Our Campaign to Connect Children with Nature

Outdoor play increases fitness levels and improves critical body balance, agility and the development of healthy bones—decreasing risk of obesity and other health issues.
Connecting kids with their natural environment can enhance creativity, improve physical and mental well-being, and create lasting impressions that will impact the way they see the natural world as adults.
Helping children develop positive emotional connections with nature will teach them to take action on behalf of the environment as adults.

Build public awareness through community outreach events, including exhibits at the Taste of Chicago and Illinois State Fair.
Launch the first Illinois Nature World Forum, which will bring together environmental stewards and early care and education stakeholders in conjunction with Opening Minds in January.
Establish an ongoing resource network to serve as this region’s leading advocate for policies and practices that will benefit children, families, educators and countless others.

Make your own “nature pledge” to connect children with nature by joining our campaign as a Community Partner.
Bring this campaign to your center and teach children how to make their own sock gardens and nature pledges.
Post campaign materials at your center to remind families about the importance of connecting with nature.
Invite youth from your Out-of-School programs to become Nature Ambassadors for our service learning exhibits.
Make a cash or online donation to support this initiative.