“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair and let us huddle together as darkness takes over. We are at home amidst the birds and the trees, for we are children of nature.” – Susan Polis Schutz
“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair and let us huddle together as darkness takes over. We are at home amidst the birds and the trees, for we are children of nature.” – Susan Polis Schutz
Being outdoors was in intrinsic part of growing up for many of us who are now big kids. Unfortunately many children today are not experiencing the same wonder and joy of nature we were blessed to have had. Following is an observation of this trend and some frightening numbers.
We all have those memories from childhood: jumping into a cool lake on a hot summer day, intently watching ants on the march or spending hours just laying back and looking at clouds. And whether we realized it or not, those moments in the outdoors helped shaped our views on the world around us. But those kinds of memories are fading fast for many young people today. The statistics are alarming: in a typical week, only 6 percent of children ages 9-13 play outside on their own (1) and kids 8 to 18 spend an overwhelming 53 hours a week using entertainment media (2). …via Kids in Nature | The National Conservancy
The National Conservancy is just one of many organisations that have programmes to get children back in touch with nature. There is a list of the top five American programmes from One Green Planet and here is a list of nine programmes in Australia from Children & Nature. However, a quick Google search will hopefully turn up many more in your area. So, what are your plans for the weekend?
Citations:
1: Children and Nature Network, 2008
2. Kaiser Family Foundation.
