Wildlife Photograph

From the Ground Up: Unplug the Kids

Monday May 15, 2006
Read here to learn how to beat Nature Deficit Disorder!

    Experts speculate that a variety of  cultural pressures have pushed children too far from the natural world.  The disconnection bodes ill, they say, both for children and nature.  Kids are lacking in outdoor time and exercise as video games and electronics become more popular pastimes. It has been diagnosed as “nature deficit disorder” and Ijams Nature Center has the cure!  So parents, bring the kids out to Ijams for a hike, have a picnic lunch, go fishing at the quarry, look for frogs, or take a bike ride.  Share with them some of the fun you had outdoors growing up.                                                       
     Ijams can help provide fun during the summer months, too.  In addition to our Nature Day Camp program, we will be hosting Youth Workdays.  This free program is geared  toward middle school and high school students.  Besides being productive, the work may also qualify as community service credit for school and scouting. 
    We will lead supervised projects in gardening, light housekeeping, painting and exotic plant pulling.  The program provides learning experiences and allows kids to work together while making new friends.  Outdoor work is also good exercise in the peaceful setting of the park.                                                 The upkeep of the Nature Center would prove impossible without volunteers and youth organizations.  Students from  local schools, environmental clubs, Young Life of Knoxville, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4H clubs all volunteer at Ijams.                                          
The dates for Youth Workdays this summer are June 15, July 20, and August 17 from 8:30 -12:30 or 8:30-4:30. Volunteers are welcome to attend any one day or all the work days. A bag lunch, bottled water and appropriate dress for working outdoors are  required.  For further  information or to schedule, please call Ed Yost at 577-4717 ext 29

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