Thursday, August 30, 2012

Children in Nature August Update


Greetings to Children in Nature Enthusiasts!

This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA).  This is our August update.  I have continued with the format showing full links.  This way links can be "copy and pasted" to link, if the hot link fails or is scrubbed by your computer system security.

If you wish to be removed from this service please hit reply and put "REMOVE" in the subject line of your email.

We will begin with links from Agnes Croxford at the Leisure Information Network.

The Canadian Camping Association is conducting an impromptu survey of families with children who attend summer camps.  How does the experience affect behavior?  Go to
http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/999495/when-your-children-return-from-camp-you-may-not-recognize-them

This article on Active Play cites the benefits of getting kids away from screens and moving around, both in nature and on the playground.  http://www.theprovince.com/health/Reclaiming+play+time/6901110/story.html

Richard Louv is interviewed on CTV National News.  Click here for the 6 minute video: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/author-says-technology-fear-keeping-kids-indoors-1.885093

From Bobby Cato, my link to the National Environmental Education Foundation in the US, I have a link to the Project Based Learning Unit Organization PBLU with some interesting school yard projects for grades 4 to 6.  Check it out at: http://www.pblu.org/projects/schoolyard-habitat-project

Brenda Wispinski has provided a link to the Edmonton & Area Land Trust with information on a children's art event they held.  See the site here: http://ealt.ca/childrens-biodiversity-art/

As is always the case, I encourage you to stay in touch with the US based Children & Nature Network website.  They compile very useful information on this site.  Click here to link:  http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=84bc8aed7ef3c95d84fa1e04b&id=bba41e9741&e=93d7815151

From the Get to Know people we have a link to their website.  This is a program the focuses on children and youth involvement in art projects in the out-of-doors.  Some very interesting initiatives at: http://www.get-to-know.org/

Mike Bingley, from Scouts Canada has provided some great links.  Thanks Mike.

Mike provides a link to an article by David Sobel, the author of place based education and experiential education.  There is a strong message to interpreters and green space managers about how to invite children to interact with nature.  See it here:  http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/6929

Mike provides another link to an article on nearsightedness in children NOT playing outdoors.  You may recall a similar article two years ago from an Australian study.  Also watch the video on how to get your kids to play outside!  See this new article at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/05/outdoor-play-eyes-nearsightedness-myopia-eyesight_n_1734235.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

Mike's final offering is an article on digital photography as a means of getting "tech kids" outdoors.  Click here: http://www.thestar.com/living/parent/article/1241380--digital-photography-helps-wired-kids-plug-into-nature

Sherry Wallace from the City of Edmonton reports on the Family Nature Nights she has been running throughout the summer in partnership with the Edmonton Science Outreach Network and the Young Naturalists Club.  Check the youtube video on a recent event at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSfjNIOqoeo.Sherry further reports 30 to 75 participants have been the norm.  See http://www.facebook.com/FNNED for further pictures.  Thanks Sherry, for highlighting this success.

The Alberta Council for Environmental Education continues to be a strong supporter of the need for children to spend timeoutdoors.  Visit their website at http://abcee.org/resource-centre/

All for now,

Cliff Lacey
Children in Nature Specialist

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