Getting out is key to child development

The Leave No Child Inside Consortium of the Greater Barrington, Deer Park, and Lake Zurich Area is thrilled to see the Daily Herald support the need to get children outside in support of their physical, psychological and social development.

We are a nonprofit organization of more than forty-five representatives from many local community sectors including health care, education, government, library, environmental education, faith-based, arts, and scouting. While this shared interest plays out differently in each of our member organizations, we share the urgency and importance of getting children outside and connected with nature.

Insufficient time playing outside is recognized as a child's health and environmental awareness issue. Researchers and scientists continue to document the health benefits of outdoor, nature-focused play, while environmentalists express concern that our children's increasing disconnect from nature bodes poorly for future generations' stewardship of the environment.

Our consortium and other local organizations are available to help parents encourage nature-based activities. Check our Web site, www.funoutside.org, as a link to local outdoor, nature-related activities and other valuable information about Chicago Wilderness' regional initiative focused on getting children outside and involved with nature.

Demonstrating the significance of the issue, our member villages and townships declared June as Leave No Child Inside Month.

Local pediatricians have begun offering patients materials introducing the Leave No Child Inside initiative. Area schools have incorporated the Leave No Child Inside theme into their science curriculum. And local libraries and environmental organizations have held Leave No Child Inside outdoor, nature-based activities. Our family survey is measuring the level of community awareness and interest in encouraging children's development through outdoor activities.

We encourage parents to visit our Web site, www.funoutside.org, for information about children's outdoor activities. Winter is a great time for families to play together.

Pat Winkelman

Vehe Farm Foundation/Leave No Child Inside Consortium

Deer Park