Children benefit creatively, emotionally and academically from exploring the outdoors, but finding new, exciting and safe ways to spend constructive time in nature can be a challenge (how many times can you go to the same park?). A new organization in St. Louis, however, has formed to help parents and teachers facilitate a stronger connection between kids and nature.
The Gateway Children's Nature Connection (Gateway CNC) aims to become the go-to place for ideas, activities, and information related to children’s nature education and to serve as a communication liaison on children’s nature education for the media, government officials, and the general public. There are also plans to host events and activities propelling children’s nature education forward.
"Through the Gateway CNC, we can create a single site where families, teachers, and youth program leaders can learn about all the wonderful nature program opportunities available in the region," said Lydia Toth, senior manager, education at the Shaw Nature Reserve.
The website for the CNC, www.gatewaycnc.org, includes information about the benefits of getting kids into nature, resources for parents and educators, a calendar of events that is focused on local outdoor activities, and a "Kids Korner" with online activities for kids.
