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
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Children in Nature Summer Update
This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). This is our summer update.
The Robert Bateman "Get to Know Program" contest closes in mid July. Click on the link for details on this program that gets young artists, outdoors: http://www.get-to-know.org/contest/canada/
Paul Feser from Spruce Grove sent me this fantastic link to an article from Livable Cities on MUD! It highlights the benefits of exposing kids to the full range of natural experiences to strengthen their immune systems. http://livablecities.org/blog/mud-baths-healthy-children
Sheila Flint from Strathcona County refers us to the School Garden News. This is a California based publication, but does offer helpful ideas for us north of the border: http://www.csgn.org/node/81
Once again I refer you to the Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE). They have an excellent and improving website where you can subscribe to their newsletter. http://abcee.org/
The American Children in Nature Network has Volume 5 of their Research and Studies summary available. Browse this site at: http://www.childrenandnature.org/research/volumes/C106/106
Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) directs us to a site run by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society for a program to get kids outdoors. See: http://www.getoutsidebc.ca/ for details.
Also from LIN, news of a "learn to camp" program offered by Ontario Parks. While not specific to children, one might expect new Canadian families will participate in this program and children will benefit. See http://www.ontarioparks.com/learntocamp/ LIN reports on Active Healthy Kids Canada 2012 Report. Somewhat peripheral to getting children in nature, but highlights the need for it. See:http://lin.ca/resource-details/22491
The Robert Bateman Digital Trail title did not instill confidence in me when I read it, however, it is not what it seems. This may be the way of the future. See; http://lin.ca/resource-details/22660
Victor Elderton, Co-administrator the North Vancouver School District Outdoor School, has provided me with a PDF of an article entitled "The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health". See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22320203
Also Victor provided a link to the David Suzuki Foundation site offering a telephone town hall discussion featuring Richard Louv on June 24. Join the discussion at: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/events/david-suzuki-foundation-telephone-town-hall/?utm_source=AdaptiveMailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=David Suzuki Foundation newsletter&org=408&lvl=100&ite=713&lea=81711&ctr=0&par=1
James Bartram, Education Director of the Palisades Stewardship Education Centre in Jasper National Park has been assembling information on the benefits of outdoor education. This info is posted on a website at: http://www.thepalisadescentre.ca/index.php/2012-03-14-21-45-32/documents/cat_view/11-articles-reports
James also invites you all to look at the Palisades new website at: http://thepalisadescentre.ca/
All for now.....
Cliff Lacey, ARPA Children and Nature Specialist
Monday, April 2, 2012
Children in Nature April Update
This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). This is our April 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 security.
From ACEE a link to their website where they are announcing a Community of Practice for Environmental Educators. Go to http://abcee.org/cop/ to learn more and complete a survey.
Also from ACEE, their March newsletter with info on youth outdoor programs in the province.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zc67ludab&v=001bX0lc4lcuhOoLR6W6XI4Z-HuISE-nkS0QqP9DtnQNebno1mHdYuH-yRhlmXFd0MfPXfflFDrtxVt--v0Sr6n3XqcZ_JibHG59NB_rqEZNu3w_y0_0KyZzA%3D%3D
The following links are from Leisure Information Network (LIN).
This link to a PDF for England's Natural Health Service. This report recommends healthier lifestyles connected to the natural world. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/nhsmanifesto_tcm6-12022.pdf
A report on the mental health of Canada's youth from the federal government. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/dca-dea/prog-ini/school-scolaire/behaviour-comportements/publications/hcyp-sjc-eng.php
Play, not exercise, for fit kids. See article http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/play-not-exercise-for-fit-kids-20120307-1uk01.html
Edmonton community gets a Natural Playground. http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Edmonton+first+natural+playground+replaces+plastic+steel+with+rocks+water+greenery/6321700/story.html
Guidelines for physical activity for the early years of life. http://lin.ca/resource-details/21663
Moving on from LIN, Bob Yates is a consultant from BC working with the International Play Association on a survey to understand how municipalities are addressing issues related to children's unstructured play. To complete the survey please click on the following link:
http://www.ipacanada.org/news.html Note this survey is time sensitive, so please do it ASAP.
From Carol Peterson at ARPA a link to a site that talks about gardening as a link to social learning, play and developing a child-nature relationship. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866712000234
Richard Louv is going on a book tour of Canada and the US. Not many sites posted for Canada yet, but take a look. While you are at this site, click on home and look around the Children & Nature Network website. http://www.childrenandnature.org/blog/2012/03/27/hear-richard-louv-discuss-the-nature-principle-on-spring-book-tour/
From Doug Marvin at Provincial Parks, a suggestion we take a look at Young Canadians in a Wired World. Click http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/corporate/media_kit/upload/YCWW-III-Teachers-Perspectives_EN.pdf
I got a PDF of the Nature Wild magazine from Nature Alberta, but in my commitment to keep the "volume" of the email smaller, I can only provide you with the link to their website. http://naturealberta.ca/
From Sprynt Ontario we are directed to a report on developing youth councils. Check it out at
http://www.forumfyi.org/content/building-effective-you
From the New Zealand Recreation Association we have a link to the State of Play report just published there. http://fb.milo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/play_movement_whitepaper_NZ.pdf
Terry Krause from Provincial Parks brought to my attention a conference planned for Edmonton on June 11 to 14, on creating and sustaining a healthy environment. http://www.cpha.ca/en/conferences/conf2012.aspx
All for now,
Cliff Lacey, ARPA
Children and Nature Specialist
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Children in Nature January Update
This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). This is our January 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.
If you wish to be removed from the service please hit reply and put "REMOVE" in the subject line of your email.
Classroom Earth is offering a free webinar TODAY on greening your school yard. Go to this website and register. The webinar starts at 5 PM Alberta time. http://www.classroomearth.org/gswebinars
From the Leisure Information Network (LIN) a link to the PDF of the Pan-Canadian Survey Re: Children and Nature. http://lin.ca/resource-details/20473
More from LIN. An Australian study on why Aussie children do not spend time outdoors. Very interesting comparisons to USA information. http://lin.ca/resource-details/20657
LIN directs us to an article in the Leader-Post on the physical benefits of active childhood play. http://www.leaderpost.com/health/Childhood+physical+play+crucial+lifelong+health/5916775/story.html
LIN refers us to an article on an Ipsos Reis poll regarding childhood obesity. Canadians expect the federal government to do more! http://www.dailytownsman.com/article/GB/20120109/CP06/301099817/-1/cranbrook/canadians-think-feds-must-do-more-to-combat-childhood-obesity-survey&template=cpArt
As is always the case, I implore you to visit the Children & Nature Network website. There is a plethora of information housed there, that should address your every need. Please go to:
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=84bc8aed7ef3c95d84fa1e04b&id=3771ebd855&e=93d7815151
Ted Ritzer of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation has been instrumental in assisting the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association to establish the Gateway to Nature apps on the Apple iTunes store. All profits from the sale of this information go to ARPA to support Children in Natue initiatives.
The Alberta Recreation and Parks Association-ARPA and Alberta Parks are happy to announce the launch of an Apple iTunes App Channel called ‘Gateway to Nature’. All titles are only 99 cents each! All profits support getting kids in nature! So check out our movie trailers at:http://www.youtube.com/gateway2nature And if you like them, buy some, from our Gateway to Nature iTunes app channel
The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) refers us to a Whitehouse blog in which the First Lady speaks about the need for children lead healthy, active lifestyles.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/11/30/raising-healthy-active-kids
More from the NRPA. In an article from the San Francisco Chronicle we learn of a program in the East Bay Regional Parks District encouraging the use of the trail system. See:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/30/SPTE1M5PLR.DTL
NRPA refers us to an article in Healthpop.com that talks about boring playgrounds. Less risk means more fat. Check it out at http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57352284-10391704/boring-playgrounds-tied-to-sedentary-kids-study-shows/
NRPA refers us to an article which states, "Physical activity boosts brain power in school." See the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine: http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/1/49
James Bartram, Manager of the Pallisades Outdoor Stewardship Centre, has kindly shared some of the research he has been doing for Parks Canada. The following material has been posted on the ARPA website to minimize the size of the email file.
https://s3.arpaonline.ca/docs/Death_of_Environmentalism.pdf
https://s3.arpaonline.ca/docs/MisUnderstanding_youth_engagement.pdf
https://s3.arpaonline.ca/docs/Pertinent_lit_review3.pdf
Monday, November 21, 2011
Children in Nature November Update
This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). This is our November 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.
Urgent input to Alberta School Curriculum Survey - November 21: To provide input into plans for changes to the Alberta school curriculum go to: http://ideas.education.alberta.ca/engage/current-initiatives/action-on-curriculum
A special request from a U of A student: A researcher at the University of Alberta is seeking individuals who would be willing to fill out a survey on a special or meaningful nature experience you had in the last six months. You will participate in a survey that lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes. A full description of the project and the survey can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SGTNBQZ
If you have any questions, please email the researcher Lara Fenton, at lfenton@ualberta.ca. Thanks in advance!
From the Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) the following articles:
Designing playgrounds for exercise in play - http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/09/playground-and-park-design-getting-our-children-to-exercise/245666/
Link to a 7 minute preview of the Lost Adventures of Childhood, an excellent 2009 45 minute CTV production on children's "over-controlled" lives: http://realscreen.com/2009/09/29/lostadventures-20090929/
An article from York Region advocating "prescriptions" for time in nature: http://www.yorkregion.com/community/health/article/1230764
This PDF of Dr. Trevor Hancock's presentation at the National Recreation Summit will stimulate some thoughts about the impact of parks and open space on human health: http://lin.ca/resource-details/20211
A referral to the Canadian Index on Well Being website allows access to a variety of reports on the overall precetions of Canadians on a variety of measures of "well being": http://ciw.ca/en/
From the NRPA we have the following referrals:
A link to an article on how "hovering Parents" can impede children's physical activity during outdoor play. Go to http://healthland.time.com/2011/09/16/back-off-mom-parents-who-hover-impede-kids-activity/
A link to an excellent article in Recreation Mgt. that focuses on getting kids engaged in nature. Go to http://www.recmanagement.com/features.php?fid=201109fe01&ch=1
A link to a short article in HealthDay News on a Canadian study of children's physical activity levels in Neighbourhoods with busy inter-connected streets at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_117523.html
Outdoor time may reduce nearsightedness in children. This is a reiteration of work reported on from Australia about 18 months ago. Never-the-less interesting! http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_117880.html
An article in the Atlantic on the importance of play for children: http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/10/all-work-and-no-play-why-your-kids-are-more-anxious-depressed/246422/
From Marion Price of Sprynt (Ontario) we have the following link that explains how to plan a youth summit: http://sharepoint.agriculture.purdue.edu/ces/INadolescenthealth/Shared Documents/meet_how_hold_youth_summit.pdf
I recently attended the Get to Know Unconference in Jasper where I met many amazing youth. One was Quinn Delgarno. (see http://wildquinn.com/) Quinn created a video about children in Nature. See it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZXAcGgnuyg&feature=share
The Canadian Child & Nature Alliance website is full of useful information on Children in Nature. Visit them at http://www.childnature.ca/
More information, still, is available at the Children and Nature Network. The have abundant files on research that supports the belief that children need to be outdoors. Visit them at: http://www.childrenandnature.org/
Cliff Lacey, ARPA
Children and Nature Specialist
Monday, September 12, 2011
Children In Nature September Update
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Children in Nature June Update
Hello all Children in Nature subscribers. This is a long one!
This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). This is our June update. I have continued with the format showing the full links, due to 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.
Pearls of wisdom from Richard Louv about the ability of Nature to heal an injured soul. Go to
http://www.childrenandnature.org/blog/2011/03/21/the-nature-of-reality/
From the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) a link to an article in Recreation management Magazine on Camp Colley, run by the City of Phoenix to introduce children to the outdoors. http://www.recmanagement.com/facility-profiles.php?fid=201103fp01&ch=3
From the Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) a link to an article in the Journal of Internal Medicine that outlines the level of exercise children are getting from organized sport. A good illustration of the need for more "free play" in nature. http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/news/adolescent-medicine/single-article/youth-sports-don-t-offer-quite-enough-exercise/073f7ee098.html
LIN provides us with a link to the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) housed at the U. of Waterloo. This website provides an interesting perspective on factors seen to affect our wellbeing as a population. It is peripheral to the Children in Nature core issues, but thought provoking, none-the-less. http://www.ciw.ca/en/Home.aspx
From LIN a link to the Robert Bateman Get to Know Program that encourages children to "get to know" their animal neighbours. Some great information and contacts on this Canadian site. http://www.gettoknow.ca/ca/
NRPA provides a link to an article outlining projects that the US Forest Service is undertaking to get kids outdoors. Many interesting ideas for governments, in this article. http://summitcountyvoice.com/2011/04/06/u-s-forest-service-grants-boost-kids-outdoor-programs/
LIN sends us to the Active Healthy Kids Canada website for into on the fitness report card for Canadian children. Go to http://www.activehealthykids.ca/ and rummage around. Some great information on this site.
From NRPA we get a link to a UPI article indicating green spaces hae a profound affect on peoples' generosity and overall good health. Further proof of the benefits of nature to humans. See article at http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2011/04/20/Parks-green-space-essential-for-health/UPI-52381303357528/ The same topic is covered in a different (similar) article in "The 7th Space". http://7thspace.com/headlines/380265/research_shows_that_a_walk_in_the_park_is_more_than_just_a_nice_way_to_spend_an_afternoon.html
LIN offers a PDF of a presentation from Dr. Liz Halpenny at the Alberta Parks Forum on technology in parks. I feel this approach is an excellent way to reach out to tech savvy kids. I attended this excellent presentation. This is NOT about virtual park tours, it IS about new tech and its application to park visitor services. Go to http://lin.ca/resource-details/19067 to download the file.
The Alberta Council for Environmental Education provides a link to a Convention on Biodiversity site with information on forest biodiversity. Potentially useful info for educators. http://www.cbd.int/idb/2011/booklet/?tab=0
From Ted Ritzer, Alberta Parks, an Algonquin Books YouTube video on Richard Louv's new book, "The Nature Principle". To see the video go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tPLOsklo4I
NRPA provides a link to its' site listing 2010 research articles. One of particular interest is titled
"Parks and Other Green Environments: Essential Components of Healthy Human Environments". Take a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tPLOsklo4I
LIN points us to an article in the RV Daily Report that outlines the release of the Alberta Conservation Associations' new app that outlines places in Alberta to see wildlife, fish and camp. Check out the article and get the app...I have it and it is great! http://rvdailyreport.com/news/id/12894/alberta-conservation-association-launches-alberta-outdoor-adventure-guide-iphone-app
I could not find a link to this article, recommended by Bill Reynolds, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. If you can find this issue, Bill recommends you give this article a read...THE VIEW FROM SCHOOL WINDOWS. By: AUGUSTIN, SALLY; CACKOWSKI-CAMPBELL, JEAN MARIE. Landscape Architecture, Mar2011, Vol. 101 Issue 3, p126-126.
LIN guides us to another presentation from the ARPA Parks Forum -The Edmonton Master Naturalist Program. This program can be used as a method of training community activists to offer outdoor experiences for young urban families. http://lin.ca/resource-details/19076
The Edmonton and Area Land Trust is an organization with a land base and information to offer for groups looking for spaces in nature. Visit their website to see what they are doing that could offer opportunities for Children in Nature. http://www.ealt.ca/
The Kesho Trust is an organization that help found the Child Nature Alliance of Canada. The Trust is planning a gathering in September. Visit their website for more info on this event. http://healthybynature.ca/
LIN directs us to an interesting article on the B.C. Provincial Parks system plan to have a 100th Anniversay passport system with rewards for young park visitors. A vehicle for getting youth into their parks. http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/clearwatertimes/news/122773043.html
NRPA refers us to an article in Athletic Business Magazine on community gardens. This article reinforces some of the data collected in the ARPA/CPRA Pan Canadian Survey on Children in Nature....community gardens are rapidly becoming a very effective method of getting children outdoors. http://athleticbusiness.com/articles/article.aspx?articleid=3748&zoneid=10
NRPA refers us to the Kansas State Parks geocaching challenge. They are hiding two caches in each State Park to encourage the public to visit the parks as part of a visitor use promotion. Geocaching is seen an introductory technology to get "techie kids" outdoors. Go to http://kdwp.state.ks.us/KDWP-Info/News/Weekly-News/5-26-11/STATE-PARK-TREASURE-HUNTERS-ON-THE-LOOSE
Brian Keeting is the well known spokesperson for the Calgary Zoo. Brian has a website with information on animals and travel. There are some links that would assist with children's outdoor programming. You have to watch the "Beavers of the Bow" link! http://www.goingwild.org/
LIN has finally found us an example of a Canadian doctor writing "Nature Prescriptions". So many examples of this have come from the US, this is welcome information. http://www.insidehalton.com/community/health/article/1020672
From my wife! A great link to a robin's nest video, suitable for viewing with children to get them interested in getting outside to look for nests. http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9479342&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1
From Gareth Thomson, Executive Director of the Alberta Council for Environmental Education a link to a Sesame Street video song to encourage young children to get outside. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrqF7yD10Bo To visit the ACEE site, click here:
Bill Reynolds came through with another link to an interesting site in Montreal. The GAHN Project...you will have to click on this link to find out what it is.http://www.urbanecology.net/current-projects
The Children in Nature Network has so much information on this topic it is impossible to know where to start. Please visit their site at http://www.childrenandnature.org/
Cliff Lacey, ARPA
Children and Nature Specialist