Access

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. [+]

• [>] Read the article.

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. [+]

• [>] Read the press release.

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. [+]

• [>] Read the article.

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? [+]

• [>] Watch the video.

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. [+]

• [>] Read the article.

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." [+]

• [>] Read the proclamation.

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. [+]

• [>] Visit the website.

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. [+]

• [>] Read the press release.
• [>] Play the online video game.

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.” [+]

• [>] Read the article.

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.” [+]

• [>] Read the article.

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. [+]

• [>] Read the fact sheet.

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. [+]

• [>] visite the Web site
• [>] read the press release

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. [+]

• [>] read the article

Media & Culture | Leadership

C&NN’s Natural Leaders Coordinator, Juan Martinez, Introduces Salazar at PowerShift ‘09

THIS IS POWERSHIFT
[+]

• [>] Power Shift '09