Last Child In the Woods by Richard Louv brought to national attention the stark facts about how today's children are spending much of their time indoor. This is contributing to the childhood obesity increase, possibly an increase in ADD, and a disconnect in our connection with nature.
The No Child Left Inside Coalition now has 500 member organizations including the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, and is pushing to get more nature based education into the standards of learning.
Every year NVRPA offers our Junior Naturalist Camp at Potomac Overlook to engage children in nature. Most children love beeing outside and exploring the natural world and giving children these opportunities that most of us grew up taking for granted can help develop problem solving, an appreciation for nature and a curiosity about natural sciences.
Last week I met with folks from the Virginia State Park System to discuss how we could partner to offer more programs and opportunities that would help engage childen in natural world. I think we are going to have some good programs evolve from these discussions.
For any of you who have not read Last Child in the woods yet I would highly recommend it. It is probably the most powerful force in environmental education today.
Last Child in the Woods:
No Child Left Inside Coalition:
No Child Left Inside Video on YouTube:
Saving Kids from 'Nature Deficit Disorder' - NPR Radio Interview with Richard Louv:
Virginia State Parks:
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