About Leave No Child Inside
of Greater Cincinnati
Leave No Child Inside of Greater Cincinnati is a collaboration of organizations and individuals educating the community that time spent in nature is essential for the physical, mental and emotional health of all children.
About Us »
Organizations in the LNCIgc Collaborative »
What do we do?
Many times people hear about us and ask "Yes - but what do you DO?". We do so much that we've struggled to find a short answer! Perhaps the best answer is "Anything and everything we can to reconnect children with nature"! A review of our home page will give you examples of current activities, but we hope you'll take time to check out our Report Archive for a more complete list of "what we do"!
What is Happening Nationally
President Urges Americans to GO OUTSIDE!
In a press release issued June 1, President Obama encouraged Americans of all ages to explore the outdoors, and stated that his administration is working to connect youth with nature "as a classroom for environmental education". He also announces a Department of the Interior program which "invites families and friends to teach children about the joys and wonders of the outdoors". Read the full release...
Engaging Youth:
The Natural Leaders Network
"Often we find that the people who are talking about connecting youth with nature are not so young, so the Natural Leaders Network seeks to connect all the youth who are already doing so and those who want to but don't know where to look for a support system."
Juan Martinez,
C&NN's Natural Leaders Network coordinator
Recognizing the importance of engaging youth, the Children and Nature Network has developed a Natural Leaders Network with founding support from the Sierra Club and the North Face. Click here to read more about this important initiative, including how youth can get involved.
Now Available
New
Edition of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from
Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv.
This new edition of the book which inspired an international Leave No Child Inside movement includes updated research from the U.S. and abroad confirming that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional wellbeing of children and adults. It also includes a Field Guide, Progress Report on the Leave No Child Inside Movement and Discussion Points to inspire community-wide conversations.
Good Things Happening
Cincinnati Public Schools Fifth Quarter Program Includes EarthSmart Institute
Leave No Child Inside has been working to support the Cincinnati Public Schools Fifth Quarter Program. During the month of June, that program, which targets grades K-7 at Cincinnati Public Schools, will provide students with learning/enrichment opportunities to reduce the loss of learning that takes place during summer break. Read the entire story...
Early Childhood Conference Focuses on Children and Nature
On Saturday, May 2, 2009, over 120 child care professionals gathered at the Oasis Conference Center for 4C for Children's "Bringing the Outdoors Back In" conference. Keynote speaker Ken Finch discussed the importance of unstructured play in nature to the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of children and how it can be brought into the child care setting. Workshops on topics such as "Facilitating Inquiry and Unstructured Play in the Outdoor Environment", "Natural Playscapes", and "Way to Grow! Promoting Healthy Weights in Child Care Settings" provided participants with new ways of looking at outdoor play and how to use play spaces effectively. "I learned more than I thought I would - I have never been to a conference or workshop on the outdoors - it was wonderful!" exclaimed one attendee. Another commented "I just loved all the hands-on activities and the information on what we can do to improve our outdoor play areas". Read the entire story...
2nd Annual Child-Friendly Backyard Contest
We are running our popular child-friendly backyard contest again this year! Click here for details and an entry form.
Nature Clubs for Families
"The family nature club meetings help us to get connected with the people of our community, but mostly it is time that we set aside to enjoy the benefits of nature together as a family. A simple idea, with definite results."
Chip and Ashley Donahue,
Kids in the Valley Adventuring
Click here to read about this fast growing phenomenon and how to access a free downloadable toolkit with tips from families who are participating in Nature Clubs
Explore the Outdoors Ohio!
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has launched its second annual Explore the Outdoors program!, Along with a terrific, colorful guidebook of outdoor activities that children can complete to qualify for prizes, the ODNR lists a variety of events here and around the State. Visit www.exploretheoutdoors.com for details!
Looking for Nature-Quest?
Even Mother Nature is on a budget
this year!
She crafted a plan for family adventure
A fun-filled challenge, of that you can be sure!
But money proved illusive
Until became conclusive:
Nature-Quest will have to wait til next year!
BUT... That doesn't mean that she doesn't have more fun in store for you THIS year! We'll have news shortly about outdoor fun for YOUR family!
Need a Speaker? Let Us Know
Did you know that Leave No Child Inside-Greater Cincinnati has a speakers bureau for presentations to community organizations? If you are interested in a program about the importance of time spent in nature to the physical, mental and emotional health of all children, click here to contact us.
For Parents and Mentors:
Get those kids outside!!!
Leave No Child Inside-Greater Cincinnati's Grow Outside Guide to Outdoor Play, including The Child-Friendly Backyard, is available online.
