In the United States, Canada and overseas, we see growing concern among parents, educators, physicians and others. Children aren't playing outside much anymore-not even in the back yard or the neighborhood park. This change in our relationship with nature has profound implications for the mental, physical and spiritual health of future generations - and for the health of the natural world. Young people need opportunities to experience and learn from nature during their growing years in order to become citizens and future decision makers who will take responsibility for the stewardship of the Earth.
This Guide is a work-in-progress, one tool among many that we all need in order to grow the children and nature movement. Whether your efforts are just getting started or building on existing complementary efforts, your journey will offer its own lessons from which the rest of us can benefit. The Children & Nature Network website (www.cnaturenet.org) will continue to serve as a portal where all of us can share successes, stories, tools and resources.
This is an international movement fueled by thousands of localized initiatives. No one size will fit all -this is, after all, a place-based issue, therefore every region will find its own unique approaches. There is much that we can learn from each other as we work for true cultural change. Thanks for your leadership, and for leaving no child inside.
Community Action Guide: Building the Children & Nature Movement from the Ground Up
Posted: September 11, 2019 by MAEE Administration
Category: Sharing Environmental Education Knowledge (SEEK)
In the United States, Canada and overseas, we see growing concern among parents, educators, physicians and others. Children aren't playing outside much anymore-not even in the back yard or the neighborhood park. This change in our relationship with nature has profound implications for the mental, physical and spiritual health of future generations - and for the health of the natural world. Young people need opportunities to experience and learn from nature during their growing years in order to become citizens and future decision makers who will take responsibility for the stewardship of the Earth.
This Guide is a work-in-progress, one tool among many that we all need in order to grow the children and nature movement. Whether your efforts are just getting started or building on existing complementary efforts, your journey will offer its own lessons from which the rest of us can benefit. The Children & Nature Network website (www.cnaturenet.org) will continue to serve as a portal where all of us can share successes, stories, tools and resources.
This is an international movement fueled by thousands of localized initiatives. No one size will fit all -this is, after all, a place-based issue, therefore every region will find its own unique approaches. There is much that we can learn from each other as we work for true cultural change. Thanks for your leadership, and for leaving no child inside.