Leave No Child Inside - Greater Cincinnati

Feburary, 2008

On February 13, 2008, Ohio’s Physical Activity Plan was released. This plan, created by a consortium including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, is a statewide plan of action to address the epidemic of physical inactivity and its consequences. It incorporates strategies to influence behaviors and lifestyles, focusing on Community, School, Transportation, and Worksite. This report addresses health issues not only for Ohio’s children, but for the population in general. Leave No Child Inside – Greater Cincinnati has endorsed the plan. Click here to view either the Executive Summary or the complete Ohio Physical Activity Plan.

Aiken University High School Offers Career Opportunities in the Burgeoning Environmental Field

Aiken University High School is now the first environmental studies high school in Ohio! Their campus is uniquely suited to the study of the environment. Situated on 62 acres of woodland trails, they are also within walking distance of LaBoiteaux Woods, Mt. Airy Forest and other outdoor venues which will enhance their study of the outdoors.

Two years ago, Aiken University High School had the lowest scores in the state on the Science OGT. They have made dramatic improvements since that time, and view the conversion to Environmental Studies as a way to further invigorate and improve science instruction. Students will take on a more active role as learner, which the principal, Virginia Rhodes, believes will bring out the students’ strengths and get them more interested in school work. Projects will take place in school grounds, as well as in the community. Dr. Rhodes is excited about the many new career opportunities for students in the rapidly growing environmental field.

This unique project is being done cooperatively with assistance from many local organizations, including Cincinnati State and Central State. Aiken is partnering with the University of Cincinnati and the Metropolitan Sewer District in summer intern programs and co-op job opportunities. Greater Cincinnati’s Leave No Child Inside was able connect Aiken’s staff with the Greater Cincinnati Environmental Educators, who are assisting in developing curriculum and projects.

Do you know a child who would love to do active projects based on issues like pollution, water quality, global warming, rainforest preservation, endangered species, wildlife habitat, lead poisoning, and the rising asthma crisis or recycling? Contact Aiken University High School. Call 363-6890 to reserve space in grades 9-12.

Saturday evening of the Great Outdoor Weekend, families gathered on a grassy knoll just a few miles from downtown, pitched their tents and had some fun! The Civic Garden Center sits on 8 beautifully landscaped acres called the Hauck Botanic Garden and hosted the first overnight program of the Great Outdoor Weekend. Families came from all over the greater Cincinnati area to experience camping close to home. With campfire snacks, a scavenger hunt, glow-in-the-dark face paint and night games, folks really enjoyed camping in the city!

Photos by Civic Garden Center

Orion Magazine | March/April 2007

The March/April issue of Orion magazine, with their article on Leave No Child Inside, has inspired a national dialog on the topic. Read the article and blogs to see what parents, educators, hospitals, environmental groups and others around the country are thinking (and doing!) about the movement to reconnect children and nature

Read this article »