Clark County Youth & Nature Symposium: Deepening Children’s Connection with the Natural World: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Social and networking reception: 4 to 5 p.m.
Free and open to the public
This event was made possible by a grant from the National Forest Foundation and support from the U.S. Forest Service/Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Clark County Nature Network of The Intertwine Alliance cordially invites you to The Clark County Youth & Nature Symposium: Deepening Children’s Connection with the Natural World.
Come engage in a productive conversation and learn more about how those who live and work in Southwest Washington can contribute to the health and well-being of students and families through a deeper connection to the outdoors. This event will help us understand the benefits of connecting our youth directly with nature and explore ways we might leverage the good work already happening in our county.
A malady called nature deficit disorder becomes more and more of a threat to our children’s lives and ability to thrive. Statistics are startling – showing the lack of time children spend outdoors, an overall diminishment of physical activity, and rising childhood obesity rates. This disconnect not only has health and academic ramifications, but also is concerning as we think about the future stewardship of our planet. How can we protect the environment when we have no connection to it?
This event will help us understand where we are today and the challenges and opportunities for those growing up in Clark County. We will offer a number of sessions and presentations by local professionals to help us identify some of the innovative work happening here, and to help us ponder solutions to the complex question of accessing nature and ultimately of embedding the value of stewardship in today’s youth.
The symposium is perfect for: environmental/informal education professionals, nature play and recess advocates, child health care professionals, school administrators and facilities staff, teachers, PTA members, community-based school advocates, recreation professionals and the general public
Lunch is included. Full agenda at left.
Continuing education units are available for teachers in attendance.