Get Kids Outside!

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, children are spending less time outdoors than ever before. Studies show that the average American child spends over seven hours per day on screens but less than 10 minutes engaged in unstructured outdoor play (National Recreation and Park Association, 2022). This dramatic shift away from nature has significant consequences for children’s physical health, mental well-being, academic success, and environmental awareness.

To counteract these effects, Catskill Mountainkeeper is working with Catskill Region schools to integrate nature-based education and outdoor recreation opportunities into their curriculum to support well-rounded child development. Using the Catskill Center's "Sense of Place" curricula, we are helping the Region's youth get outside, enjoy nature and its benefits, and connect to their community. 

Did you know?

• Physical Health: Children who engage in outdoor activities have lower rates of obesity and chronic illnesses. The CDC reports that only 24% of children ages 6-17 get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity (CDC, 2022). Outdoor recreation encourages movement, reduces stress, and fosters lifelong healthy habits.
• Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in children. A study from the University of Illinois found that children with regular access to green spaces show a 20% improvement in focus and attention, particularly benefiting those with ADHD.
• Academic Performance: Schools that incorporate environmental education see an increase in student engagement and performance. The American Institutes for Research found that students who participate in outdoor science programs improve their science test scores by 27% compared to peers in traditional classroom settings.
• Social and Emotional Development: Outdoor learning fosters teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Programs such as guided hiking, kayaking, and hands-on conservation activities provide experiential learning opportunities that build confidence and resilience.
• Environmental Stewardship: A growing body of research shows that children who develop a connection to nature are more likely to become environmentally responsible adults. Without exposure to nature, future generations may lack the knowledge and motivation to protect our natural resources.

The Importance of Nature Education in Schools

Schools are uniquely positioned to reconnect children with nature by integrating outdoor education into science, physical education, and social studies curricula. However, many schools lack the funding, training, and resources to provide meaningful outdoor experiences.

Catskill Mountainkeeper is bringing outdoor adventure programs, environmental education, and field trips to children across the Catskill Region. 

For more information, click on this link, or contact Lenny Miret, Stewardship Coordinator, at [email protected].

Sources:

Catskill Center. n.d. Sense of place. Curriculum. Retrieved from: https://catskillcenter.org/sense-of-place

Center for Disease Control. CDC. 2022. Physical activities facts. Factsheet. Retrieved from: https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/facts.htm#:~:text=Less%20than%20one%2Dquarter%20(24,of%20physical%20activity%20every%20day.

National Recreation and Park Association. 2022. Children in nature: improving health by reconnecting youth with the outdoors. Retrieved from: https://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Advocacy/Children-in-Nature.pdf