“Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young; it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart. If we are going to save environmentalism and the environment, we must also save an endangered indicator species: the child in nature.” – Richard Louv
Diane Wendt shares five ways to impact your community based on what she learned at Legacy Camp, the Children and Nature Network’s annual training camp for its Natural Leaders Initiative. Her guest blog kicks off our series of blogs focused on our new Inspire Initiative, which aims to get kids better connected with nature.
1. Host a Let's G.O. Event to encourage families, teachers, students, mentors, etc. to get outside, be active, have fun and connect with nature.
Working with children, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power nature can have on the curiosity, engagement and demeanor of a young child. My work as a teacher solidified my belief that the outdoor world has the power to improve quality of life in individuals of all ages.
2. Collaborate with local grassroots organizations within Colorado to promote discussion about the central ideas of connecting children to nature.
The focus of Legacy Camp was to empower young leaders in community organizing, leadership, and outdoor outings so we have to tools to return to our communities and create change. We spent five days at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Center in West Virginia learning more about ourselves, the movement, and the skills we need to move forward.
3. I can be an advocate for "Every 4th Grader in a Park" initiative started by President Obama.
At Legacy Camp, Natural Leaders Program Director Juan Martinez said, “The movement to connect children to nature needs champions,” and that message will stick with me as I work to invest in my community, just as the Children and Nature Network invested in me.
4. Utilize Children and Nature Network's partners, such as REI and The North Face in my efforts to help with fun events that overcome barriers to children's connection to nature.
Access to nature is a privilege and with our world becoming more urban, Natural Leaders need to stand up and ensure access for everyone. I learned that nature has the power to bring positivity into children’s lives and holds many benefits to developing children and our developing world.
5. Write articles or contribute to newsletters to spread the word to other millennials who hope to be a part of the Natural Leaders Initiative.
The Natural Leaders Initiative is helping to build the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards by educating and supporting these individuals to reconnect children, families, and communities to the outdoors. After training we, as well as other natural leaders, are expected to serve as grassroots organizers in our home communities.
Diane Wendt is a Wisconsin native who made her way to Colorado to pursue her love for the outdoors. As a teacher, Diane witnessed the positive effects children had while in nature and is an advocate for the Children and Nature Network’s efforts to connect children to nature. She strives to educate and share outdoor experiences with her community in hopes that everyone can access nature in the beautiful state of Colorado.