Building the Nature Gap during Take a Child Outside Week!

Posted On: Sep 02, 08

“Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder,” authored by Richard Louv, has stimulated an international conversation about the future relationship between children and nature, and has helped spawn a grassroots movement to reconnect children and nature. 

In 2006, under Louv’s leadership, the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) launched a nationwide campaign to encourage and support the people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature. The network provides a critical link between researchers and individuals, educators and organizations dedicated to children’s health and well-being.  Going outside:

  * connects children to the natural world
  * helps kids focus in school
  * reduces chances of obesity

So take a child outside!  Take a Child Outside Week is September 24—September 30, 2008.  Visit TakeChildOutside.org.

Check out a recent story Kokua put together.  The list of simple activities is featured in the 2nd Annual Hawai’i Parent Guide, which was distributed in the 8.27.08 Honolulu Advertiser and at public libraries.  The guide is also online; check out Kokua’s page here.