DOVER – In an effort to encourage more Delaware children to enjoy the outdoors and outdoor-related activity year-round, the Delaware Children in Nature Coalition, of which DNREC is a member, will highlight an “Outdoor Theme of the Month” beginning in January 2017. Using the Delaware Children in Nature Outdoor Bill of Rights as a template, an “Outdoor Right,” or theme, will be selected each month.
The Delaware Children in Nature Bill of Rights is a list of 10 “Outdoor Rights” – which will be used as themes for each month. The themes will include: “Go Outside and Play,” “Climb a Tree,” “Plant a Seed,” “Catch a Fish,” and others. The theme for January corresponds with the kickoff of the entire 10-month initiative, “Go Outside and Play.”
“The goal of this initiative is to engage children with their surroundings by providing meaningful outdoor experiences and promoting healthy lifestyles through outdoor activity,” said DNREC Children in Nature Coordinator Angel Burns. “The Delaware Children in Nature Coalition sees Delaware as a leader in environmental education for Delaware’s youth.”
Events and themes will be announced on the Delaware Children in Nature Facebook page and the Children in Nature Twitter page (@DelawareCIN) where the public is invited to “like” and “follow.” The initiative will continue until October 2017, which is Children in Nature Month. A list of themes and their corresponding months can be found at delawareCIN.org.
The Children in Nature Coalition began as a partnership between DNREC, the Department of Education and Nemours Health and Wellness. DNREC is an active member in the coalition. The coalition welcomes the community, businesses and other organizations to participate in the statewide initiative to get children outdoors and in nature.
Source: DNREC