Saturday, October 30, 2010

November Children in Nature Update

This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). This is our November update. I have changed the format of the links, as I have had complaints that computer security systems are stripping away the web links from the word "here" and leaving readers with no way to find the referenced articles. This way they can copy and paste to link, if they need to.

For those wishing to be removed from the mailing list, just click reply and request removal. The majority of you are getting bcc's, but those few on the cc list are willing to have their names "exposed" to facilitate contact from others.

Albi Sole of the Outdoor Council of Canada has some important events coming up immediately. Please go to http://outdoorcouncil.ca/ for information on their AGM to be held October 30 in Calgary. Also note information on outdoor leadership training events this weekend in Calgary at http://outdoorcouncil.ca/Leadership_Level_1

From the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) a link to a Montana article on Ready 2 Read Goes Wild, a program that encourages learning about the outdoors. Click http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20100930/LIFESTYLE05/9300373 to link.

The Edmonton & Area Land Trust has established a gallery of nature pictures....birds, mammals, reptiles and even people in the outdoors! This might not get kids outdoors, but it provides some material to help in the promotion of outdoor events. Visit the gallery at http://www.ealt.ca/art-gallery/.

The National Parks Conservation Association in the US has developed apps for Apple devices to help identify the flora and fauna of US parks. These apps are free and include bird calls and details to help identify "just what that noise is....". For more information go to USA Today at http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2010/10/new-free-national-park-field-guide-phone-apps/126529/1

From NRPA, a link to the Colorado based Keystone Science School. This is a school that focuses on teaching children and youth a science curriculum in an outdoor setting. Go to http://www.keystonescienceschool.org/ for more info. on the school and its programs.

The Children & Nature Network has developed an information package to be delivered specifically to pediatricians (as a result of Richard Louv speaking to that group in early October). See the info here http://www.childrenandnature.org/pediatricians

From SRYNT Ontario and link to a site to help youth workers relate to and lead children and young people. The Seach Institute lists ides clearly and simply at this site. http://www.search-institute.org/content/asset-building-ideas-for-youth-workers

Arlene McWilliam - Protz provided information on Alberta Agriculture's new "Earthbox Kids" program and person to talk to for more information. Funding and equipment are provided! Call Shirzad Chunara at phone: 780.422-2550 or email: shirzad.chunara@gov.ab.ca There is scant information available on their website so I have provided a PDF.

From SPRYNT Ontario news of an Ontario government plan to connect with youth. Click here for info http://www.youthconnect.ca/htdocs/english/getinvolved/ypf.asp

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

October Children in Nature Update

This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). Go to http://www.arpaonline.ca/ for information on the organization. This is our October update.

For those wishing to be removed from the mailing list, just click reply and request removal. The majority of you are getting bcc's, but those few on the cc list are willing to have their names "exposed" to facilitate contact from others.

The ARPA annual conference is October 21 to 23 at the Fairmont in Jasper. Click here for a link to program information if you are interested in attending.

From Bob Yates, a planning consultant in B.C., reference to results of a survey published in the Telegraph, UK paper on children becoming alienated towards nature. Click here for a link to this timely article.

From the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) of the US there is an article on a Miami after school activity program aimed at getting kids active. Click here for a link.

Also from the NRPA is a story about urban camping in Brooklyn NY. Certainly some Canadian jurisdictions could copy this initiative. Click here for the link.

From the Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE) we have an invitation to participate in sessions designed to gather input to affect changes in Alberta's school curriculum. ACEE provides many input opportunities at their website. Click here to link.

More from the NRPA. This is a story of a California hiking club that partnered with a youth organization to take kids outdoors. Click here for details.

From Marion Price and SPRYNT Ontario we have news of a Provincial Consortium on Youth in Recreation, November 17 and 18. Click here for a link to the site promoting this seminar.

ARPA provides information on the SOGO Active Challenge in their monthly newsletter. This initiative is targeted at 13 to 18 year olds, challenging them to create an activity to get them and their friends active. Opportunities could include outdoor activity. Register by Oct 29. Details here.

NRPA directs us to a study on the benefits of walking and cycling. John Pucher provides insight into the benefits of this urban planning issue. Click here for a link to the PDF.

For residents of Ontario, the Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) is promoting the SPARK advocacy grants. These grants are to promote activity programs and healthy eating for children. Click here for a link.

A great article by Richard Louv on the Children and Nature website on "Hummingbird Parents; Seven actions parents can take to reduce risk and still get kids outdoors." Click here for the article.

On the same site are excepts of an October 2 presentation by Richard Louv to the American Academy of Pediatrics listing the benefits of getting children outdoors and calling upon the Academy to take action in encouraging this. Click here for that link.

The Alberta Land Trust acquires property for environmental/ecological reasons. They have recently started a newsletter. Information concerning this work is available on a website which you may access by clicking here.

Through the International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration (IFPRA), we have a link to the Kaboom "Help Save Play" program where this US national non-profit is helping to build 118 playgrounds in 2010. Click here for information and inspiration.

From LIN we have a link to a recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that considers the factors contributing to obesity throughout the world. Click here for a link to information from the report.

For our final point in this issue, an invitation to a conference, Healthy Children Healthy Spaces, in Ottawa, November 14 to 16, that should prove to be very informative. I deeply regret I will miss this due to an earlier commitment! The Child Nature Alliance has been involved (with others) in organizing this event with international speakers. Click here for a link.

Cliff Lacey
Alberta Recreation and Parks Association
Children in Nature Specialist