Connecting Children to Nature

"Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education."   - David Polis, Environmentalist

This is something to keep in mind as our children head back to school with the start of the new year.  Each year Inside the Outdoors serves approximately 150,000 students, teachers, and community members throughout Southern California.  Over 60% of the students attending ITO programs are from low income families and receive sponsorships to participate.  That is roughly 90,000 students a year counting on the generous support of others to give them the experience of the outdoors.  For many, attending an ITO program is their first experience in nature; going to the beach, the mountains, seeing the starry night sky, playing in the snow, walking through a creek, and much, much more!  The experience, knowledge, and friendships gained stays with these students for a long time.  Most of the adults that we connect with can remember their experience with outdoor ed. when they were kids!  This just proves the impact that being outdoors in a learning environment can have on a person.

With the continued cuts to education, opportunities such as the ones ITO provide get less and less for students.  Schools and teachers depend more on outside agencies and individuals to help them continue to give the students the same experiences that the students before them received.  This is where ITO and its supporters can step in.  With your support we are able to give students the opportunity to learn and grow from the outdoors, experiences that last a lifetime.

Thank you for your continued support!  And...

"Let your walks now be a little more adventurous."   - Henry David Thoreau

Links:

• Like us on Facebook!