OSPREY (June 13, 2018) Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation granted a second year of funding through a $50,000 matching grant to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for its Youth in Nature initiative. The initiative connects at-risk youth to incredible experiences in nature, promoting self-led discovery, and building self-esteem. The initiative is expanding its number of youth partners, types of experiences, and launching a two-gen approach to engage parents along with their children. “Children need to explore, experience, and have fun in nature in order to appreciate the environment. The Youth in Nature program gives at-risk youth the opportunity to explore and learn more about themselves through the natural world,” notes Teri A Hansen, Barancik Foundation President, and CEO.
Conservation Foundation is committed to ensuring that youth education and engagement is central to its mission. The program emphasizes discovery, active nature-based activities, playing nature-based games, and providing experiences that do not take place before an electronic screen. A growing body of research indicates that children experience reduced stress levels and improved social skills as a result of greater activity in nature. Benefits also include increased concentration, greater attention capacities, and higher academic performance. Learn more at www.conservationfoundation.com/youth