Key Principles
Our policy framework is informed by key principles that guide our approach to state policy that increases equitable access to the benefits that accrue to young people from meaningful experiences outdoors. High-quality state policy should be:
- Child-centered, age-appropriate, and focused on the whole child
- Family-focused and multigenerational
- Inclusive, anti-biased, and anti-oppressive
- Leveraging multiple approaches
- Locally supported
- Community-led and culturally sensitive
- Respectful of indigenous rights and ancestral practices
- Reflective of best practices
- Systemic
Our policy and investment recommendations reflect the understanding that the health of children and families, social and environmental justice, and the health of the natural world are inexorably linked. Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy time outdoors, because when people connect with nature, we all benefit.
Community Benefits of Youth Outdoor Policies
When kids spend more time outside, everyone benefits. Some of the outcomes associated with youth engaging in regular outdoor activities outdoors include:
Policy Strategies for Advancing Youth Outdoor Engagement
State legislatures and other policy makers are passing laws and creating policies to enable, advance, establish, and fund youth outdoor engagement so more children have the opportunity to have positive experiences outdoors, regardless of where they live or their social or economic status.