Deer Park has "Leave No Child Inside" program

Video games, iPods and TV have replaced bike riding, fishing and tree climbing as favorite activities for many kids.

A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and the Kaiser Family Foundation showed kids are six times more likely to play a video game than ride a bike during a typical day.

Hoping to reverse that trend, the Vehe Farm Foundation is bringing the "Leave No Child Inside" program to the Barrington area.

Foundation President Pat Winkelman said the program, also known as "No Child Left Inside," is a national effort to encourage kids to spend more unstructured time outside and in nature.

"This is different than playing baseball with a group," Winkelman said. "We want them to go out and catch frogs or go out fishing."

Leave No Child Inside was started after Richard Louv wrote "Last Child in the Woods," in which he discusses the growing problem he calls "nature deficit disorder."

"He is referring to what happens when children don't have an opportunity to connect with nature," said Marty Kenahan, Leave No Child Inside's regional coordinator.

Louv outlines potential symptoms of the disorder as childhood obesity, diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses.

"These are tied to the fact that kids aren't getting outside and playing anymore," Kenahan said.

On June 22, the Vehe Foundation is hosting a special program as a way to kick off the local "Leave No Child Inside" initiative, sponsored by Chicago Wilderness, a consortium of more than 200 organizations.

The program will include presentations from Kenahan, pediatrician Dr. Everett Weiss, naturalist and writer April Anderson, Andrew Howard from the Hitchcock Design Group and the Rev. Zina Jacque from Community Church of Barrington.

"I think it is a really impressive set of speakers," Kenahan said. "(The foundation is) approaching this from all angles."

The free program, made possible through a grant from the Barrington Area Community Foundation, is open to parents and children in the Barrington, Deer Park and Lake Zurich area, as well as area civic, business, education, recreation, developer and faith-based leaders.

"It is for anyone who deals with children," Winkelman said.

While the adults are listening to speakers, volunteers will be on hand leading kids in several nature-based activities.

With limited space, organizers encourage attendees to RSVP to (847) 331-0967 or rsvp@vehefarmfoundation.org.

If you go

What: Leave No Child Inside: Bringing the National Discussion on "Nature-Deficit Disorder" to the Deer Park, Barrington and Lake Zurich area; for adults and children

When: 2-4 p.m. June 22

Where: Vehe Farm, 23570 W. Cuba Road, Deer Park

Info: (847) 331-0967 or vehefarmfoundation.org