Louv Awarded Audubon Medal
The National Audubon Society has named Richard Louv recipient of the 50th Audubon Medal. “Louv’s success in building public awareness and action to address nature-deficit disorder represents a vital contribution to both the future of our environment and the health of our children,” said Audubon President John Flicker. Past recipients include former President Jimmy Carter, author Rachel Carson, and biologist E.O. Wilson. [+]
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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:
