Take Your Kids Outdoors!

THE HOUSE has blessed a bill sponsored by Rep. John Sarbanes, a Maryland Democrat, that would funnel more federal funds into getting kids outdoors and learning about the environment.

The "No Child Left Inside Act," which passed 293-109, was heavily lobbied by environmental groups, including WindStar Wildlife Institute.  WindStar is host to youth working on Eagle badges, students fulfilling graduation requirements and teens who want to contribute to the environment by helping to maintain WindStar's demonstration wildlife habitat.

Advocates say federal spending on outdoor environmental education needs to be boosted because kids spend half as much time outside today as did children a generation ago, and are increasingly disconnected from nature.  Surveys have found that many youngsters put more than 40 hours a week into playing video games, watching TV or browsing the Web.   Research suggests that kids who spend significant time outdoors before they turn 11 are more likely to develop a life-long conservation ethic, they say.

The bill would create new federal grants to states to provide more "hands-on" environmental education, among other things.  Even though the measure sailed through the House, supporters are going to have to start all over again next year, to get the Senate to take up the bill. 

Meanwhile, for those parents who don't want to wait, encourage your kids to spend an hour outside a day.

Comments

[Jenifer]

This is very positive news and something for us to look forward to! One reason why we decided to homeschool our children was because they were kept inside nearly all day. They only had a very short recess with limited outside time. They then had after school homework that took away from being able to play outside. We are an active soccer family, but that is not the same as being able to relax and observe nature. Most days we begin with a nature walk either in our own community around Lake Marion or at Lake Burba on Fort Meade Army base. They have a wonderful conservation effort at the base. On any given day you will see deer,squirrels, canadian geese, mallards, and a blue heron. The boys keep a nature journal and write down their findings from time to time. Thank you for the part you play in Wildlife Education and conservation practices! Best regards, Jenifer ~student in the Wildlife Habitat Naturalist program.

[Jack Lewnes]

Jennifer:

Battle Creek Nature Center is about an hour south of you....Pick a day, preferably a week day and I'll give them a tour of the Cypress Swamp. (Sorry, no alligators.) The Nature Center has many nice displays geared for youngsters. Let me know.